A new season of NCAA soccer is getting ready to start this Friday. What better time to take a look at the top programs from last season.
Today, we take a look at the rankings from 2013, and provide a deep dive into several of the top programs: Notre Dame (17-1-6 in 2013, reining national champs), Maryland (17-4-5), and Virginia (13-6-5). The season will kick off this Friday, with a host of matches played across the country. Notre Dame will begin its year on 8/29 by taking on #12-ranked Marquette, Maryland will kick off against #14-ranked Louisville, and Virginia will challenge #25-ranked Old Dominion.
The full NSCAA coaches rankings appear below (and on NCAA.com), followed by a briefings for Notre Dame, Maryland, Virginia and Washington.
Photo: NCAA.com
The Fighting Irish made a splash in their first year in the ACC, which culminated in a national championship. Their defense was solid all season, allowing more then one goal only once in the entirety of the season. Though the lads from South Bend lost their rock in goalkeeper Patrick Hall, they do return the dynamic duo of junior midfielder Patrick Hodan and senior forward Vince Cicciarelli who combined for 17 goals and 8 assists last season. With Maryland now in the Big Ten, the Irish look ready to take the conference and repeat as champs.
The Terrapins will be making their debut in the Big Ten conference this season. Following a 2-1 loss to Notre Dame in the title game last year, the Terps have some work to do. They lost leading goal scorer Patrick Mullins who accounted for 19 goals and 8 assist and have a defense that needs strengthening. The Terps allowed 31 goals last season but should still be in the title picture come December.
Ranked third behind the two 2013 title contenders, the Cavaliers are a team who could just as easily hoist the trophy come season's end. Head coach George Gelnovatch has 10 returning starters this season, which is almost unheard of. Their depth and experience will be unmatched this season, and you would think that the Cavaliers will only improve this year.
Wildcard: Washington
The Huskies have a squad that is just as lethal as anyone in the country. Behind a solid attack that sees all three of their top scorers returning, the Huskies have a very strong back line that sees plenty of returnees and should go further than their elite eight appearance last year.
