PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The University of Massachusetts Boston men’s soccer team was predicted to win its second Little East Conference (LEC) championship in three seasons, according to the results of the 2024 LEC Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Beacons totaled 63 points and received seven first-place votes.
 
UMass Boston posted an overall record of 13-5-2 last season, and captured the LEC regular season title with 19 points after posting a 6-1-1 record in league play. The Beacons dispatched Rhode Island College in the LEC semifinals to advance to the title match for the second consecutive season, falling to Western Connecticut State University, 1-0.
 
The defending LEC tournament champion Wolves were picked second in the 2024 LEC Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll with 56 points and the two remaining first-place votes. WestConn posted an overall record of 15-5-3 in 2023 and tied for second in the final conference standings with 17 points (5-1-2). The Wolves advanced to the LEC title game for the fifth time in six seasons following a 2-1 win over the University of Southern Maine and a 3-1 win at Keene State College before winning the fifth LEC tournament title in program history with their victory over the Beacons.
 
Eastern Connecticut State University (45 points) edged out Rhode Island College (44 points) for third-place in this year’s preseason ranking. Keene State (38 points) and Southern Maine (31 points) round out the projected six-team LEC tournament field.
 
2024 LEC Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll
 
Institution - Points (First Place Votes)
1. UMass Boston - 63 (7)
2. Western Connecticut - 56 (2)
3. Eastern Connecticut - 45
4. Rhode Island College - 44
5. Keene State - 38
6. Southern Maine - 31
7. Vermont State Castleton - 20
8. Plymouth State - 16
9. UMass Dartmouth - 11
 
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.