CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Results of the 2019 American Rivers Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Poll (as voted on by the league's head coaches):
| 2019 American Rivers Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2018 Record |
| 1. |
Loras (5) |
60 |
13-6-0, 7-1-0 Conference (Conference Regular Season Champion) |
| 2. |
Luther (4) |
59 |
19-4-1, 6-1-1 Conference (Conference Tournament Champion) |
| 3. |
Wartburg |
48 |
9-7-3, 5-2-1 Conference |
| 4. |
Simpson |
43 |
11-6-2, 5-2- Conference |
| 5. |
Central |
36 |
9-9, 5-3 Conference |
| 6. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
29 |
8-8-1, 3-5 Conference |
| 7. |
Dubuque |
26 |
4-12, 2-6 Conference |
| 8. |
Coe |
12 |
0-14-1, 0-8 Conference |
| 9. |
Buena Vista |
11 |
1-16-1, 1-6-1 Conference |
Loras Men's Soccer, who have shared or won outright conference titles in 11 of the last 12 years, are the coaches' choice to win the 2019 American Rivers Conference championship. The 2018 regular season champion Duhawks were chosen first on five ballots (coaches do not vote on their own team) and earned 60 points. 2018 A-R-C tournament champion and NCAA Elite 8 participant, Luther, earned the No. 2 ranking. The Norse garnered 59 points and four first-place votes.
Wartburg and Simpson were picked to finish third and fourth, earning 48 and 43 points, respectively. Central earned 34 points to take fifth in the poll followed by Nebraska Wesleyan in sixth with 29 points. Should the preseason poll forecast an end of season outcome, these top six teams would qualify for the conference tournament. Looking to shake up the preseason poll will be Dubuque, Coe, and Buena Vista. Who finished seventh, eighth, and ninth respectively.
United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll (Formerly the NSCAA): Luther College debuted at No. 8 in the United Soccer Coaches Division III preseason poll.
New Coaches:
Ross Minick, Buena Vista University. Minick is a graduate of Hiram College, where he received his B.A. in psychology and his M.A. in interdisciplinary studies. He was a member of the men's soccer program for four years at Hiram and played club for Internationals Soccer Club during his youth career. Prior to assuming his role at BVU, Minick served as the assistant coach for two seasons at Hiram College where he helped two Terriers receive All-NCAC awards and multiple players earning OCSA Academic All-Ohio awards. Before joining the staff at Hiram and Everest, Ross coached in his hometown for North Royalton Soccer Club as a head coach in the youth travel program.
Sonny Travis,
Coe College. Travis, also the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Coe, will head the men's soccer program in 2019. He has an extensive coaching background in collegiate men's soccer that spans 31 seasons. He amassed a 416-139-51 record from 1986-2016 at three different schools. He is one of only 43 coaches across all divisions to have reached 400 career victories.
The Schedule: All nine of the leagues' institutions kick off the 2019 season on Friday, August 30. Buena Vista is set to host Martin Luther out of the UMAC and Central hosts the SLIAC's Iowa Wesleyan. Coe will travel to Midwest Conference member Grinnell and Dubuque will play at home against Carroll, a member of the CCIW. Loras opens play against Midwest Conference foe, Knox and Luther makes a road trip to Colorado Springs for a contest with Johnson & Wales. ASC member, University of the Ozarks and Nebraska Wesleyan square off in a neutral site match in Pella, Iowa. Simpson faces CCIW member, Augustana (Ill.), on the road. Wartburg begins their season with a home match against Westminster (Mo.), a member of the SLIAC.
The eight-game round robin American Rivers Conference schedule begins on Saturday, September 28 with four games. Simpson will host Wartburg for the opening of league play, while Central will travel to Decorah for a match-up with Luther. Dubuque makes the trip to Storm Lake to kick off conference play against Buena Vista and Loras is set to host Coe. Nebraska Wesleyan debuts in league action on Saturday, October 5 with a road trip to Dubuque.
Conference Tournament: At the conclusion of the regular season conference schedule, the top six teams move onto the 2019 Conference Tournament. The tournament begins Saturday, November 2nd with the 4/5 seeds and the 3/6 seeds meeting at the higher seeded home pitch. On Wednesday, November 6th the winner of the 4/5 opening round game will travel to the No.1 seed, while the 3/6 winner will make the trip to the No. 2 seed. The semifinal winners will face-off on Saturday, November 9th (at higher seed home venue) for the tournament title and the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
| 1st |
|
Loras College
Head Coach: Dan Rothert (22nd Season, 330-111-26)
2018 Record: 13-6-0 overall, 7-1-0 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: Regular Season Conference Champion
Returning All-Conference: Jesse Buffington (2018 First Team - GK, Sr.), Manny Lopez (2018 First Team - MF, Jr.), Miles McDonnell (2018 First Team, 2017 Honorable Mention, MF, Sr.), Tiernan Talbot (2018 Honorable Mention, D, So.), Anthony Berardi (2018 Honorable Mention, D, Sr.)
