Simpson picked third in A-R-C preseason poll

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- After receiving one first-place vote, the Simpson College men's soccer team is tabbed to finish third in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches's Poll, the league announced Thursday.

Luther is picked first after winning the conference tournament in 2019, while Loras sits second. Central, Dubuque, Wartburg, Nebraska Wesleyan, Coe and Buena Vista fill the next six slots to round out the league's preseason standings.

Head coach Rick Isaacson returns for his 10th season at the helm, a year after leading the Storm to a 16-4-2 record to tie the program mark for most wins in a season. Simpson finished third in the conference with five league victories in 2019.

The Storm offense brings back eight of their top 10 scorers from last year's squad, with Enrique Idehen leading the returners with 10 goals in 2019. Jordy Triana-Vasquez had a breakout freshman campaign by garnering five goals and earning A-R-C Player of the Week honors on Oct. 14, 2019.

Simpson was second among league offenses by netting 2.57 goals per game. The defense allowed 1.05 goals per contest for third in the conference and had a .725 save percentage.

The Storm open their season Saturday with a home match against Dubuque. The contest will begin at 3:30 p.m. following the women's match.

2020-21 American Rivers Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Luther (17-5-3, 5-3 A-R-C)
2. Loras (15-6-1, 6-2 A-R-C)
3. Simpson (16-4-2, 5-2-1 A-R-C)
4. Central (14-4-2, 6-1-1 A-R-C)
5. Dubuque (10-6-2, 5-2-1 A-R-C)
6. Wartburg (8-8-2, 4-4 A-R-C)
7. Nebraska Wesleyan (7-8-3, 1-6-1 A-R-C)
8. Coe (7-11, 2-6 A-R-C)
9. Buena Vista (1-14-3, 0-8 A-R-C)