ROCK HILL, S.C. - The Men's Soccer team has been selected to finish first in the SAC this season, as selected by the conference coaches. 

In addition to the team honor, Guillermo Garcia and David Grifell were named to the Preseason All-Conference First-Team, while Arnau Ollie was named a Player to Watch.

Last season the Bears finished with an 8-8-1 (5-5-1 SAC) record and made a run to the conference title game, taking down Anderson and nationally ranked Coker en-route to the title game. The Bears' coaching staff had a successful summer, winning the NPSL National Title with Hickory FC. 

The Bears have plenty of talent returning to the team, as seven of their top eight point scorers from last year will be on the pitch this season. The addition of some key newcomers and players coming back from injury will set the Bears up for success.

The Bears open up their season with four consecutive home games, highlighted by a matchup with reigning national champions Lynn on Monday, September 15th. Their first game takes place on Saturday, September 6th, vs. Belmont Abbey while the first SAC contest will be Thursday, September 11th vs. Lincoln Memorial. The SAC Tournament will take place on November 8-16, with the quarterfinals taking place at campus sites and the semi's and championship being played in Matthews. 

2025 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE MEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
1. Lenoir-Rhyne - 84 points (2 first-place votes)
2. Wingate - 82 points (3 first-place votes)
3. Coker - 80 points (3 first-place votes)
4. Mars Hill - 71 points (1 first-place vote)
5. Lincoln Memorial - 62 points 
6. Anderson - 57 points
7. Emory & Henry - 53 points
8. Catawba - 52 points
9. Carson-Newman - 36 points
10. Tusculum - 16 points
11. Newberry - 12 points