Aug. 17, 2007
EVANSTON, Ill. - The Big Ten coaches have picked Northwestern second in the 2007 preseason Big Ten poll -- its highest preseason ranking ever after being picked third in 2005. The 'Cats, who return seven starters from last year's NCAA quarterfinal team, face Marquette in the first exhibition match at 1 p.m. Sunday in Evanston.
Indiana is the favorite to win the league. Ohio State and Penn State were picked third and fourth, respectively, followed by Wisconsin, Michigan State and Michigan.
Northwestern won 14 games last year and came within one game from advancing to the NCAA College Cup, losing to eventual national champion UC Santa Barbara by one goal. Senior midfielder David Roth is the team's leading returning scorer with eight goals and five assists last season and will be relied heavily upon on the offensive end. Also back is sophomore Carl Pett (1g, 9a), a second-team all-Big Ten and all-freshman selection last year.
Northwestern will be very strong on the defensive side with returnees Matt Witt, Drew Ratner and Mark Blades (2006 Big Ten All-Freshman Team) who are back to give Northwestern a very competitive backline. Will Briley also returns in goal, giving the Wildcats valuable experience and athleticism between the pipes.
Preseason practice is underway. After Sunday's exhibition with Marquette at home, the Wildcats will have two more exhibition matches at Saint Louis (8/25) and Notre Dame (8/27). The regular-season opener is Aug. 31 vs. Colgate in Evanston.
Big Ten Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Indiana
2. Northwestern
3. Ohio State
4. Penn State
5. Wisconsin
6. Michigan State
7. Michigan