The Simon Fraser University Clan men's soccer team is ranked third in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s NCAA Division II pre-season poll for a second consecutive year.
The Clan, which reached the NCAA Final Four the past two seasons, is right behind last year’s NCAA champion Southern New Hampshire and runner-up Carson-Newman in the poll.
SFU, led by four-time conference coach of the year Alan Koch, returns eight starters from last year's team.
Senior midfielder Jovan Blagojevic, who was second in the conference in goals scored last year, highlights this year’s group which also includes 2013 Great Northwest newcomer of the year Magnus Kristensen and defender of the year Alex Rowley.
Returning second-team all-conference starters Ryan Dhillon and Johannes Hallman will also help bolster another strong team for the 2014 season.
Last season, Simon Fraser led the NCAA with 211 total points and 77 goals.
Simon Fraser kicks off its 2014 season with a match against Sonoma State at on Sept. 4 at Terry Fox Field at 7:30 p.m.
