The Concordia University, St. Paul soccer program received 53 points en route to an 11th place ranking in the 2008 NSIC Preseason Soccer Coaches Poll, released today by the NSIC office. The Mavericks of Minnesota State bounced Winona State from the top spot, a position the Warriors held for eight consecutive years.
The Golden Bears went 5-13-2 on the season in 2007 and tied for seventh place in the league. They are led by 2006 NSIC Co-Coach of the Year, Joe Alianiello.
Minnesota State received nine first place votes and 164 points to edge out Winona State, who received four first place votes and 155 points. The University of Mary finished third in the polling with one first place nod and 141 points.
The Mavericks took the North Central Conference championship last season and had an overall 17-3-1 record. They were beaten in the final round of the regional tournament. MSU returns ten of 11 starters. Winona State was the regular season NSIC champion with a 16-3-2 record in 2007. They were NCAA tournament participants.
Concordia kicks off the 2008 season on August 29 with a 4:00 pm meeting at Wisconsin-Parkside. The first home event on the pitch is September 3 against Northwestern (MN) at 4:00 pm.
NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Megan Wilson, University of Mary
NSIC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Heidi Woerle, Winona State
| 2008 Preseason NSIC Soccer Coaches Poll | Points |
| 1. Minnesota State (9) | 164 |
| 2. Winona State (4) | 155 |
| 3. University of Mary (1) | 141 |
| 4. Minnesota Duluth | 122 |
| 5. Northern State | 121 |
| 6. Augustana | 109 |
| 7. St. Cloud State | 90 |
| Upper Iowa | 90 |
| 9. Bemidji State | 85 |
| 10. MSU Moorhead | 64 |
| 11. Concordia University, St. Paul | 53 |
| 12. Southwest Minnesota State | 34 |
| 13. Minnesota, Crookston | 29 |
| 14. Wayne State | 17 |
| first place votes in () |
