Landmark Conference tabs Cardinals first in preseason poll

WASHINGTON – Winners of two of the last three Landmark Conference championships, the CUA men’s soccer team was selected first in this year’s preseason poll, announced on Thursday.  The Cardinals registered 67 points overall and six first place votes to finish ahead of second place USMMA (44 points).

CUA went 14-4-1 a season ago, including an impressive 6-0-1 mark within the conference.  The Cardinals ran off a string of 11 consecutive matches without a loss at one point, propelling them to their fourth straight conference championship game.

Head Coach Travis Beauchamp returns five All-Conference performers and one All-Region selection from a season ago.  During the last four seasons, CUA has totaled 55 victories and appeared in two NCAA Tournaments.

Following CUA and USMMA in the poll are Drew with 43 points and Scranton with 32.  Next up are Susquehanna (30), Goucher (18), Juniata (14) and Moravian (8).

CUA begins the 2012 season on Saturday, September 1 when the Cardinals play host to Dickinson at CUA Soccer Field.  Start time is set for noon.

2012 Landmark Conference Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll
School, Points (# of first place votes)
1. Catholic, 67 (6)
2. USMMA, 44 (1)
3. Drew (1), 43
4. Scranton, 32
5. Susquehanna, 30
6. Goucher, 18
7. Juniata, 14
8. Moravian, 8