SLIAC Releases Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll with Greenville, Lyon, Webster Leading

The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference released its preseason coaches’ poll for men’s soccer Wednesday. The poll projects a competitive season among nine teams, with Greenville University, Lyon College, and Webster University expected to contend for the title.

Greenville, led by Coach Chris Swift, received four first-place votes and 60 points. The Panthers finished last season with a 10-5-3 record and captured their first outright regular-season championship since 2010. Key returners include William Collier, Juan Fernandez, Manolo Juarez, and Richard Kerwer. Freshmen Jason Ly and transfers Toby Thomas, Joe Buckman, and Luis Martin are new additions.

Lyon College, the reigning tournament champion, was picked second with 57 points and two first-place votes. Coach Emanuel Santos’ team went 10-7-3 last year and returns eight starters. Top players include Matheus Nunes, a First Team All-Conference forward, and defender Tomas Biasi. Newcomers Bruno Nucci, Mateus Rezende, and Remigio Montesdeoca also join the Scots.

Webster University finished third with 52 points and three first-place votes. Under Coach Nenad Curic, the team posted an 8-7-1 record last season. The Gorloks return five starters, including last year’s Player of the Year, Scott Price. The squad also features All-Conference defender Niklas Storck and midfielder Juan Ferreira. Newcomers include Logan Russell and Mauro Bustamante.

Other notable teams include Spalding University in fourth place with 37 points, Principia College fifth with 36 points, and Westminster College sixth with 35 points. Blackburn College was seventh with 22 points, followed by Eureka College with 17 points and MUW with eight points. The season promises to be competitive, with several teams eyeing postseason success, according to conference coaches.

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