CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Results of the 2021 American Rivers Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Poll (as voted on by the league's head coaches):
| 2021 American Rivers Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2020 (Spring 2021) Record |
| 1. |
Dubuque (6) |
62 |
8-1-1, 6-1-1 A-R-C (Conference Champions) |
| 2. |
Loras |
51 |
5-0-3, 5-0-3 A-R-C |
| 3. |
Luther (2) |
50 |
5-2-1, 5-2-1 A-R-C |
| 4. |
Simpson |
39 |
3-2-2, 3-2-2 A-R-C |
| 5. |
Wartburg |
38 |
5-2, 5-2 A-R-C |
| 6. |
Central |
28 |
3-4-1, 3-4-1 A-R-C |
| 7. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
26 |
2-4, 2-4 A-R-C |
| 8. |
Buena Vista (1) |
16 |
0-8, 0-8 A-R-C |
| 9. |
Coe |
14 |
1-7, 1-7 A-R-C |
Dubuque Men's Soccer, who finished the 2020 (Spring 2021) season as conference champions, are the coaches' choice to win the 2021 American Rivers Conference Championship. The Spartans were chosen first on six ballots (coaches do not vote on their own team) and earned 62 points. 2020 (Spring 2021) runner-up, Loras, earned the No. 2 ranking. The Duhawks garnered 51 points.
Luther was picked to finish third, earning 50 points and two first place votes. Simpson and Wartburg were picked to finish fourth and fifth, earning 39 and 38 points. Central earned 28 points to finish in sixth in this year's poll. Nebraska Wesleyan followed in seventh with 26 points. Buena Vista (16 points, one first-place vote) and Coe (14 points) finished in eighth and ninth.
United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll/D3soccer.com: At this time, no rankings have been dropped by D3soccer.com. Luther debuted at No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches Division III preseason poll.
New Coaches: None
The Schedule: All nine of the leagues' institutions kick off the 2021 season on Wednesday, September 1. Buena Vista is set to host Mount Marty out of the GPAC and Central hosts the MIAC's St. Olaf. Coe will travel to Midwest Conference member Grinnell and Dubuque will play at home against Saint Mary's, a member of the MIAC. Loras travels to De Pere to open play against St. Norbert and Luther will host Cornell, both out of the Midwest Conference. Nebraska Wesleyan is set to host Dakota Wesleyan, a member of the GPAC. Simpson hosts CCIW member, Augustana (Ill.) and Wartburg will host Gustavus out of the MIAC.
The eight-game round robin American Rivers Conference schedule begins on Saturday, September 25 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 a 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 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 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 |
|
University of Dubuque
Head Coach: Brad Johnson (12th season, 118-77-16)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 6-1-1 overall, 6-1-1 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 1st
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2016/1
Returning All-Conference: Axel Aaman (2020 First-Team, MF, Sr.), Darren Gray (2020 First-Team, D, So.), Joel Johansson (2020 First-Team, F, Jr.), Gloire Luwara (2020, 2019 First-Team, F, Sr.), Lucas Von Braun (2020 First-Team, MF, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 8
Starters Lost: 3
Brad Johnson - "There are high expectations for the UD Men's Soccer program entering the 2021 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: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Axel Aaman - D (Sr.) |
8-games started // 3-goals // 5-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Darren Gray - D (So.) |
8-games started // 1-goal // 3-SOG // 1-game winner |
| Joel Johansson - MF (Jr.) |
8-games started // 5-assists |
| Lucas Von Braun - MF (Jr.) |
7-games started // 3-goals // 6-SOG // 1-game winner |
| Gloire Luwara - F (Sr.) |
7-games started // 3-goals // 1-game winner |
| 2nd |
|
Loras College
Head Coach: Steven McCarthy (2nd season, 5-0-3)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 5-0-3 overall, 5-0-3 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 2nd
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2017/12
Returning All-Conference: Michael Brandt (2020 First-Team, MF, Jr.), Patrick Clancy (2020 First-Team, F, Jr.), Tigrio Huerta (2020, 2019 First-Team, 2019 Offensive MVP, F, Sr.), Kevin Kucaba (2020 First-Team, MF, Sr.), Kyler Donovan (2020 Honorable Mention, D, Sr.)
