Mississippi Christian Men’s Soccer Ranks No. 10 in Preseason Poll

CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi Christian’s men’s soccer team is ranked No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Top 25 Poll, marking the same position it finished in last season.

The Choctaws finished their 2025 campaign with a 15-3-4 record and went undefeated in Gulf South Conference play at 9-0-2, claiming the regular-season championship. They advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time in program history after defeating Florida Tech in the South Region and then knocking off No. 2 Lynn, 3-1, in the national quarterfinals.

The successful season was led by first-year head coach Rafael Costa, who was named Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, Mississippi Christian achieved one of its most successful campaigns, including wins over ranked teams such as Trevecca Nazarene, UAH, Florida Tech, and Lynn.

The team also won nine road matches and suffered just one loss away from home last season. The program opens the 2026 season with high expectations, aiming to build on its historic run and conference championship.

Midwestern State holds the No. 1 spot in the preseason poll, followed by Rollins, Fort Hays State, Southern New Hampshire, and Cal State Stanislaus in the top five.

Source: Original Article