MAC Announces 2016 Men's Soccer Coaches' Poll
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Akron Zips have been selected by the Mid-American Conference men's soccer coaches to repeat as MAC Champions once again this season. The Zips received five first place votes, while Western Michigan received one. Akron was also unanimously selected to win the MAC Tournament.
Akron comes into 2016 seeking their 10th-straight MAC regular season title, as well as defending their tournament crown for the fifth time in as many years. Last season, the Zips saw their hopes of a national title come to a close in the second semifinal match of the College Cup, losing to Stanford in penalty kicks. Akron returns four First Team All-MAC recipients, Sam Gainford, Stuart Holthusen, Brad Ruhaak, and Adam Najem. Najem was selected as a First-Team Preseason All-American by College Soccer News, after finishing the 2015 season with team highs in assists (11), points (31), shots (69), shots on goal (31) and game-winners (4). The Zips enter the season ranked second in both the NSCAA preseason poll and College Soccer News preseason poll.
Western Michigan (17 points), West Virginia (16) and Buffalo (15), were picked to finish second, third, and fourth this season, respectively. The Broncos finished the 2015 season second in the MAC with an 11-4-4 overall record and a 3-1-1 conference record. Western Michigan is led by the 2015 Gary V. Palmisano Coach of the Year, Chad Wiseman, and 2015 First Team All-MAC Goalkeeper, Drew Shepherd.
West Virginia has 14 newcomers this season, to go along with 13 returning lettermen and five returning starters. The Mountaineers will look to improve from their 7-12 (2-3 MAC) record in 2015. Buffalo is coming off of their best season in eight years, after finishing with an 8-7-4 (2-2-1 MAC) record last year. The Bulls are led by senior and 2015 MAC Player of the Year Russell Cicerone, who currently ranks third all-time in points at Buffalo with 69.
Rounding out the MAC is Bowling Green (fifth) and Northern Illinois (sixth). Regular season play begins Friday, August 26th. Click HERE for the full 2016 schedule.
Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll Results
Akron - 29 total points (5 first place votes)
Western Michigan - 17 (1)
West Virginia - 16
Buffalo - 15
Bowling Green - 11
Northern Illinois - 2
MAC Tournament Champion: Akron
