MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Southern Nazarene was picked to finish sixth in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association as the MIAA released its Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll Thursday.
 
The Crimson Storm, who finished sixth in 2013 in the MIAA, received 12 points. They were four points behind Harding and six points ahead of Southwest Baptist. The two-time defending regular season and MIAA Tournament champion, Lindenwood, was picked first with 35 points and five first-place votes. Both Fort Hays State and Northeastern State tied for second as they both had 29 points and received one first-place vote. Upper Iowa was picked fourth with 20 points, four points ahead of Harding and eight points ahead of Southern Nazarene. Lindenwood is ranked seventh and Fort Hays State is ranked 23rd in the NSCAA Top 25 Preseason Poll. 
 
The Crimson Storm return two of their top four scorers, including seniors Edgar Pineda and Blake Rodgers who both received All-MIAA honorable mention. Matthew Lawrence returns to anchor a strong back line. Pineda had two assists and was fourth in the MIAA with nine goals. Rodgers scored five goals and dished out eight assists, which was the second highest amount in the MIAA.
 
Southern Nazarene opens the season Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. when it hosts Rogers State at the Wanda Rhodes Soccer Complex.