ERIE, PA – The Gannon men’s soccer team is ranked 13th in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Continental Tire Preseason Top 25 Poll released Tuesday afternoon.
Defending NCAA Division II champion Lynn (Fla.) is the top-ranked team after posting a 20-2-1 record last season. Saginaw Valley State (Mich.) (18-3-4), Simon Fraser (Ontario) (19-2-1), Mercyhurst (17-6-1) and Regis (Colo.) (17-2-1) completed the top five.
Rockhurst (Mo.) (18-3-2), Southern New Hampshire (19-4), LIU Post (18-2), Rollins (Fla.) (15-4-2) and Flagler (Fla.) (10-4-3) rounded out the top 10.
Gannon is one of only two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) programs listed in the preseason national rankings, being tabbed 13th. The Golden Knights advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen last season with a 2-1 victory against Davis & Elkins during the NCAA Division II Tournament second round, before watching their season come to an end with a 13-6 record.
The NCAA Tournament appearance was the ninth in school history and first since 2007. The Golden Knights reached double-digit wins for the eighth time during the last 11 years. It marked the 12th season that Gannon had reached double digits during head coach Rob van Rheenen‘s 16-year tenure.
Gannon reports to preseason camp August 17, before opening the season with a national showdown at Gannon University Field. The season opener is scheduled for Friday, September 6 against the University of Charleston. The Golden Eagles are ranked 11th in the preseason national rankings. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
