Bulldogs picked fourth in preseason poll

Somerset, N.J. - The Bryant University men's soccer team has been selected to finish fourth in the Northeast Conference by the organization on Tuesday.

Head coach Seamus Purcell said, "We are all biting at the bit and can't wait to get back on the pitch and start playing".

The Bulldogs received one first-place vote and are ranked behind Merrimack who received three, Fairleigh Dickinson, which received two, and Long Island who also received two. The Black and Gold ranked ahead of St. Francis Brooklyn, Mount St. Mary's, Sacred Heart, and Central Connecticut.

Bryant is coming off an appearance in the NEC Semifinal where they fell to No. 2 LIU by a score of 4-0. Last season the men's soccer team finished with an overall record of 8-8 and a conference record of 5-4.

There will be plenty of new faces on the field for the Bulldogs as they added 14 new players for this upcoming season. Junior Ben Williams and sophomore Jake Spaulding who combined for eight goals last season will look to make a big impact this year.

The Black and Gold will make their season debut at Beirne Stadium against Rhode Island on February 20th.

NORTHEAST CONFERENCE POLL

1. Merrimack (3)

2. Fairleigh Dickinson (2)

3. Long Island (2)

4. Bryant (1)

5. St. Francis Brooklyn

6. Mount St. Mary's

7. Sacred Heart

8. Central Connecticut