MELBOURNE, Fla. – Officially less than a week until kickoff, head coach
Matt Watts and the Nova Southeastern men's soccer team has been predicted to finish third overall in the Sunshine State Conference following the release of the SSC Preseason Coaches' Poll on Friday.
The Sharks were one of just three teams to earn first-place votes – pulling in two – as part of their 72 total points collected in the voting process. Lynn topped the poll with seven first-place tallies and 97 points, while Palm Beach Atlantic was projected runner-up with 90 points and the final two first-place nods. Florida Tech and Tampa rounded out the Top-5.
The COVID-19 pandemic spurned the Sharks from competition in 2020. Still, following three consecutive winning seasons, including a 9-6-3 record in 2019, NSU enters the fall receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches national rankings.
As the first of four straight home matches to open the regular season, the Sharks will face off against Gulf South Conference opponent Mississippi College next Thurs., Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.
To stay up-to-date with the Sharks throughout the season, follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_MSoccer.
Below are the full results of the 2021 SSC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their teams (points: 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, first-place votes in parentheses).
| Rank |
School |
Total |
| 1 |
Lynn |
97 (7) |
| 2 |
Palm Beach Atlantic |
90 (2) |
| 3 |
Nova Southeastern |
72 (2) |
| 4 |
Florida Tech |
68 |
| 5 |
Tampa |
65 |
| 6 |
Rollins |
60 |
| 7 |
Barry |
46 |
| 8 |
Florida Southern |
44 |
| 9 |
Saint Leo |
32 |
| 10 |
Embry-Riddle |
16 |
| 11 |
Eckerd |
15 |
