MASCAC Releases Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
FITCHBURG, MA: The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) released the 2023 Men's Soccer preseason poll early this afternoon. The 2022 MASCAC Tournament Champions Worcester State was selected by the coaches to repeat in 2023.
In the top spot, the Lancers received three first place votes for 44 points. The team was 4-0-3 in MASCAC action last season and found themselves as tournament champions after winning the crown in penalty kicks. Manny Ramirez returns for Worcester State after registering four goals and seven assists for 11 points. His assists were the second-most in the conference last season, earning him a spot on the All-Conference squad.
Sitting in second is Salem State, with two first place votes for 42 points. The Vikings had a 5-1-1 record in league play in 2022. Back in goal for the team is All-Conference honoree Matt
Hauntsman who last season posted five shutouts, including a league-best four shutouts in conference games. He led the conference in wins (10) while making the third most saves (84).
Framingham State is in third with two first place votes for 40 points. The Rams were 6-0-1 last season to earn the 2022 MASCAC Regular Season title. Reigning Rookie of the Year Gustav
Hemmingsen is back for the squad after finishing sixth in the conference with six goals and fourth in the league with four assists. His 16 points were good for third overall on the Rams.
Earning the final first place vote is Bridgewater State in fourth with 33 points. The Bears ended the conference season 4-2-1. All-Conference award winner David Nelson scored a career-high nine goals to go along with one assist for nine points in 17 games. Three of his nine markers were game-winners. He also
ranked third in the MASCAC in goals, tied for second in game-winning goals, and tied for fourth in scoring.
Westfield State lands in fifth with 25 points. The Owls bring back Bryant Keeney, who, in his first year with the team, had a goal and three assists for five points while registering
the fourth most shots in the league with 46 to grab All-Conference accolades.
Tying for the sixth spot with 16 points is Fitchburg State and MCLA. For the Falcons, Gabriel Teixeira (Lunenburg, MA) looks to lead the offense after scoring four goals and adding two assists last season. For the Trailblazers, Marcos Lopez returns after his All-Conference award season that saw him drain four goals with two assists.
In the final spot of the 2023 preseason poll is Massachusetts Maritime, who brings back CJ Vincent, who found the back of the net three times in 2022 for the Buccaneers.
The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, the nation's oldest Division III men's and women's playing conference, has a rich and storied tradition of competitive success while celebrating excellence in the classroom. MASCAC member schools include Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University, and Worcester State University. Two other institutions, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Plymouth State University, are affiliate members of the conference in the sports of football and men's ice hockey, while Western Connecticut State University joined the conference as a football affiliate member in 2013. Springfield College joined as a men's golf affiliate in 2019.
To view the full MASCAC release, click HERE.
2023 Preseason Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes In Parentheses)
1. Worcester State (3) 44 points
2. Salem State (2) 42 points
3. Framingham State (2) 40 points
4. Bridgewater State (1) 33 points
5. Westfield State 25 points
6. Fitchburg State 16 points
MCLA 16 points
8. Massachusetts Maritime 8 points