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College Soccer Professor: Pre-Season Power Rankings
The top 25 entering the season.
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Sep 1, 2010 12:48:00 AM
By J.R. Eskilson
Nine months ago, Virginia were crowned the champions of Division I Men’s Soccer. Now, the new season is upon us and they begin their title defence on Friday; however, they don’t enter the season as the number one team in any poll in the country.
Akron holds that distinction in the majority of publications. Simply put, the Zips have more talent on their roster entering the season. Yet with the parity among the top 10 teams this season, it really wouldn’t be much of a surprise for any team to knock off the heavyweights.
Goal.com's Top 25:
1. Akron Zips (0-0-0) Akron finished the pre-season with a loss at South Florida, which raised the question: we know forward Darlington Nagbe can score, but will anyone else step up? Next up: at North Carolina, Friday, September 3.
2. Virginia Cavaliers (0-0-0) The defending champions are bringing back that stout defense from last season. Will any team be able to solve the puzzle? And can junior forward Will Bates carry the offense? Next up: UAB, Friday, September 3.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels (0-0-0) Billy Schuler, Michael Farfan, and Alex Dixon will lead one of the most prolific attacks in the country; but with a new keeper between the pipes, can the Heels defense hold? Next up: Akron, Friday, September 3.
4. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (0-0-0) The Gaucho attack may be the best in years, but two new starters at defense could provide some scary moments. Add to that the fact no host school has made the College Cup in the last decade, Gaucho Locos should be cautiously optimistic. Next up: at Cal State Bakersfield, Wednesday, September 1.
5. Maryland Terrapins (0-0-0) The stars (Zac MacMath, Ethan White, and Jason Herrick) are going to garner much of the attention, but it is going to be the role players who determine how long Maryland’s season lasts. Next up: Michigan State, Friday, September 3.
6. Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (0-0-0) Seven starters are back from last year’s squad, including the prolific attacking duo of Ashley McInnes and Austin Neil. Tulsa have the experience necessary for another post-season run. Next up: Seattle University (in Dallas), Saturday, September 4.
7. Wake Forest Demon Deacon (0-0-0) The loss of Ike Opara is going to be difficult for the Demon Deacs to deal with early in the season. Jay Vidovich is a great coach, but it may take a year or two to get this team back to the top. Next up: Seton Hall, Friday, September 3.
8. Duke Blue Devils (0-0-0) Three straight losses in pre-season have the Blue Devils entering the season a bit more pessimistic than they were two weeks ago. Next up: Louisville, Friday, September 3.
9. Boston College Eagles (0-0-0) The youthful bunch at Chestnut Hill have potential oozing out of every position. If they can turn that potential into production, the Eagles will be challenging the top of the ACC come November. Next up: at Quinnipac Friday, September 3.
10. South Florida Bulls (0-0-0) It is not wise to read too much into pre-season results, but South Florida’s 2-1 win over Akron held some significance: the 30 game undefeated home streak is still intact, Jeff Attinella is going to keep this team in a lot of games, and Bernando Anor can play against the best of them. Next up: Florida Gulf Coast, Wednesday, September 1.
11. Monmouth Hawks (0-0-0) The Hawks face their toughest road test of the season in their first game. West Virginia is a very good side and will provide a good measuring stick for the Hawks. Next up: at West Virginia, Friday, September 3.
12. UC Los Angeles Bruins (0-0-0) There are two seniors on the UCLA roster . . . both are goalies. There are going to be growing pains in Westwood, but there is a lot of young talent on this squad to help ease the process. Next up: Notre Dame, Friday, September 3.
13. Stanford Cardinal (0-0-0) It seems like every year Stanford looks good on paper with experience and talent, but mediocre conference play and early post-season exits seem the status quo for this program. Well, I just can’t quit them. Anything short of a PAC-10 title should be considered a disappointment. Next up: at Vermont, Wednesday, September 1.
14. St. John’s Red Storm (0-0-0) The Red Storm are once again going to be a force to reckon with in the Big East. However, the lack of senior leadership on the roster is a bit disconcerting. Next up: Virginia Tech (in Charlottesville), Friday, September 3.
15. Ohio State Buckeyes (0-0-0) The defending Big Ten champions are replacing their starting goalkeeper from last season, but return their leading scorer, Austin McAnena. The Buckeyes will be in for a tough battle to repeat as league champions. Next up: College of Charleston, Friday, September 3.
16. Butler Bulldogs (0-0-0) The Bulldogs are returning the majority of their starters from a team that went 14-3-2 last season and was upset by Indiana in the post-season. The likely favorite to win the Horizon League could go on a Drake-esque deep post-season run this year. Next up: IPFW, Wednesday, September 3.
