WHITE PLAINS, NY –The Iona College men’s soccer team tied for third in a vote by league’s head coaches in the 2016 MAAC Preseason Men’s Soccer Poll. The Gaels, and Rider, each finished with 87 points in the poll, finishing behind preseason favorite Monmouth (111 points) and Quinnipiac, who placed second with 95 points.
Fairfield gathered 83 points for fifth in the poll. Siena finished sixth with 77 points and Canisius placed seventh with 52 points. Marist received 44 points, good for eighth, while Manhattan picked up 39 points for ninth. Saint Peter’s finished with 26 points for tenth, and Niagara rounded out the poll with 25 points.
Junior center back Jordan Scarlett was named to the Preseason All-MAAC team for the second consecutive season. After moving to the back line for his sophomore campaign, Scarlett tallied a goal in 18 games played and led an Iona defense that registered six clean sheets on the season. During his rookie season, Scarlett made nine starts, tallying two goals, including an incredible 30-yard equalizer against Fairfield that was spolighted on ESPN’s Sportscenter. Monmouth goalkeeper was named MAAC Preseason Player of the Year.
The Gaels begin the 2015 campaign on Aug. 28 on the road against James Madison.