Men's soccer tabbed fourth in NEC preseason poll
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's soccer team has been picked fourth in the annual Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll that was announced on Tuesday.
The Bulldogs tied for fourth in the league last year, missing out on a playoff berth due to the tiebreaking procedure. Bryant posted a 3-10-3 overall record and a 2-2-3 mark in NEC play, marking the third time in four years it has finished .500 or better against league opponents. The Black and Gold's three draws all came against eventual tournament teams.
Defending league champion St. Francis Brooklyn has unanimously been chosen to repeat this fall. Saint Francis U. is picked second and received the final first-place vote. LIU Brooklyn and Bryant round out the top four. Fairleigh Dickinson, Sacred Heart, Central Connecticut and Robert Morris were picked 5-8.
The Black and Gold return their leading scorer from a season ago in junior Nathaniel Brown (Queens, N.Y.). Brown registered three goals and an assist for seven points. Also back is junior defender Charlie Booth (Concord, Mass.), an All-NEC Second Team selection that helped Bryant allow just eight goals in NEC play.
Bryant opens its 2017 season on Friday, Aug. 25 when it travels to Maryland to face UMBC. First touch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.