Roanoke, Lynchburg, Hampden-Sydney Earn First Place Consideration

FOREST, Va. --- Roanoke College received seven first place votes on the way to 116 total points to lead the 2015 ODAC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll.  Just two points separate the Maroons from second place Lynchburg College, where the defending champions picked up four votes towards the top position.  Virginia Wesleyan College rounds out the top three with 94 tallies. Hampden-Sydney College, in sixth position, garnered the remaining first place vote.

The 2014 campaign was yet another grinder in a series of competitive schedules, with Lynchburg defeating Roanoke, 1-0, to secure its ODAC-best 14th league crown.  The tournament itself featured a pair of 1-0 contests and two games that needed penalty kicks to determine an advancing squad.

Lynchburg's season continued with its first trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament since a 2-1 overtime loss to Messiah College in the national title game in 2010.  The Hornets' stay in the 2014 field proved shorter as they were eliminated in the first round by Christopher Newport University via a 1-0 scoreline.

ODAC teams will not be short for talent in 2015, as 22-of-39 All-ODAC honorees return. However, just four are from the first team, with three of those wearing RC maroon in midfielder Tyler Carbaugh, defender Dionys Beck and goalkeeper Cole Sinclair. They lead a group of five all-conference returners to Salem, while first team midfielder Earl Rimbey is one of two back for Lynchburg. Hampden-Sydney joins Roanoke in welcoming back five all-league athletes, led by reigning ODAC Rookie of the Year, Ryan Turner.

The 2015 season begins with non-conference play on Tuesday, September 1.  The first set of ODAC contests are slated for Saturday, September 19.   If you can't make it to the games, be sure to check the schedules online for live video, audio and statistical links.

Listed below is the complete 2015 ODAC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll as well as preview capsules for each of the ODAC men's soccer programs.  For more information on ODAC men's soccer, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com.  Don't forget to become a fan of the ODAC on Facebook and follow @odacathletics on Twitter.

