SOMERSET, N.J. - The Northeast Conference unveiled the league's women's soccer preseason coaches poll on Monday. LIU Brooklyn, who returns eight starters from a season ago, was picked to finish eighth. Defending NEC champion Fairleigh Dickinson received three first-place votes and is the preseason favorite, while Central Connecticut picked up a league-high four first-place tallies and was selected second.
The top two scorers from a season ago are back for the Blackbirds, led by All-Northeast Conference Rookie Team selection Marian Awad. Awad tallied a team-high five goals and added two assists for a team-best 12 points. Also looking to close out her career with a flourish is senior midfielder Madison Gomez, who ranked second on the squad in goals (4), assists (3) and points (11) in 2015.
Former NEC Rookie of the Year Jenn Peters, who sat out the soccer season last year to focus on lacrosse, returns after an impact campaign three years ago that saw her record seven goals and add three assists as LIU advanced to the NEC Tournament title match. Additionally, a large group of defenders return along the backline from last season, led by senior Asha Mohiddin who led the team in minutes played (1,732).
LIU Brooklyn begins the season on Friday, August 19 against Maine at LIU Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., and admission is free of charge.
2016 NEC Women's Soccer Poll
1. Fairleigh Dickinson (3)
2. Central Connecticut (4)
3. Robert Morris
4. Saint Francis U (1)
5. Bryant (1)
6. Sacred Heart
7. Wagner
8. LIU Brooklyn
9. Mount St. Mary's