Lehigh University Athletics
PL announces men's soccer preseason poll
8/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
 |
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - With soccer season just a few weeks away, the Patriot League released its annual men’s soccer preseason poll on Thursday, which league head coaches and sports information directors vote on. Lehigh received 49 points, and was picked to finish sixth in the league.
Lehigh was 7-7-3 last season and finished sixth in the league standings with a 2-3-2 record.
Head coach Dean Koski, entering his 18th season with Lehigh, returns 8 of 11 starters and several key reserves. Leading the Mountain Hawks this season will be seniors Adam Gazda, Jesse Schram, Alex Weisberger and defender Adam Welch.
Defending league champion Colgate received 95 points and was selected as the preseason favorite while American is picked to finish in second with 86 points. In third receiving 60 points is Lehigh archrival Lafayette followed by Holy Cross and Bucknell. The three teams are within three points or less of each other. Navy and Army rounded out the poll.
Holy Cross junior forward Kyle Miller was named preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while American’s Cooper Bryant, a senior defender, garnered the preseason Defensive Player of the Year award.
The men’s soccer regular season will officially begin at home on September 1, at 7 p.m. against Stanford.
2009 Patriot League Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll
|
Team (First Place Votes) |
Points |
|
1. Colgate (12) |
95 |
|
2. American (4) |
86 |
|
3. Lafayette |
60 |
|
4. Holy Cross |
58 |
|
5. Bucknell |
57 |
|
6. LEHIGH |
49 |
|
7. Navy |
26 |
|
8. Army |
17 |