2015 Poll Position: 7th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 6-13/5-6 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: #6/Lost in Quarters (VWC, 2-0) Head Coach: Ryan Bennison Overall Record/Yrs: 31-40-4 (.440)/4 Record at BC/Yrs: 31-40-4 (.440)/4 ODAC Record/Yrs: 20-20-3 (.500)/4 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: Alex Farrington (M)   Third Team: Max Chacon (F) Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 11 - Max Chacon   Goals: 5 - Max Chacon   Assists: 3 - Ben Lewis   Saves: 15 - Mark Davis Eagles' Outlook: Bridgewater is looking to rebound from an injury plagued season and has high expectations for this fall.  They will be led by an 11-man senior class and a strong core of returning players.  Former All-ODAC honorees include Alex Farrington, Max Chacon, Derek Newsome, and Ben Lewis.  Senior captain Logan McGlynn will also be a vital part of the team’s success this year.  Fifth-year head coach Ryan Bennison will be adding 11 new players to the squad this year and believes they will add great depth and versatility.  On paper, this could be the best team Bridgewater has field during his tenure.		2015 Poll Position: 5th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 7-7-4/4-4-3 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: #7/Lost in Quarters (LC, 3-0) Head Coach: Bryan Waggoner Overall Record/Yrs: 76-60-14 (.553)/8 Record at RAND/Yrs: 76-60-14 (.553)/8 ODAC Record/Yrs: 40-24-9 (.610)/7 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: Blake Heatherly (D), Troy Jurney (F)   Third Team: None Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 14 - Blake Heatherly   Goals: 5 - Travis Brown   Assists: 6 - Blake Heatherly   Saves: 67 - CJ Stevens WildCats' Outlook: Balance is what every program strides for and head coach Bryan Waggoner just may have it with his squad in 2015.  He's got a solid group of returning players ready to bring along the new WildCats as they go in search of the program's second ODAC crown. Second teamers Blake Heatherly and Troy Jurney, as well as Brian Anderson, will be leaned on heavily, while players like Nate Juth, Travis Brown and Austin Black will be expected to take the next step forward. The attack also gets a boost with the return of 2013 top scorer Julian Khalili, who missed all but three games last year due to injury. Goalkeeper CJ Stevens anchors a defense that allowed less than a goal per game in 2014.
2015 Poll Position: 9th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 8-10-2/5-6 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: #8/Lost in Quarters (RC, 1-0) Head Coach: Roger Mast Overall Record/Yrs: 215-210-37 (.505)/24 Record at EMU/Yrs: 215-210-37 (.505)/24 ODAC Record/Yrs: 96-108-18 (.473)/24 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: None   Third Team: Jake Lind (F) Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 18 - Jake Lind   Goals: 7 - Jake Lind   Assists: 4 - Jake Lind/Juan Luna   Saves: 37 - Matthew Overacker Royals' Outlook: Eastern Mennonite graduated six players from last season squad, including a pair of All-ODAC honorees in Joao Downs and Mark Mast.  What's the best way to retool? With a solid core of returns and a large incoming freshman class.  The Royals feature both as third team forward Jake Lind is back following his breakout junior season. Midfielders Jonathan Bush and Juan Luna will be looked to keep possession and move it forward, while defender Dylan Polley will aid the back line.  Matthew Overacker played just 11 games in net in his freshman season, but he'll get the first opportunity to replace three-year starter Andrew Yoder.		2015 Poll Position: 8th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 4-13/2-9 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: N/A Head Coach: Josh Laux Overall Record/Yrs: 104-79-20/11 Record at RMC/Yrs: First Season ODAC Record/Yrs: 55-35-10/11 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: None   Third Team: Logan McHugh (M), Greg Noordanus (D) Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 8 - Tyler Slayton   Goals: 4 - Tyler Slayton   Assists: 4 - Greg Noordanus   Saves: 36 - Michael Bly Yellow Jackets' Outlook: Head coach Josh Laux is not only excited about his team in General, but after 11 years at Hampden-Sydney, he returns to Ashland to coach his alma mater.  R-MC welcomes back a solid nucleus of talent and have added 15 new players to help add to the depth of the talent pool in the program.  The Yellow Jackets feature a strong back line led by two-time All-ODAC defender Greg Noordanus.  Midfielder Logan McHugh joined Noordanus as a third team honoree last season.  Tyler Slayton is the lead returner in the offense third.  As in commin with most coaching changes, R-MC is in the process of implementing a new style of play that it feels will play to the strengths of its players.  On of the team's main goals is to turn close losses from 2014 into positive results during the 2015 campaign.
