A year after nearly claiming the fourth national title in program history, Lynn University’s men’s soccer team will open 2012 ranked second nationally following the Tuesday release of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Continental Tire NCAA Division II Men’s Preseason Rankings.
National Champions Fort Lewis, which defeated the Fighting Knights 3-2 in overtime in the national title match, earned the No. 1 spot while fellow Sunshine State Conference squads Barry and Rollins earned No. 13 and No. 20 rankings. Anderson, who LU faces off against on September 8, was positioned 24th.
“It is a great honor for Lynn University to open the season in such high regard,” said head men’s soccer coach John Rootes. “With such lofty expectations comes a bull’s eye on your back. I’m confident with such a veteran-laden squad we will be able to play with the pressure that comes with being one of the top teams in the country.”
The Blue & White return 16 letterwinners and nine starters on what could be one of the deepest teams in the country. All four defensive starters return, including All-American and SSC Freshman of the Year Jason Sangha and All-SSC and All-South Region selection Matt DiCerbo.
Offensively, LU will rely on a new crop of forwards following the departure of All-American and Elite 89 recipient Harald Gracholski. The Fighting Knights, though, will not be lacking any playmakers with the entire midfield of Heiko Eberhardt, Martin Wehlert, Roberto Cadilhe and Johnny Mertl coming back for their final seasons.