17. Penn State Nittany Lions (0-0-0) Corey Hertzog started the pre-season where he left off last season, two goals in two games. The Nittany Lions will rely on him to carry much of the scoring load now Jason Yeisley is gone. Next up: Buffalo, Friday, September 3.
18. Northwestern Wildcats (0-0-0) The good news: Matt Eliason is still leading the attack. The bad news: Mark Blades is no longer commanding the defense. That said, the Wildcats remain the last team to beat Akron in a meaningful game (not counting the PK loss in the national championship as an actual loss). Next up: at San Francisco, Friday, September 3.
19. Indiana Hoosiers (0-0-0) Tons of pressure and tons of expectations, the Hoosiers are just where they want to be. The impressive freshman influence could carry this team to the next level. Next up: California, Friday, September 3.
20. Connecticut Huskies (0-0-0) The Huskies return eight starters from last season, but with a lack of depth up top there are questions about where UCONN’s production will come from. Next up: St. Francis (NY), Wednesday, September 1.
21. UC Irvine Anteaters (0-0-0) The loss of Irving Garcia and Carlos Aguilar can’t be downplayed. They were the two most dangerous weapons on the team. Spencer Thompson and Amani Walker have huge shoes to fill. Next up: Gonzaga, Wednesday, September 1.
22. Louisville Cardinals (0-0-0) While the loss of Freddie Braun and Othaniel Yanez will hurt the Cardinals, the forward partnership of Colin Rolfe and Mark Knight should be able to carry this team and fill the void left by the graduates. Next up: at Duke, Friday, September 3.
23. Portland Pilots (0-0-0) Beyond the loss of Collen Warner, the Pilots return many of the major components from last year’s team. Led by veteran keeper Austin Guerrero, the Pilots have an excellent chance at a league title. Next up: Northern Illinois, Friday, September 3.
24. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-0-0) The streaky Irish are back in the conversation of potential Big East favorites. There is no question the talent is there, but a consistent effort is needed to take Notre Dame to the next level. Next up: UCLA (in Indiana), Friday, September 3.
25. University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks (0-0-0) The defending Colonial Athletic Association champions only lost three players from last year’s squad, which should make the other CAA schools nervous. However, two lackluster performances in pre-season have Seahawks fans a little nervous. Next up: Binghampton, Friday, September 3.
What to watch: #1 Akron at #3 North Carolina, Friday, September 3, 7:00 PM (ET). There will be plenty of MLS quality talent on display in Chapel Hill on Friday. The Zips are looking to start their season with an impressive road result but this will be no easy task; the Tar Heels were 12-1-1 at home last season. A lot of questions will be asked of both defenses especially UNC’s new keeper Brendan Moore.
Akron holds that distinction in the majority of publications. Simply put, the Zips have more talent on their roster entering the season. Yet with the parity among the top 10 teams this season, it really wouldn’t be much of a surprise for any team to knock off the heavyweights.
Goal.com's Top 25:
1. Akron Zips (0-0-0) Akron finished the pre-season with a loss at South Florida, which raised the question: we know forward Darlington Nagbe can score, but will anyone else step up? Next up: at North Carolina, Friday, September 3.
2. Virginia Cavaliers (0-0-0) The defending champions are bringing back that stout defense from last season. Will any team be able to solve the puzzle? And can junior forward Will Bates carry the offense? Next up: UAB, Friday, September 3.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels (0-0-0) Billy Schuler, Michael Farfan, and Alex Dixon will lead one of the most prolific attacks in the country; but with a new keeper between the pipes, can the Heels defense hold? Next up: Akron, Friday, September 3.
4. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (0-0-0) The Gaucho attack may be the best in years, but two new starters at defense could provide some scary moments. Add to that the fact no host school has made the College Cup in the last decade, Gaucho Locos should be cautiously optimistic. Next up: at Cal State Bakersfield, Wednesday, September 1.
5. Maryland Terrapins (0-0-0) The stars (Zac MacMath, Ethan White, and Jason Herrick) are going to garner much of the attention, but it is going to be the role players who determine how long Maryland’s season lasts. Next up: Michigan State, Friday, September 3.
6. Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (0-0-0) Seven starters are back from last year’s squad, including the prolific attacking duo of Ashley McInnes and Austin Neil. Tulsa have the experience necessary for another post-season run. Next up: Seattle University (in Dallas), Saturday, September 4.
7. Wake Forest Demon Deacon (0-0-0) The loss of Ike Opara is going to be difficult for the Demon Deacs to deal with early in the season. Jay Vidovich is a great coach, but it may take a year or two to get this team back to the top. Next up: Seton Hall, Friday, September 3.
8. Duke Blue Devils (0-0-0) Three straight losses in pre-season have the Blue Devils entering the season a bit more pessimistic than they were two weeks ago. Next up: Louisville, Friday, September 3.
