Tuesday, August 7, 2018

PORTLAND, Ore. – One year removed from its second consecutive conference championship, Simon Fraser finds itself ranked at No. 20 in the 2018 United Soccer Coaches Division II National Preseason Poll.

Simon Fraser joins Cal Poly Pomona (No. 4) and Point Loma (No. 23) as the only West Region teams included in the national preseason top-25 ranking. The Clan moved up one spot to open the season after finishing at No. 21 in 2017.

Last season, Clint Schneider’s team took home its second straight GNAC championship with a 7-2-3 conference record. Simon Fraser then advanced to the Division II Men’s Soccer Championship, where it suffered a tight 2-1 defeat in the opening round against Cal Poly Pomona.

The Clan’s dominance was on display time and again in 2017 as the club put together a pair of six-match unbeaten streaks throughout the year. The team clinched its conference championship on the penultimate day of the regular season, shutting out Seattle Pacific for a 2-0 victory.

Seven starters are back from that championship-winning side, highlighted by reigning GNAC Player of the Year Marcello Polisi. Five of the other returning starters also earned All-GNAC honors last season, including the team’s leading goal-scorer in Matteo Polisi.

Matteo finished the season with 10 goals from his forward position and was named GNAC Freshman of the Year. The younger Polisi brother and sophomore forward Connor Glennon (four goals, four assists, All-GNAC Honorable Mention) will be counted upon this year to lead Simon Fraser’s explosive offensive attack.

The Clan are set to open up the regular season on the road against Cal State San Bernardino on August 31.