The Concordia women's soccer team was voted #18 in the 2012 NAIA Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll, announced late Tuesday afternoon, August 14.

For the fourth-straight year, Lee (Tenn.) lands at No. 1 in the 2012 NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll. The Lady Flames, who won their fourth-straight national championship last December, collected all 20 first-place votes and 560 points to earn top honors.

The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conference/independent/unaffiliated groups. The first regular-season poll will be announced on Sept. 4. For a complete women's soccer ratings calendar, click here.

Concordia advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in program history in 2011 with a 13-5-2 record, and were ranked as high as fourth in the nation.  They finished the season unranked, but are one of only three teams to be ranked in this season's preseason poll that finished unranked last season.

They join Westmont College, #9, as the only two GSAC schools in the top 25.  Biola University is receiving votes.

Eagles head coach Chris Gould enters his fourth season at the helm with a 32-16-9 career record.  Concordia returns senior Bekah Garvin in goal this year.  Garvin is the career leader in wins and shutouts.  Also returning is 2011 NAIA All-American Audrey McKay, a senior defender.  On the offensive side, 2011 All-GSAC selection Jacqueline Turner returns.  Turner had six goals and four assists last season.  Senior defender Felicia Franco is back and will provide stability and leadership for CU.

Concordia lost 2011 All-GSAC selection Tamara Chagas, Loren Kortizija (8 goals, 5 assists), and Rachel Hook (6 goals, 3 assists).

The Eagles open the season at home against #16 Trinity Christian College on Wednesday, August 22 at 3:00 pm.  They welcome #23 Kansas Wesleyan on September 1^st and travel to #2 Concordia-Oregon on September 7.  CU defeated Concordia (OR) at home in 2011, 2-1.  The Eagles host #13 Cal State San Marcos on September 13 and welcome #9 Westmont College on October 9.

Coach Gould returns a strong team in 2012, as well as many exciting returners.  2012 promises to be very thrilling for the CU faithful as the Eagles play an extremely challenging schedule and look to book another ticket to the NAIA National Tournament.  

Trinity Christian Live Stats

NAIA Top 25

2012 Concordia Prospectus