Men's Soccer Picked to Finish Eighth in Preseason Poll

August 22, 2006

The Bryant University Men's Soccer team has been picked to finish eighth in the always competitive Northeast-10 conference, according to the 2006 Men's Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll.

The Bulldogs, who finished last season 8-6-4 (6-4-3 NE-10), have posted six consecutive winning conference seasons and have amassed 23 wins over the past three seasons.

This year's Bulldogs feature a strong cast of veteran players (8 seniors), as well as one of the program's best class of newcomers.

Franklin Pierce is selected to finish first, according to the coaches' preseason poll. The Ravens, who claimed the 2006 Regular Season Championship, also captured the NCAA New England Regional to later advance all the way to the NCAA Final Four. In the poll, Franklin Pierce totaled 195 points, including 13 first-place votes.

Southern Connecticut State University was picked to finish second, while UMass Lowell narrowly edged out Le Moyne for third.

Merrimack College placed fifth, while Southern New Hampshire University rounded out the top-six.

The Bulldogs open their season Monday at Felician, with their home opener a week later, Sept. 2nd vs. St. Michael's.