2015 Poll Position: 12th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 3-12-1/1-10-0 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: N/A Head Coach: Robert Richardson Overall Record/Yrs: 5-29-1 (.157)/2 Record at E&H/Yrs: 5-29-1 (.157)/2 ODAC Record/Yrs: 2-20-0 (.091)/2 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: None   Third Team: None Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 10 - Zach Quest   Goals: 5 - Zach /Quest   Assists: 1 - Cody Carruth/Didier Grillet/Evan Melton/Pierce Moreland   Saves: 72 - Didier Grillet Wasps' Outlook: Third-year head coach Robert Richardson opens the 2015 season looking forward to their schedule of contests, both inside and out of conference play.  He's got several strong athletes returning as the Wasps look to improve upon their 3-12-1 mark from a season ago. Leading scorer Zach Quest will be charged with leading the attack.  He'll have support from midfielders Cody Carruth and Ian Smith, as well as forward Pierce Moreland. Defender Jimmy Wilmouth and keeper Didier Grillet return to anchor the defense.		2015 Poll Position: 1st 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 15-3-2/10-0-1 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: #1/Lost in Finals (LC, 1-0) Head Coach: Ryan Pflugrad Overall Record/Yrs: 24-10-4 (.984)/2 Record at RC/Yrs.: 24-10-4 (.984)/2 ODAC Record/Yrs: 15-4-2 (.762)/2 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: Dionys Beck (D), Tyler Carbaugh (M), Cole Sinclair (GK)   Second Team: Robby Lentine (F)   Third Team: Sam Rauf (D) Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 15 - Robby Lentine   Goals: 5 - Robby Lentine   Assists: 6 - Tyler Carbaugh   Saves: 62 - Cole Sinclair Maroons' Outlook: Reigning ODAC Coach of the Year Ryan Pflugrad knows all too well how tough the ODAC schedule can be, but he's got the horses returning to keep the Maroons at the top of the conference ranks despite the loss of ODAC POY Marc Dinkel. Three first teamers -- defender Dionys Beck, midfielder Tyler Carbaugh and goalkeeper Cole Sinclair -- second team forward and leading scoring Robby Lentine and third team defender Sam Rauf bring more than enough to the table to bring along RC's incoming class of newcomers.  expect to see this squad at or near the top of the standings come the conference postseason.
2015 Poll Position: 10th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 5-11-2/4-5-2 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: N/A Head Coach: Jeff Bateson Overall Record/Yrs: 102-156-21 (.403)/15 Record at BC/Yrs: 59-91-14 (.402)/9 ODAC Record/Yrs: 33-51-7 (.401)/9 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: None   Third Team: None Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 11 - Christian Torres   Goals: 5 - Jonny Goffredi/Christian Torres   Assists: 2 - Chase Beguin/Omar Solis   Saves: 3 - Eric Hayes Quakers' Outlook: With 16 returning upperclassman and a very talented group of incoming players, Guilford will look to get themselves back into the championship conversation. After laboring through a young and inexperienced group over the past two seasons, the Quakers feel confident that their experience and maturity will translate into pulling out a few of the close games they lost in the past. Key off-season leadership came from seniors Jake Elsey, Lucas Prillaman, and Corey McDonough, while leading scorers Christian Torres and Jonny Goffredi are back in tow.  Goalkeeper is one spot where experience is lacking following the graduation of starter Marko Mandalinic.		2015 Poll Position: 11th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 5-12-1/2-8-1 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: N/A Head Coach: Corbin Sutton Overall Record/Yrs: 10-54-5 (.181)/4 Record at SU/Yrs: 10-54-5 (.181)/4 ODAC Record/Yrs: 3-28-2 (.121)/3 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: None   Third Team: None Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 11 - Brian Maye/Eduardo Santiago   Goals: 5 - Brian Maye   Assists: 5 - Eduardo Santiago   Saves: 64 - Matthew Poell Hornets' Outlook: Head coach Corbin Sutton is looking forward to the upcoming season as he feels this very well may be his deepest and most talented roster over his time at SU.  Roughly a dozen players return, including nine starters, while 14 newcomers are headed for Winchester. Brian Maye and Eduardo Santiago are the lead returning options up front, while Matthew Poell has the most experience in net. Competition will be common for all positions in preseason camp, which will only help the Hornets climb the ODAC ladder.
