PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The UMass Boston men’s soccer team was picked to repeat as Little East Conference (LEC) champions, according to the results of the 2023 LEC Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The reigning LEC tournament champs edged out 2022 LEC regular season champion Western Connecticut by a single point for the top spot in the poll.
 
The Beacons posted an overall record of 10-6-4 last season, and took the LEC tournament crown on penalties after battling WestConn to a scoreless draw in the conference championship final. The Wolves were undefeated last year, going 20-0-2 as they won the LEC regular season title with a perfect 8-0-0 record. The Wolves were one of three teams that did not suffer a single loss in 2022, the others being Messiah and defending national championship University of Chicago.
 
Eastern Connecticut was picked to finish third in the conference this season after totaling 52 points, while Rhode Island College was picked fourth with 40 points. The Warriors were 12-6-1 (6-2-0 LEC) year ago, while the Anchormen went 4-8-4 (2-3-3 LEC). Both advanded to the 2022 LEC semifinals. Rounding out the projected six-team LEC tournament field are Keene State and Vermont State Castleton.
 
The complete preseason poll results are as follows.
 
2023 Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll
 
Institution - Points (FPV)
1. UMass Boston - 60 (4)
2. Western Connecticut - 59 (5)
3. Eastern Connecticut - 52   
4. Rhode Island College - 40  
5. Keene State - 32     
6. VTSU Castleton - 30
7. Plymouth State - 20
8. Southern Maine - 20          
9. UMass Dartmouth - 11
           
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.