Men’s soccer picked fifth in IIAC Preseason Poll

INDIANOLA, Iowa - The Simpson men's soccer team was picked fifth in the recently released Iowa Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as voted on by the league's nine head coaches.

Simpson received 36 points in the poll, putting them in the middle of the now nine-team IIAC. The Storm went 9-9-3 overall and 4-2-1 in the IIAC a year ago, tying for third in the conference standings. Simpson advanced to the semifinals of the IIAC Tournament for the third time in Rick Isaacson's five years as head coach before bowing out to league champion and NCAA runner-up, Loras.

Isaacson returns four starters from last year's team, including second team All-Iowa Conference picks Garrett Pochop and Josh Harry. Pochop is the team's leading returning goal scorer after netting seven as a sophomore while two-year team captain Harry anchors the Storm's back line.

Defending champion Loras is the coaches' pick to repeat after tallying 61 points and six, first-place votes. Luther came in second with 56 points and the remaining three first-place ballots.

Simpson kicks off the regular season with three straight home contests, beginning with a Sept. 1 clash with Bethel (Minn.).