 RICHMOND, Va. – Despite adding 10 talented new faces to the 2009 brigade, the University of Delaware men’s soccer team was picked No. 12 in the Colonial Athletic Association pre-season coaches poll announced Thursday by the league office.
Looking to improve upon a 3-13-3 season from last year, the Blue Hens earned 17 points in a vote of the 12-league coaches.
Winning the conference title in 2008, George Mason returns to the field a unanimous favorite, earning 11 first-place votes good for 121 points. The Patriots advanced to the second-round of the NCAA Tournament a season ago, before falling to Maryland 2-0.
Old Dominion earned 100 points for a second-place seat in the poll after falling to Northeastern in the first-round of the CAA Championships last fall, while William & Mary followed close behind with 84 points at No. 3. UNC Wilmington was fourth with 86 points followed by Northeastern (75), Towson (68), Virginia Commonwealth (67), Hofstra (60), James Madison (43), Drexel (39), and Georgia State (22).
The Hens, led by fourth-year head coach Ian Hennessy, went 3-13-3 overall last season, losing eight matches by one goal, including three in overtime. Third team All-CAA honoree, senior Darren Christie (at right), returns as the Blue and Gold’s leading scorer. The Hens graduated only four squad members.
The Blue Hens will take part in a scrimmage at home vs. Rutgers (Aug. 19 at 7 p.m.) and an intrasquad scrimmage (Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.) before opening their 2009 campaign on the road as they travel to Marist on Sept. 1.
AGATE:
Colonial Athletic Association Men’s Soccer Pre-Season Coaches Poll:
1. George Mason (11 first-place votes), 121 points; 2. Old Dominion, 100; 3. William & Mary (1), 94; 4. UNC Wilmington, 86; 5. Northeastern, 75; 6. Towson, 68; 7. VCU, 67; 8. Hofstra, 60; 9. James Madison, 43; 10. Drexel, 39; 11. Georgia State, 22; 12. Delaware, 17.
- DDD - |
