The Concordia men's soccer team is ranked #18 in the 2012 NAIA Men's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll, the national office announced Tuesday, August 14.

Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) will begin the 2012 campaign in a spot it has held for six-straight polls - the No. 1 position. The 2011 national champions gathered 529 total points and all 19 first-place votes. 

Note: Concordia tied UCLA 1-1 on Wednesday, August 15th in an exhibition.  Christian Ramirez scored the lone CU goal on an assist from William Prado.

The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conference/independents/unaffiliated groups. The first regular-season poll will be announced on Sept. 4.

The Eagles went 14-4-1 in 2011, just missing their fifth NAIA Tournament appearance.  They finished the season #22 in the nation.  In 2012 they join #14 Biola as the only two GSAC schools in the preseason top 25.

CU Head Coach Chris Gould is beginning his fourth season in charge and brings in a 32-18-4 record.  His 2011 squad was ranked as high as #8 and rattled of 10-straight wins from August 28 to October 15^th.

The team returns plenty of firepower in 2012.  Senior forward Christian Ramirez is back after recording 18 goals and 12 assists on his way to an All-GSAC nod in 2011.  He set records with five goals, three assists, and 12 points against William Jessup last season.  He set the single season mark with 48 points last year.  2011 NAIA All-American midfielder William Prado is also back in 2012.  Prado had eight goals and broke the Concordia single-season mark with 18 assists in 2011.  They are joined by All-GSAC selection Edgar Orozco (13 goals, 3 assists) and goalkeeper William Whiddon (12-2-1).

The Eagles lost defensive standouts Neal Langston and Carlos Chavez.

Concordia opens their season against Grand Canyon University on August 23^rd at Vanguard University at 4:00 pm.  They welcome #15 Kansas Wesleyan on September 1 at 12 pm in their home opener.  They travel to #16 Concordia-Oregon on September 7 and host #14 Biola on September 29.  CU will travel to #14 Biola on October 20.

CU will look to shore up their defensive end with young players and newcomers, but the fans will have plenty to see as Concordia will no doubt provide offensive fireworks all season.

NAIA Top 25

2012 Prospectus