INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI men's soccer team has been picked to finish ninth in the Horizon League this season as the league's preseason polls were released on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 21). UIC earned six of the nine possible first-place votes to collect the top spot while Green Bay, Wright State and Milwaukee split the remaining three first-place votes and were picked second, third and fourth, respectively. 

Head coach Brian Barnett's squad returns eight starters from a year ago, keyed by backs Nick Anderson, Sam Gavin and Tommy Patacca. In addition, sophomore goalkeeper Michael Buck also returns after registering a 1.68 goals against average and 37 saves last season. 

The Jaguars incoming class is headlined by Virginia Tech-transfer Rodrigo Zampieri and high school All-American Corey Goede. Other freshmen who have seen extended time in the preseason include Landon Malott, Quinn McCallion, Eli Quivey and Riley Shives. 

IUPUI will open the regular season on Friday, Aug. 24 when the Jaguars head north to take on Valparaiso. 

Pl.           Team – Pts. (1st place votes)
1.            UIC – 70 (6)
2.            Green Bay – 64 (1)
3.            Wright State – 60 (1)
4.            Milwaukee – 58 (1)
5.            Cleveland State – 48
6.            Oakland – 40
7.            Northern Kentucky – 31
8.            Detroit Mercy – 22
9.            IUPUI – 12