Nov. 21, 2008

ATLANTIC, Va. - Sophomores Corben Bone and Ike Opara are among a group of 30 players nominated for the Soccer News Net College Player of the Year award.

The 30 finalists were determined by the Soccer News Net editors, who each nominated up to six local players for the award. Each player nominated will also be eligible for the regional player of the year award in their respective regions. The nominations included student-athletes that play at colleges within each site's coverage area, and athletes from the area that are playing college soccer elsewhere. Four of the nominees were at-large selections.

Fans from around the country can vote for the top collegiate player until December 15. Fans can vote at the following sites: Big Apple Soccer (www.bigapplesoccer.com), ChicagoLand Soccer News (www.chicagolandsoccer.com), LA Soccer News (www.lasoccernews.com), New England Soccer News (www.newenglandsoccernews.com), Philly Soccer News (www.phillysoccernews.com), and Dallas Soccer News (www.dallassoccernews.com). Online voting accounts for 40 percent of the award, while the remaining 60 percent will be determined by the editorial staffs of the six web sites.

Bone was one of three players nominated by Dallas Soccer News. The midfielder has played in all 20 games this season and leads the country with 16 assists on the season. The 16 assists are the most in a single season in Wake Forest history. Bone has also scored six goals and is third on the team with 28 points.

Opara was one of the at-large selections. The sophomore from Durham, N.C., was recently named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Opara has helped Wake Forest to 11 shutouts on the season. He has also scored five goals on the season.

Wake Forest returns to action on Tuesday, November 25, at 7 p.m. (ET) in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Deacons will meet either Winthrop or William & Mary in the NCAA Tournament opener.