2015 Poll Position: 6th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 10-5-3/6-3-2 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: #4/Tied in Quarters (W&L, 2-2 - W&L advanced following penalty shootout) Head Coach: Ian McMichael Overall Record/Yrs: First Season Record at HSC/Yrs: First Season ODAC Record/Yrs: First Season Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: Ryan Turner (F - ROY)   Third Team: Costin Gregory (M), Liam Hogan (M), Robert Kerby (F), Cameron McFarlane (GK) Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 18 - Ryan Turner   Goals: 7 - Robert Kerby/Ryan Turner   Assists: 5 - Costin Gregory   Saves: 59 - Cameron McFarlane Tigers' Outlook: Hampden-Sydney opens a new era in 2015 as Ian McMichael takes over the head coaching reins. His predecessor, new R-MC mentor Josh Laux, certainly didn't leave the cupboard bare with five All-ODAC players returning, led by leading scorers Ryan Turner and Robert Kerby. Costin Gregory pulled some of the strings for the Tigers in 2014, along with midfield running mate and fellow third teamer Liam Hogan. Goalkeeper Cameron McFarlane has started and played in 35 of H-SC's possible 36 games over the past two seasons, and he's back once again to keep opposing defenses at bay.		2015 Poll Position: 3rd 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 11-4-4/7-2-2 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: #3/Tied in Semis (LC, 2-2 - LC advanced following penalty shootout) Head Coach: Chris Mills Overall Record/Yrs: 27-9-5 (.720)/2 Record at VWC/Yrs: 27-9-5 (.720)/2 ODAC Record/Yrs: 16-4-2 (.773)/2 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: Josh Kemp (M)   Third Team: None Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 10 - Josh Kemp/Tanner Martin   Goals: 4 - Tanner Martin   Assists: 4 - Josh Kemp   Saves: 72 - Connor Kirkham Marlins' Outlook: Head coach Chris Mills has endured nail-biting dramatics in his first two seasons, claiming an ODAC title in 2013 following 2-of-3 tournament games that went to overtime -- winning the championship game on PKs -- and seeing his squad again in a spot-kick situation, only to fall to eventual champion Lynchburg in the ODAC semifinals in 2014. Stalwart midfielder Josh Kemp is back for his senior campaign following a second team selection. He's joined in the attack by several standouts including Tanner Martin. Goalkeeper Connor Kirkham boasted the ODAC's best save percentage (.828) a season ago. He's joined by starters Brian Le and Tyler Ostravecky as the core of a stout Marlins' defense.
2015 Poll Position: 2nd 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 13-7-1/8-3-0 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: #2/Champion (RC, 1-0) 2014 NCAA Tournament: Lost in 1st Round (CNU, 1-0) Head Coach: Chris Yeager Overall Record/Yrs: 141-91-27 (.597)/13 Record at LC: 141-91-27 (.597)/13 ODAC Record/Yrs: 69-38-20 (.622)/13 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: Earl Rimbey (M)   Second Team: None   Third Team: Fredy Flores (F) Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 10 - Fredy Flores/Ben Grossfuss   Goals: 5 - Ben Grossfuss   Assists: 6 - Dan Jobrack   Saves: 25 - Cory Budka Hornets' Outlook: There was enough drama for more than one team for the defending champs in 2014. Sitting at 4-4 as October approached, LC strung out six straight wins to position itself for the ODAC postseason. The 2015 edition will need to replace several standouts, but others return to do just that including first team midfielder Earl Rimbey. Third team forward Fredy Flores is joined by Ben Grossfuss as the leading scorers, while Dan Jobrack adds to the midfield. Nate Berning and Thomas Salamone started each game on a Hornets' defense that pitched eight shutouts over its final 13 games. Goalkeeper Cory Budka was 1-of-3 players to spend 350 or more minutes guarding LC's net. He's back to vie for the lead job.		2015 Poll Position: 4th 2014 Records - Overall/ODAC: 11-5-2/6-4-1 2014 Tournament - Seed/Result: #5/Lost in Semis (RC, 5-1) Head Coach: Mike Singleton Overall Record/Yrs: 46-23-6 (.653)/4 Record at W&L/Yrs: 11-5-2 (.666)/1 ODAC Record/Yrs: 6-4-1/1 Returning All-ODAC Players   First Team: None   Second Team: Patrick Barry (D)   Third Team: Andrew Kim (M) Top Returning Statistical Leaders   Points: 12 - Andrew Kim   Goals: 5 - Andrew Kim   Assists: 2 - Patrick Barry/Ted Hurst/Andrew Kim/Sam Knapke   Saves: 4 - Kieran McQuilkin Generals' Outlook: Washington and Lee brings in a very young squad this year with many newcomers for head coach Mike Singleton's second season in Lexington. The Generals are led by returning captain Ben Bayles, who returns from an injury plagued junior year. Co-Captains Cary Carabasi and Patrick Barry will anchor the stingy backline the Generals regularly display and look poised to do again this year. Sophomore Andrew Kim looks to build on his stellar first year, while newcomers will play a major role in W&L's attack and scoring. The midfield is further bolstered by the return of stalwarts Ted Hurst and Sam Knapke.  Goalkeeper will feature a new athlete following the graduation of longtime standout Albert Civitarese