2012 MSC Preseason Coaches' Poll

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Following a 2011 season that was perfect on many levels, the Lindsey Wilson College men's soccer team is expected to capture the 2012 Mid-South Conference Championship, according to the Preseason Coaches' Poll released by league officials Friday afternoon.

The Blue Raiders took nine of the 10 available first-place votes to lead the poll with 81 points. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

Last season, Lindsey Wilson finished a perfect 23-0, won its ninth NAIA National Championship and captured the MSC Regular-Season and Tournament titles.

Expected to challenge the Blue Raiders in conference play is Rio Grande (Ohio) in second with 73 points and a first-place vote and Cumberlands (Ky.), voted third with 64 points.

New members Cumberland (Tenn.) and Bluefield (Va.) are scheduled to compete in league play for the first time. Cumberland is fifth in the poll with 48 points, while Bluefield is eighth with 24.

Lindsey Wilson kicks off its season at 7 p.m. CT on Aug. 21 against Pikeville (Ky.) at Walter S. Reuling Stadium.

The MSC Tournament is scheduled to begin in early November at various campus sites, while the semifinals and finals set for Nov. 7-8 are hosted by the Blue Raiders in Columbia, Ky.