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 5
Dan Rothert - “We’re excited to get the season going again.” |
| Players to Watch:*Returning Players Only |
|
| Jesse Buffington - GK (Sr.) |
10-3 record // 1.21-GAA // .754-save% |
| Manny Lopez - MF (Jr.) |
7-goals // 3-assists // 3-game winners |
| Miles McDonnell - MF (Sr.) |
18-18 games started // 1147-minutes // 1-assist |
| Tiernan Talbot - D (So.) |
18-18 games started // 2-assists // .882-SOG% |
| Anthony Berardi - D (Sr.) |
17-17 games started // 1208-minutes |
| 2nd |
|
Luther College
Head Coach: Chris Garcia-Prats (12th season, 137-66-23)
2018 Record: 19-4-1 overall, 6-1-1 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: 2nd (Conference Tournament Champion)
2018 NCAA Tournament: First Round - Defeated Knox 1-0 OT, Second Round - Defeated Dominican 3-2, Sweet 16 - Defeated St. Thomas 1-0, Elite 8 - Lost to Chicago 1-0
Returning All-Conference: Ben Keller (2018, 2017 First Team, F, Sr.), Harry Merz (2018 First Team, 2017 Honorable Mention D, Sr.)
Starters Returning: 4
Starters Lost: 7
Chris Garcia-Prats - “We return a strong core of players from the NCAA Quarterfinal team along with strong additions in our recruiting class. The team is excited about the 2019 season and looking forward to challenge for the conference title!!” |
| Players to Watch: *Returning Players Only |
|
| Ben Keller - F (Sr.) |
12-goals // 6-assists // .536-SOG% // 7-game winners |
| Harry Merz - D (Sr.) |
23-23 games started // 1-goal // 1-assist |
| Carson Davenport -Gk. (Jr.) |
22-24 games started // 14-4-1 record // .764-save% // 8.3-shutouts |
| Faydane Ouro-Akondo - F (So.) |
1-goal // 4-assists // .667-SOG% // 1-game winner |
| Colin Hughes- MF (Sr.) |
2-goals // 2-assists |
| 3rd |
|
Wartburg College
Head Coach: Mike Madigan (3rd season, 17-12-8)
2018 Record: 9-7-3 overall, 5-2-1 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: t-3rd
Returning All-Conference: Riley Close (2018 Honorable Mention, D Sr.)
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 5
Mike Madigan - “Through the spring, summer and our recent trip to the Netherlands & Germany, the guys have worked really hard, and we’re all excited for a competitive year in the American Rivers Conference.” |
| Players to Watch: *Returning Players Only |
|
| Riley Close - D (Sr.) |
18-19 games started // 2-goals // 1-assist // 1-game winner |
| Nathan Feiner - MF (Sr.) |
17-19 games started // 1-assist |
| Nick Schwake - MF (Sr.) |
19-19 games started // 2-assists |
| 4th |
|
Simpson College
Head Coach: Rick Isaacson (9th season, 92-60-12)
2018 Record: 11-6-2 Overall; 5-2-1 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: t-3rd
Returning All-Conference: Trevor Fuccio (2018 First Team, D, Sr.), Baraka Ellie (2018 First Team, MF, So.), Tanner Alderson (2018, 2017 First Team, F, Sr.), Darius Doswell (2018 Honorable Mention, MF, Sr.), Brendan Owings (2017 Honorable Mention, MF, Sr.), Connor Robson (2017 Honorable Mention, D, Sr.).
Starters Returning: 10
Starters Lost: 1
Rick Isaacson - “The American Rivers Conference is now firmly established as one of the top soccer conferences in NCAA DIII. The 2019 season will likely be as competitive as ever. We return an experienced squad that is eager for the season to begin.” |
| Players to Watch: *Returning Players Only |
|
| Jake Potratz - GK (Jr.) |
10-5-2 record // .769-save% // 6.2-shutouts |
| Justin Gilmour - MF (Jr.) |
7-goals // 1-assist // .619-SOG% |
| Ian Dean - MF (Jr.) |
5-goals // 2-assists // .588-SOG% |
| Brendan Owings - D (Sr.) |
18-19 games started // 2-goals |
| Connor Robson - D (Sr.) |
1003-minutes // 1-assist |
| 5th |
|
Central College
Head Coach: Garry Laidlaw (22 seasons,198-174-18)
2018 Record: 9-9 overall, 5-3 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: 5th
Returning All-Conference: Taylor Petkovich (2018 First Team, 2017 Honorable Mention, D, Sr.)