Starters Returning: 11
Starters Lost: 0
Steven McCarthy - “We are excited for the opportunity to compete in a full 2021 season. We look forward to building off our strong 2020 (Spring 2021) season and win championships." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Tigrio Huerta - F (Sr.) |
6-games started // 3-goals // 1-game winner |
| Kevin Kucaba - MF (Sr.) |
7-games started // 4-assists |
| Jose Melo - D (Sr.) |
6-games played // 1-goal // 2-assists // 1-game winner |
| Michael Brandt - D (Jr.) |
6-games played // 3-goals // 3-SOG |
| Patrick Clancy - F (Jr.) |
7-games started // 5-goals // 1-assist // 1-game winner |
| 3rd |
|
Luther College
Head Coach: Chris Garcia-Prats (14th season, 159-72-28)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 5-2-1 overall, 5-2-1 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: t-3rd
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2019 NCAA Elite 8/10
Returning All-Conference: Carson Davenport (2020 First-Team, GK, Sr.), Marcos Vila (2020 First-Team, 2020 Offensive MVP, F, Sr.), Faydane Ouro-Akondo (2020 First-Team, MF, Sr.), Steven Johnson (2020 First-Team, D, Sr.), Will Overberg (2020 First-Team, MF, Jr.), Tim Hellerman (2020 First-Team, MF, So.)
Starters Returning: 10
Starters Lost: 1
Chris Garcia-Prats - “This past spring showed that the league is as tight as ever! I would assume you will see the same this fall. Our group is comprised of experienced returners along with a strong incoming recruiting class who are extremely motivated to perform at our highest level.” |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Carson Davenport - GK (Sr.) |
8-games played // 9-GA // 23-saves // .719-save% |
| Steven Johnson - D (Sr.) |
8-games started // 1-goal // 2-SOG |
| Will Overberg - MF (Jr.) |
8-games started // 1-goal // 4-assists |
| Faydane Ouro-Akondo - MF (Sr.) |
8-games started // 1-goal // 5-assists |
| Marcos Vila - F (Sr.) |
8-games started // 7-goals // 2-assists // 16-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Tim Hellerman - MF (So.) |
8-games started // 3-goals // 2-assists // 5-SOG // 2-game winners |
| 4th |
|
Simpson College
Head Coach: Rick Isaacson (11th season, 111-66-16)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 3-2-2 overall, 3-2-2 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 5th
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 200/1
Returning All-Conference: Baraka Ellie (2020, 2019, 2018 First-Team, MF, Sr.), Jordy Triana-Vasquez (2020 First-Team, MF, Sr.), Ricardo Ibarra (2020 Honorable Mention, D, Sr.), Enrique Idehen (2020 Honorable Mention, F, Sr.)
Starters Returning: 9
Starters Lost: 2
Rick Isaacson - “Our guys are excited to start competing again. The A-R-C is full of talented teams in 2021. We expect the conference race to be as competitive as ever this fall." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Baraka Ellie - MF (Sr.) |
7-games started // 1-goal // 4-assists |
| Jordy Triana-Vasques - MF (Sr.) |
7-games started // 5-goals // 11-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Ricardo Ibarra - D (Sr.) |
5-games started // 2-SOG |
| Mateaus Lewis - MF (Jr.) |
7-games started // 1-goal // 2-assists // 1-game winner |
| Roderick Orellana-Lemus - MF (Jr.) |
7-games played // 479-minutes |
| Alan Imamovic - D (Jr.) |
7-games started // 1-assist |
| 5th |
|
Wartburg College
Head Coach: Mike Madigan (5th season, 30-22-10)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 5-2 overall, 5-2 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 3rd
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2014/9
Returning All-Conference: Jack Palen (2020 First-Team, F, Sr.), Payton Chapman (2020 First-Team, D, Jr.), Caleb Halleran (2020 First-Team, MF, Jr.), Sam Thomann (2020 Honorable Mention, D, Sr.), Brennon Woody (2020 Honorable Mention, GK, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 11
Starters Lost: 0
Mike Madigan - “We're excited to play a full schedule this fall. Our strong non-conference slate will prepare us for another great year in the nationally competivie American Rivers Conference." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Jack Palen - F (Sr.) |
7-games started // 5-goals // 2-assists // 12-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Sam Thomann - D (Sr.) |
7-games started // 1-goal // 2-SOG |
| Payton Chapman - D (Jr.) |
7-games started // 7-assists |
| Caleb Halleran - MF (Jr.) |
7-games started // 3-assists |
| Brennon Woody - GK (Jr.) |
7-games started // 20-saves // 0.892-GAA // 5-2 record |
| 6th |
|
Central College
Head Coach: Garry Laidlaw (23rd season, 215-182-21)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 3-4-1 overall, 3-4-1 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 6th
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2019/1
Returning All-Conference: Brant Mueller (2020, 2019 Honorable Mention, D, Jr.), John Foster (2020 Honorable Mention, GK, So.)
