For Immediate Release:
September 4, 2008

Becker Tops NECC in Men's Soccer Preseason Poll

ATTLEBORO, Mass. - Becker College has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to capture the New England Collegiate Conference men's soccer championship, it was announced today by Commissioner Del Malloy. Voting for the preseason poll was conducted among the NECC's head men's soccer coaches.

This is the inaugural year for the New England Collegiate Conference. Seven of the nine NECC members sponsor men's soccer.

The Becker Hawks (15-7, 6-2 NAC) received four of the nine first-place votes in the 2008 NECC preseason poll. Second year head coach Tasken Guven returns 12 players nine of which should start in the 2008 campaign.

Lesley University received 35 points to narrowly notch the second-place spot.  Both Elms College and Mitchell College tied for third each garnering 34 points with Elms receiving two first-place votes while Mitchell received one first-place vote.

Daniel Webster College and Newbury College also tied for fifth place with 19 votes apiece.

Teams received seven points for every first place vote received, six points for second place votes, five points for third place votes, down to one point for a last place vote. First place votes are shown in parentheses.

2008 NECC PRESEASON MEN'S SOCCER POLL
TEAM, POINTS(1st Place votes)
1-Becker, 45(4)
2-Lesley, 35                   
3-Elms, 34(2)
3-Mitchell, 34(1)
5-Daniel Webster, 19                   
5-Newbury, 19
7-Southern Vermont , 10