Thomas Tabbed to Defend NAC Men's Soccer Crown
WHITINGHAM, VT - Thomas College has been selected to win the 2013 North Atlantic Conference Men's Soccer Title in a recent poll of the conference coaches. The defending NAC champion Terriers received eight out of a possible ten first place votes and a total of 95 points.
The Terriers return all but one starter from last season's championship squad, including five all-conference honorees. Key to the team's success will be reining Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament Most Valuable Player Mikkail Crockwell. Crockwell did not allow a goal in three conference tournament games, and led the Terriers to an 8-0-1 mark in regular season play allowing just three goals in conference action while posting a league-best five shutouts.
In addition to Crockwell the Terriers also return 2011 Player of the Year and two-time NAC All-Conference First Team honoree Michael Hand, and 2012 first-teamer Paul Rechichi. In addition to the trio of first team honorees, 2012 Rookie of the Year Joshua Phelps and second team honoree Dakota Duplissie round out the team's all-conference returners.
Husson garnered the remaining two first place votes after falling to Thomas in last year's final. The Eagles, who have alternated titles with Thomas since 2009, return strength to their backfield including 2011 all-conference first team goalie Brian Potter and two-time NAC All-Tournament honoree Chris DelGuidice.
Castleton, Maine Maritime, and New England College rounded out the top five in the poll. The season kicks off this weekend, with conference action slated to begin September 17.
2013 Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
|
1. |
Thomas |
95 (8) |
|
2. |
Husson |
82 (2) |
|
3. |
Castleton |
70 |
|
T-4. |
Maine Maritime |
67 |
|
T-4. |
New England College |
67 |
|
6. |
Colby-Sawyer |
52 |
|
7. |
Lyndon |
40 |
|
8. |
UMaine-Farmington |
32 |
|
9. |
Johnson State |
21 |
|
10. |
Green Mountain |
19 |
Courtesy of the NAC Sports Information Office
