ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Lesley University men's soccer program earned one first place vote and finished sixth in the New England Collegiate Conference Preseason Poll, released today by NECC Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations Rebecca Mullen.
The Lynx, who finished 5-3 in conference play last season and qualified for the NECC Tournament for the eighth straight season, earned 47 total points in the poll voted on by the conference coaches.
Two-time defending champion Daniel Webster College earned the rest of the eight first place votes and finished at the top of the poll with 80 total points. Newbury College registered 61 points to finish in second place while Elms College was right behind with 59 points. Mitchell College and Regis College finished just ahead of the Lynx with 53 and 50 points, respectively, while Southern Vermont College (26 points), Becker College (19 points), and Wheelock College (10 points) rounded out the poll.
Lesley, who won six of their last eight regular season matches last season, will rely on senior captains Harrison Sidell (Newhall, Calif.), Billy Baker (Sacramento, Calif.), and Chris Anderson (San Francisco, Calif.) as they look to challenge for the second title in program history. Sidell and Baker were both named to the NECC All-Conference Team in 2015 while Anderson set career-highs with three goals and three assists.
The Lynx will open up their 2016 slate at home on Edward Field on Thursday, September 1st at 8:00p when they welcome Eastern Nazarene College.
NECC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Daniel Webster - 80 (8)
2. Newbury - 61
3. Elms – 59
4. Mitchell – 53
5. Regis - 50
6. Lesley - 47 (1)
7. Southern Vermont - 26
8. Becker - 19
9. Wheelock - 10