Aug. 20, 2009
2009 Horizon League Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
CHICAGO- The UIC men's soccer team was chosen to win the 2009 Horizon League Championship by the conference's head coaches in the 2009 Horizon League Preseason Coaches Poll that was released on Thursday, Aug. 20.
The Flames received six first-place votes in the poll. Loyola was selected to finish second, followed by Butler, Cleveland State, Green Bay, Valparaiso, Milwaukee, Wright State and Detroit.
"To receive the recognition from our other Horizon League schools says a lot about where the program has risen to," said UIC head coach John Trask. "When I look at the quality across the League from top to bottom, it's an exciting time for men's soccer in the Horizon League. When we speak about team goals, the regular season League Championship and the Horizon League Tournament are the main objectives for this program."
Head coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team in the poll.
UIC returns eight starters from last year's Horizon League regular season champion side that advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the second straight season.
This marks the third consecutive year that the Flames are atop the Horizon League Preseason Coaches Poll.
Two preseason national polls have also pegged the Flames as one of the country's Top 11 teams heading into this season. The NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division I Preseason National Poll has the Flames ranked No. 10, while the College Soccer News 2009 Preseason Top 30 Poll has UIC at No. 11.
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways:
1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link
2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