Starters Returning: 5
Starters Lost: 6
Garry Laidlaw - “We are excited to get started! We graduated a strong senior class, yet we have another great group of leaders to follow in addition to a large incoming class. Loras and Luther have set the standard high in recent years. The other programs continue to improve, making for an ever stronger and always competitive league. I suspect it will be the same this year. |
| Players to Watch: *Returning Players Only |
|
| Taylor Petkovich - D (Sr.) |
1348-minutes // 1-goal |
| Landon Daniels - D (Sr.) |
16-16 games started // 1-goal |
| Ian Meentemeyer - F (Sr.) |
16-18 games started // 1-goal |
| 6th |
|
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Brandon Bonilla (2nd season, 8-8-1)
2018 Record: 8-8-1 overall, 3-5 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: 6th
Returning All-Conference: None
Starters Returning: 7
Starters Lost: 4
Brandon Bonilla - “I am very excited to get this season going. I feel that our team made some good progress over the spring and I think we will play an exciting brand of soccer this coming year. With the returning talent and the guys coming in, I think we will be right in the thick of the conference battle. The A-R-C is a great conference! Luther proved that as they made it to the Elite 8 last year and Loras is consistently in the NCAA tournament! It will be a battle until the final whistle, and I can’t wait to get back at it with my guys! Go Prairie Wolves!" |
| Players to Watch: *Returning Players Only |
|
| Ben Schulz - MF (Jr.) |
3-goals // 2-assists // 2-game winners |
| Hunter Kruse - F (So.) |
1.44-GAA |
| Luke Livingston - D (Jr.) |
1-goal // 1-assist |
| Logan Lawrence - MF (So.) |
3-goals // 1-assist // .538-SOG% |
| 7th |
|
University of Dubuque
Head Coach: Brad Johnson (11th season, 102-70-13)
2018 Record: 4-12 overall, 2-6 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: 7th
Returning All-Conference: Cameron Scott (2018 Honorable Mention, MF, Sr.), Dominik Chece (2018 Honorable Mention, MF, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 9
Starters Lost: 2
Brad Johnson - "There are high expectations for the UD Men’s Soccer program entering the 2019 season. The Spartans will look to an experienced class of returners and an eager class of newcomers to continue our successful ways. The Conference will once again be very competitive, and we are excited to get started.” |
| Players to Watch: *Returning Players Only |
|
| Josh Merkel – D (Jr.) |
16-16 games started // 1310-minutes |
| Brandon White – GK (Jr.) |
63-saves // .759-save% // 4.0-shutouts |
| Gloire Luwara – F (So.) |
1-goal // 3-assists |
| 8th |
|
Coe College
Head Coach: Sonny Travis (1st season)
2018 Record: 0-14-1 overall, 0-8 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: 9th
Returning All-Conference: None
Starters Returning: 5
Starters Lost: 6
Sonny Travis - “We will be a young team this year with no seniors, but a talented freshmen class is coming in for 2019. Our goal is to get better each week, be competitive and begin to gel as A-R-C Conference play begins. The A-R-C has been a traditionally strong soccer conference and is well respected across the country." |
| Players to Watch: *Returning Players Only |
|
| Matthew Joseph - MF (So.) |
15-15 games started // 1124-minutes |
| Abdi Abdi - MF (So.) |
1086-minutes // 1-goal |
| Ammar Abu-Halawa - D/MF (So.) |
3.03-GAA |
| 9th |
|
Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Ross Minick (1st season)
2018 Record: 1-16-16 overall,1-6-1 Conference
2018 Conference Finish: 8th
Returning All-Conference: None
Starters Returning: 5
Starters Lost: 6
Ross Minick - “I am excited to lead BVU into the next stage of our development as a program. We made a lot of headway last year and we are continuing that this coming season. I have a driven group of returners who want to prove themselves and an incoming class of freshmen that are motivated to make an impact on the field. Our soccer family at Buena Vista is more than ready for the task at hand this fall and competing at the highest level will be our mission.” |
| Players to Watch: *Returning Players Only |
|
| Manny Garcia Aguilar - GK (Sr.) |
15-16 games started // 102-saves // .718-save% |
| Nik Brimeyer- MF (Sr.) |
1033-minutes // 1-assist |
| Noah Bardwell - F (Sr.) |
2-goals // 1-assist // 1-game winner |
| Eugenio Rosiles - MF (Jr.) |
17-17 games started / 3.01-GAA |
