CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Results of the 2021 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Women's Soccer Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches:
| 2021 American Rivers Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2020 (Spring 2021) Record |
| 1. |
Wartburg (7) |
63 |
7-0, 7-0 A-R-C (Conference Champions) |
| 2. |
Loras (2) |
57 |
7-1, 7-1 A-R-C |
| 3. |
Dubuque |
48 |
6-3-1, 4-3-1 A-R-C |
| 4. |
Luther |
42 |
4-4, 4-4 A-R-C |
| 5. |
Simpson |
40 |
4-2-1, 4-2-1 A-R-C |
| 6. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
26 |
2-3, 2-3 A-R-C |
| 7. |
Central |
24 |
3-4, 3-4 A-R-C |
| 8. |
Coe |
16 |
1-7, 1-7 A-R-C |
| 9. |
Buena Vista |
8 |
0-8, 0-8 A-R-C |
The Wartburg College Knights, 2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Champions, are the coaches' choice to win the 2021 American Rivers Conference Women's Soccer title. Wartburg was chosen first on seven ballots (coaches do not vote on their own team) and earned 63 points to take the No. 1 ranking in the Coaches Preseason Poll. Loras College, who finished second in 2020 (Spring 2021), were picked second and earned 57 points, taking two first-place votes. Dubuque garnered 48 points to earn third in the poll and the Luther Norse tallied 42 points as the coaches' pick for fourth-place. Coming in as the fifth-place selection was Simpson College with 40 points. Nebraska Wesleyan rounds out the top six with 26 points. Central finishes seventh, Coe eighth, and Buena Vista ninth.
United Soccer Coaches/D3soccer.com Preseason Poll: At this time, no rankings have been dropped by D3soccer.com. Wartburg debuted at No. 24 in the United Soccer Coaches Division III preseason poll.
New Coaches: None
The Schedule: Coe kicks off the 2021 season on Saturday, August 28th. The Kohawks are set to host Mount Mercy out of the Heart of America Athletics Conference. Wednesday, September 1 will see the remaining eight members of the league take the pitch for the start of the 2021 season. Central will host Gustavus out of the MIAC and Simpson will travel to Illinois Wesleyan out of the CCIW. The Midwest Conference's Grinnell College will travel to the University of Dubuque and Loras will travel to St. Norbert out of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). The Buena Vista Beavers will host Mount Marty University (S.D.) out of the GPAC and Luther will host UW-La Crosse out of the WIAC. Wartburg is hosting UW-Stevens Point, also out of the WIAC, and Nebraska Wesleyan is hosting Doane out of the GPAC for game one of 2021.
The eight-game round robin American Rivers Conference schedule begins Saturday, September 28 with four games. Luther will host Central for the opening of league play, while Dubuque will travel to Waverly for a match-up with Wartburg. Coe will make the trip to Storm Lake to kick off conference play against Buena Vista and Nebraska Wesleyan is set to host Loras. Simpson begins league action on Saturday, October 2 with a road trip to Loras.
Conference Tournament: At the conclusion of the regular season conference schedule, the top six teams move onto the 2021 Conference Tournament. The tournament begins Saturday, October 30th with the 4/5 seeds and the 3/6 seeds meeting at the higher seeded home pitch. On Wednesday, November 3rd 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 6th (at higher seed home venue) for the tournament title and the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
| 1st |
|
Wartburg College
Head Coach: Tiffany Pins (11th season, 117-49-26)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 7-0 overall, 7-0 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 1st, Conference Champion
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2019/8
Returning All-Conference: Sarah Campbell (2020, 2019 First-Team, 2020 Defensive MVP, D, Sr.), Joy Smith (2020, 2019 First-Team, F, Sr.), Hailey Osburn (2020, 2019 First-Team, 2018 Honorable Mention, D, Sr.), Marissa Lopez (2020 First-Team, 2018 Honorable Mention, GK, Sr.), Kate Luers (2020, 2019 First-Team, MF, Sr.), Gabby Corday (2020, 2019 First-Team, MF/D, Jr.), Katie Berglund (2020 First-Team, F/MF, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 11
Starters Lost: 0
Tiffany Pins - “We are excited to be back playing during the fall season. Last spring showed how tough our conference play will be this year. We are looking forward to a competitive season!" |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Sarah Campbell - D (Sr.) |