Starters Returning: 8
Starters Lost: 3
Garry Laidlaw - “Coming off a more limited spring season, we feel like we have essentially two freshman classes this year. We look forward to molding the group while hopefully resuming to a more typical season this fall. The league continues to look like one of great parity and competitiveness." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Brant Mueller - D (Sr.) |
8-games started // 2-goals // 1-assist // 4-SOG // 2-game winners |
| Jake Dzarnowski - MF (Sr.) |
4-games played // 124-minutes |
| Zach Worster - F/MF (Sr.) |
7-games played // 1-goals // 1-assist // 3-SOG |
| 7th |
|
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Brandon Bonilla (4th season, 17-20-4)
2020 (Spring 2021) Record: 2-4 overall, 2-4 A-R-C
2020 (Spring 2021) Conference Finish: 7th
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2002-3
Returning All-Conference: Logan Lawrence (2020 Honorable Mention, MF, Sr.), Alex Aguilar (2020 Honorable Mention, F, Jr.), Luke Monson (2020, 2019 Honorable Mention, MF, Jr.)
Starters Returning: 9
Starters Lost: 1
Brandon Bonilla - “We are really excited about the year. The Covid-19 virus has affected everyone and we are looking forward to getting back to a full season. We return almost everyone from our 2020 roster and are adding an exciting incoming class. It is going to be another great year in one of the toughest conferences in the country." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Luke Monson - MF (Jr.) |
6-games started // 1-goal // 2-SOG // 1-game winner |
| Alex Aguilar - F (Jr.) |
6-games started // 2-goals // 1-game winner |
| Logan Lawrence - MF (Sr.) |
6-games started // 1-goal // 2-SOG |
| Jake Hulquest - D (Jr.) |
6-games started // 552-minutes |
| 8th |
|
Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Ross Minick (3rd season, 1-22-3)
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: 10
Starters Lost: 1
Ross Minick - “I am so excited to get a full season with our squad. We will benefit greatly from our 100% retention from last spring and the experience our young team gained." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Noah Becker - MF (Sr.) |
8-games started // 1-assist |
| Braedan Evans - F (Jr.) |
8-games started // 3-goals // 1-assist // 6-SOG |
| Connor Williams - D (So.) |
8-games started // 672-minutes |
| Zach Tretler - MF (So.) |
8-games started // 2-goals |
| Isaiah Thomas - GK (So.) |
5-games started // 37-saves |
| 9th |
|
Coe College
Head Coach: Kyle Bakas (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): 0
Returning All-Conference: None
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 5
Kyle Bakas - “We are really looking forward to taking the next step in establishing our identity, and hoping to be a little bit more competitive with the heavy hitters. The top of the table is going to be fascinating with Dubuque and Loras looking untouchable right now; but hopefully one of the other top 6 teams can make it a three-horse race." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
Conference Only Statistics |
| Blake Jungman - D (Jr.) |
4-games played // 1-goal // 2-SOG |
| Brayden Koch - D (Jr.) |
2-games played // 121-minutes |
| Zachary Mooney - MF (So.) |
8-games started // 1-goal // 1-assist // 2-SOG |
| Colton Wever - MF (Jr.) |
8-games played // 375-minutes |
| Connor Fitch - F (Jr.) |
7-games played // 2-assists |
