WINTER PARK, Fla. – Nova Southeastern men’s soccer received an eighth-place spot in the 2012 Sunshine State Conference preseason poll, as voted on by the conference coaches and sports information directors.
The Sharks received 41 points in the poll after a disappointing 2011 campaign. The Sharks missed the SSC Tournament for the first time since joining the conference. NSU had made six straight appearances in the postseason, the longest streak at the time.
The Sharks will look to rebound with 18 newcomers joining the 2012 roster. The Sharks will also be returning standouts, such as Andrea Giombetti (So., Rome, Italy), who placed second in the SSC in saves last year, and Tyree Clarke (So., Birmingham, England), who totaled two goals and two assists last season.
Lynn has been selected as the preseason favorite to repeat as SSC men's soccer champions in 2012. The Fighting Knights collected 192 points in the preseason poll. Lynn received 16 first-place votes, the highest total possible since each school's voters do not rank their own squad.
Barry, which tied for fourth in the 2011 league standings, was selected to place second. The Buccaneers gathered 158 points to narrowly edge Rollins, which was slated to finish third with 157 points. The Tars, who ranked third in last fall's standings, also received the two remaining first-place votes.
Florida Tech was tabbed to finish fourth with 120 points. Tampa appeared in the fifth spot with 100 points. Saint Leo was predicted to finish sixth, collecting 94 points. Eckerd claimed 73 points and placed one spot ahead of the Sharks while Florida Southern finished last with 37 points.
The Sharks will kick off their season Thursday, Aug. 30 at home against Ave Maria at 6 p.m.
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