7-games started // 2-goals // 2-assists // 8-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Joy Smith - F (Sr.) |
7-games started // 3-goals // 1-assist // 7-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Hailey Osburn - D (Sr.) |
7-games started // 599-minutes |
| Marissa Lopez - GK (Sr.) |
7-games played // 16-saves |
| Kate Luers - MF (Sr.) |
7-games started // 2-goals // 2-assists // 11-SOG // 1-game winner |
| Gabby Corday - MF/D (Jr.) |
7-games started // 1-goal // 1-assist // 4-SOG |
| Katie Berglund - F/MF (Jr.) |
7-games played // 3-goals // 7-SOG |
| 2nd |
|
Loras College
Head Coach: Matt Pucci (6th season, 64-16-6)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 7-1 overall, 7-1 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 2nd
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2018/14
Returning All-Conference: Brynn Jacobi (2020, 2019, 2018 First-Team, 2019 Offensive MVP, F, Sr.), Emily Perhats (2020 First-Team, F, Sr.), Ryleigh O'Brien (2019 First-Team, F, Sr.), Josie McDermott (2020 First-Team, D, Sr.), Payton McDonnell (2020, 2019 First-Team, MF, Jr.), Abby Eriksen (2020, 2019 First-Team, F, Jr.), Olivia Lansing (2020 First-Team, D, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 11
Starters Lost: 0
Matt Pucci - “We are so excited for the 2021 season and can't wait to get started!" |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Brynn Jacobi - F (Sr.) |
8-games played // 3-goals // 2-assists // 15-SOG // 1-game winner |
| Ryleigh O'Brien - F (Sr.) |
7-games played // 2-goals // 2-assists // 8-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Payton McDonnell - MF (Jr.) |
8-games started // 1-goal // 13-assists // 9-SOG |
| Abby Eriksen - F (Jr.) |
8-games started // 4-goals // 3-assists // 18-SOG |
| Emily Perhats - F (Sr.) |
8-games played // 6-goals // 1-assist // 16-SOG // 3-game winners |
| Josie McDermott - D (Sr.) |
8-games started // 1-assist |
| Olivia Lansing - MF (Jr.) |
8-games played // 1-SOG |
| 3rd |
|
University of Dubuque
Head Coach: Jason Berna (21st season, 210-140-28)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 6-3-1 overall, 4-3-1 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: t-3rd
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2014/2
Returning All-Conference: Carissa Brown (2021, 19, 18, 17 First-Team, 2017 Defensive MVP, D, Sr.), Brooke Brodzinski (2021 First-Team, 2021 Offensive MVP, 2019 Honorable Mention, F, Jr.), Baylee Vincent (2021 First-Team, MF, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 5
Starters Lost: 6
Jason Berna - “Should be another strong year for the A-R-C in conference and regionally. Really excited to have a full year for the players and see how things shake out this fall." |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Brooke Brodzinski - F (Jr.) |
8-games started // 10-goals // 2-assists // 19-SOG // 4-game winners |
| Carissa Brown - D (Sr.) |
8-games started // 658-minutes |
| Molly Schiltz - MF (Sr.) |
8-games played // 7-SOG |
| Baylee Vincent - MF (Jr.) |
8-games started // 2-assists // 1-SOG |
| 4th |
|
Luther College
Head Coach: Hollie Gray III (2nd season, 4-4)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 4-4 overall, 4-4 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 5th
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2016/1
Returning All-Conference: Megan Munger (2020 First-Team, MF, Jr.), Maggie Haller (2020 First-Team, F, So.), Ella Smith (2020 Honorable Mention, D, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 2
Hollie Gray III - “The 2021 season is sure to be an exciting one as we look to return to a sense of normalcy. The league is sure to be at its most competitive point yet." |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Ella Smith - D (Jr.) |
8-games started // 1-SOG |
| Megan Munger - MF (Jr.) |
7-games played // 8-goals // 1-assits // 11-SOG // 3-game winners |
| Maggie Haller - F (So.) |
8-games started // 3-goals // 4-assists // 13-SOG // 1-game winner |
| 5th |
|
Simpson College
Head Coach: Jeremy Reinert (3rd Season, 18-18-6)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 4-2-1 overall, 4-2-1 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: t-3rd
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 1999/1
Returning All-Conference: Megan Roberts (2020, 2019 Honorable Mention, F, Jr.), Cassie Nash (2020 First-Team, F, So.), Abby Cozzoni (2020 Honorable Mention, D, Jr.), Brooklin Froehlich (2019 Honorable Mention, D, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 8
