SEWARD, Neb. – Following last season’s surprising GPAC title run, the Concordia men’s soccer team slotted in at No. 4 in the GPAC Preseason Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll unveiled on Thursday by the GPAC. The first-place vote from the Hastings coach staff went to Concordia, which picked up a total of 54 points in the poll. (Coaches are not allowed to rank their own teams).
Jason Weides is at the controls for his ninth year as head coach of the Bulldogs. After a frustrating sixth-place regular-season finish in 2015, Concordia put together an improbable run in which it knocked out each of the GPAC’s top-three seeds, all on the road, in the league tournament. The Bulldogs then advanced to the national tournament for the first time in program history.
While Concordia graduated six seniors who started the national tournament game, the roster is stocked with talent, including 2015 second team all-conference choice Lewis Rathbone. A hero of the GPAC tournament, goalkeeper Mark Horsburgh returns for his senior season.
The 2016 season officially kicks off on Aug. 31 when York College invades Bulldog Stadium for an evening affair.
2016 GPAC Preseason Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll
1. Hastings – 81 (9)
2. Midland – 71
3. Northwestern – 55
4. Concordia – 54 (1)
5. Morningside – 53
6. Doane – 50
7. Briar Cliff – 34
8. Dordt – 23
9. Dakota Wesleyan – 20
10. Mount Marty – 9