Worcester State Men’s Soccer Picked Sixth in MASCAC Preseason Poll

WESTFIELD, Mass. — Worcester State University's men's soccer was picked sixth in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Preseason Poll as announced by the MASCAC Monday afternoon (Aug. 22).

For the second straight season, the Bridgewater State Bears have been picked to win the 2016 MASCAC men's soccer championship as decided by the eight coaches from around the league. The 2015 MASCAC tournament champions claimed four of the first place votes for 44 points. Framingham State is next in second with 39 points and two first place votes.

Tied for third with 31 points with one of the first place votes each are MCLA and Westfield State. The Trailblazers tallied three wins during conference play in the 2015 season, while the Owls ended the league schedule with a 5-2 record.

Massachusetts Maritime and Worcester State claim the fifth and sixth spots with 30 and 26 points, respectively. For the Lancers, the squad had three wins in MASCAC play last season. The reigning MASCAC Rookie of the Year Bryan Brasil returns after tallying third most goals (10) and points (25) while also having the fifth most shots (58) in the league.

Closing out the 2016 poll are Fitchburg State and Salem State in seventh and eighth with 15 points and 8 points, respectively.

The season begins for the MASCAC men's soccer squads with non-conference play the week of August 29. The Lancers open up their season on Thursday, Sep. 1 at Keene State and open at home on Sunday, Sep. 4 against WPI.

2016 MASCAC Men's Soccer Pre-Season Coaches Poll

(First Place Votes In Parentheses)

1. Bridgewater State (4) 44 points

2. Framingham State (2) 39 points

3. Westfield State (1) 31 points

MCLA (1) 31 points

5. Massachusetts Maritime 30 points

6. Worcester State 26 points

7. Fitchburg State 15 points

8. Salem State 8 points

Release Courtesy of Emily Diekelmann | MASCAC Director of Media Relations