Starters Lost: 3
Jeremy Reinert - “We are eager to compete in a full DIII and A-R-C conference schedule this fall. We hope to utilize a difficult non-conference to prepare for the rigors of A-R-C play. It's going to be a competitive and fun season; we can't wait to get going!" |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Cassie Nash - F (So.) |
7-games started // 4-goals // 2-assists // 14-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Megan Roberts - F (Jr.) |
7-games started // 4-goals // 2-assists // 19-SOG |
| Abby Cozzoni - D (Jr.) |
7-games started // 1-goal |
| Lizzie Arnburg - MF (So.) |
7-games started // 4-SOG |
| Brooklin Froehlich - D (Jr.) |
7-games played // 1-assist |
| 6th |
|
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Jen Dyson (4th season, 22-17)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 2-3 overall, 2-3 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 7th
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 0
Returning All-Conference: None
Starters Returning: 7
Starters Lost: 4
Jen Dyson - “It is great to be back to a fall season and I am excited to continue to grow our program with an awesome group of women in this great American Rivers Conference!” |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Leslie Borges - GK (Sr.) |
5-games played // 18-saves |
| Megan Cooper - F (Jr.) |
5-games started // 2-goals // 3-assists // 5-SOG |
| 7th |
|
Central College
Head Coach: Michael Kobylinski (11th season, 102-56-18)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 3-4 overall, 3-4 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 6th
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 0
Returning All-Conference: Abby Frey (2020 First-Team, MF, So.), Maddi Fisher (2020 Honorable Mention, D, So.)
Starters Returning: 10
Starters Lost: 1
Michael Kobylinski- “We are ready to compete in one of the toughest leagues in America. We have some great leadership and women who work hard for each other. We are excited that we return 10 of our 11 starters from last year along with other quality returners to not only combine with our talented incoming class but to also show how our team meshes together on and off the pitch." |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Abby Frey - MF (So.) |
7-games started // 4-goals // 1-assist // 10-SOG |
| Maddi Fisher - D (So.) |
7-games started // 5-SOG |
| Sydney Canney - D (Sr.) |
7-games started // 568-minutes |
| Bridget Lynch - D/MF (Jr.) |
7-games started // 1-goal // 4-SOG |
| Alyssa Knuth - D (Jr.) |
6-games started // 472-minutes |
| Rachel Daniels - F (Jr.) |
7-games started // 2-goals // 9-SOG //1-game winner |
| 8th |
|
Coe College
Head Coach: Eric Struble (2nd season, 1-7)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 1-7 overall, 1-7 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 8th
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2018/1
Returning All-Conference: Carlin Morsch (2019 Honorable Mention, MF, Sr.)
Starters Returning: 5
Starters Lost: 6
Eric Struble - “We had a pretty young squad last year and the coaching staff is really excited to see how much they've grown. We think that with all their experience from last year that we're going to surprise some people this season." |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Lauren Dufoe - F (So.) |
8-games started // 1-goal // 1-assist |
| Carlin Morsch - D (Sr.) |
8-games started // 1-goal // 1-SOG |
| Ella Weber - MF (So.) |
8-games played // 624-minutes |
| Alex Montalbano - GK (Sr.) |
5-games played // 31-saves |
| Jordan Rosas - MF (So.) |
8-games played // 1-assist |
| 9th |
|
Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Benton Frayne (3rd season, 2-23)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 0-8 overall, 0-8 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 9th
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 0
Returning All-Conference: None
Starters Returning: 8
Starters Lost: 3
Benton Frayne - “Each season provides an opportunity to grow on and off the field. We are excited for new opportunities to compete in and out of the conference." |
| Players to Watch (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| McKeely Tjaden - GK (Sr.) |
8-games started // 151-saves |
| Nikki Schuppan - MF (Sr.) |
8-games started // 1 assist |
| Tobi Brich - D/MF (Sr.) |
8-games started // 1-SOG |
| Maddie Burr - D (So.) |
8-games started // 707-minutes |
