With the start of the season a little more than a week away, the Heartland Conference released its men’s soccer preseason poll. After a strong first season in the league, Eastern New Mexico University found itself sixth in the poll with 144 points.
Midwestern State was chosen to repeat as league champion with 14 first-place votes, while 2016 Heartland tournament champion St. Edwards was picked second. The Hounds closed the 2016 regular season with back-to-back 2-1 wins over Lubbock Christian and West Texas A&M to reach the league tournament. The appearance marked the second time the ENMU program reached the postseason. Eastern posted a 5-6-3 record in conference play last season
The Greyhounds were especially tough at home last season, with a 4-2-3 record. Those games included a scoreless tie against NCAA Division II powerhouse St. Edwards to conclude a seven-match home stand. Over that stretch, ENMU posted a 3-1-3 record and allowed just four goals.
The Eastern New Mexico University men’s soccer team will open the 2017 season next Thursday at Adams State. The contest is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
2017 MEN’S SOCCER PRESEASON POLL
School (1st Place Votes)
Total Points
1.
Midwestern State (14)
274
2.
St. Edward’s (8)
267
3.
West Texas A&M (1)
236
4.
Newman
195
5.
Rogers State (1)
188
6.
Eastern New Mexico
144
7.
Texas A&M International
139
8.
St. Mary’s
128
9.
Lubbock Christian
99
10.
Dallas Baptist University
83
11.
UT Permian Basin
61
12.
Oklahoma Christian
58
