NEC Preseason Poll Release

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team was picked to finish second in the Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, it was announced by the league office Tuesday afternoon. Reigning back-to-back champions St. Francis Brooklyn were the unanimous pick to win their third-straight championship this season, earning all eight of the league's first place votes.

The Blackbirds were picked ahead of FDU, Saint Francis, CCSU, Robert Morris, Bryant, Mount St. Mary's and Sacred Heart, in that order.

The Blackbirds won the title in 2015, and have qualified for the NEC Tournament for the last four year runnning. LIU went 6-9-3 last season, including a 4-2-1 record in the NEC, advancing to the championship game before falling to SFBK. The Blackbirds return 19 letterwinners from that squad, and nine of the team's 11 starters, including last year's NEC Player of the Year, senior Rasmus Hansen. All but one of the team's five NEC honorees are back this season, including first team honoree Filip Nordström, and All-Rookie selections Anthony Sciola and Erik Johansson. The team will be helmed by junior co-captains Marius Koss and Christoffer Bjarre Solbakken, and adding to LIU's depth is a talented incoming class of six freshmen, who will be looking to make an immediate impact.

The Blackbirds open the 2018 season Friday, August 24th, at home against Iona at 4 p.m.

2018 NEC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. St. Francis Brooklyn (8)
2. LIU Brooklyn
3. Fairleigh Dickinson
4. Saint Francis U.
5. Central Connecticut State
6. Robert Morris
7. Bryant
8. Mount St. Mary's
9. Sacred Heart