9. Boston College Eagles (0-0-0) The youthful bunch at Chestnut Hill have potential oozing out of every position. If they can turn that potential into production, the Eagles will be challenging the top of the ACC come November. Next up: at Quinnipac Friday, September 3.
10. South Florida Bulls (0-0-0) It is not wise to read too much into pre-season results, but South Florida’s 2-1 win over Akron held some significance: the 30 game undefeated home streak is still intact, Jeff Attinella is going to keep this team in a lot of games, and Bernando Anor can play against the best of them. Next up: Florida Gulf Coast, Wednesday, September 1.
11. Monmouth Hawks (0-0-0) The Hawks face their toughest road test of the season in their first game. West Virginia is a very good side and will provide a good measuring stick for the Hawks. Next up: at West Virginia, Friday, September 3.
12. UC Los Angeles Bruins (0-0-0) There are two seniors on the UCLA roster . . . both are goalies. There are going to be growing pains in Westwood, but there is a lot of young talent on this squad to help ease the process. Next up: Notre Dame, Friday, September 3.
13. Stanford Cardinal (0-0-0) It seems like every year Stanford looks good on paper with experience and talent, but mediocre conference play and early post-season exits seem the status quo for this program. Well, I just can’t quit them. Anything short of a PAC-10 title should be considered a disappointment. Next up: at Vermont, Wednesday, September 1.
14. St. John’s Red Storm (0-0-0) The Red Storm are once again going to be a force to reckon with in the Big East. However, the lack of senior leadership on the roster is a bit disconcerting. Next up: Virginia Tech (in Charlottesville), Friday, September 3.
15. Ohio State Buckeyes (0-0-0) The defending Big Ten champions are replacing their starting goalkeeper from last season, but return their leading scorer, Austin McAnena. The Buckeyes will be in for a tough battle to repeat as league champions. Next up: College of Charleston, Friday, September 3.
16. Butler Bulldogs (0-0-0) The Bulldogs are returning the majority of their starters from a team that went 14-3-2 last season and was upset by Indiana in the post-season. The likely favorite to win the Horizon League could go on a Drake-esque deep post-season run this year. Next up: IPFW, Wednesday, September 3.
17. Penn State Nittany Lions (0-0-0) Corey Hertzog started the pre-season where he left off last season, two goals in two games. The Nittany Lions will rely on him to carry much of the scoring load now Jason Yeisley is gone. Next up: Buffalo, Friday, September 3.
18. Northwestern Wildcats (0-0-0) The good news: Matt Eliason is still leading the attack. The bad news: Mark Blades is no longer commanding the defense. That said, the Wildcats remain the last team to beat Akron in a meaningful game (not counting the PK loss in the national championship as an actual loss). Next up: at San Francisco, Friday, September 3.
19. Indiana Hoosiers (0-0-0) Tons of pressure and tons of expectations, the Hoosiers are just where they want to be. The impressive freshman influence could carry this team to the next level. Next up: California, Friday, September 3.
20. Connecticut Huskies (0-0-0) The Huskies return eight starters from last season, but with a lack of depth up top there are questions about where UCONN’s production will come from. Next up: St. Francis (NY), Wednesday, September 1.
21. UC Irvine Anteaters (0-0-0) The loss of Irving Garcia and Carlos Aguilar can’t be downplayed. They were the two most dangerous weapons on the team. Spencer Thompson and Amani Walker have huge shoes to fill. Next up: Gonzaga, Wednesday, September 1.
22. Louisville Cardinals (0-0-0) While the loss of Freddie Braun and Othaniel Yanez will hurt the Cardinals, the forward partnership of Colin Rolfe and Mark Knight should be able to carry this team and fill the void left by the graduates. Next up: at Duke, Friday, September 3.
23. Portland Pilots (0-0-0) Beyond the loss of Collen Warner, the Pilots return many of the major components from last year’s team. Led by veteran keeper Austin Guerrero, the Pilots have an excellent chance at a league title. Next up: Northern Illinois, Friday, September 3.
24. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-0-0) The streaky Irish are back in the conversation of potential Big East favorites. There is no question the talent is there, but a consistent effort is needed to take Notre Dame to the next level. Next up: UCLA (in Indiana), Friday, September 3.
25. University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks (0-0-0) The defending Colonial Athletic Association champions only lost three players from last year’s squad, which should make the other CAA schools nervous. However, two lackluster performances in pre-season have Seahawks fans a little nervous. Next up: Binghampton, Friday, September 3.
What to watch: #1 Akron at #3 North Carolina, Friday, September 3, 7:00 PM (ET). There will be plenty of MLS quality talent on display in Chapel Hill on Friday. The Zips are looking to start their season with an impressive road result but this will be no easy task; the Tar Heels were 12-1-1 at home last season. A lot of questions will be asked of both defenses especially UNC’s new keeper Brendan Moore.
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