The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s soccer team has been picked to finish ninth in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Preseason Coaches‘ Poll for the upcoming season. The poll, voted on by the WAC head coaches, placed UTRGV with 21 points, ahead of Air Force who garnered 12 points. The Vaqueros will be looking to exceed expectations and make a strong impact in the conference this season.
Seattle U was selected as the favorite in the poll, receiving six first-place votes and finishing with 76 points. California Baptist followed closely behind in second place with 72 points and three first-place votes. San Diego State secured the third spot with 58 points, showcasing the competitive nature of the WAC men’s soccer landscape.
San Jose State claimed the fourth position in the poll with 50 points, while UNLV and Grand Canyon rounded out the top six with 47 and 45 points, respectively. Utah Valley received one first-place vote and was picked seventh with 36 points, with Utah Tech finishing in eighth place with 33 points. Despite being ranked ninth, the Vaqueros will be determined to prove their worth and climb up the standings as the season progresses.
The Vaqueros will wrap up their exhibition matches with a game against Texas A&M-International before kicking off the regular season against Lindenwood University on August 25. This will be a crucial period for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build chemistry ahead of the competitive conference matchups.
In addition to the preseason poll, individual accolades were also announced for the upcoming season. Angel Iniguez from San Jose State was named the 2024 WAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while Reid Fisher from San Diego State earned the Defensive Player of the Year title. Charlie Lanphier from Seattle U was recognized as the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year, highlighting the talent and skill present in the WAC men’s soccer division.
The 2024 Preseason All-WAC Team features standout players from various schools, including Charlie Lanphier from Seattle U in goal, Louis Hiepen from UNLV in defense, and Stavros Charalampous from California Baptist in midfield. The team is rounded out by top forwards such as Leo Mendez from California Baptist and Bright Nutornutsi from Grand Canyon, showcasing the depth of talent in the conference.
As the UTRGV Vaqueros prepare for the upcoming season, they will be looking to defy the preseason rankings and make a statement in the WAC. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team is poised to compete at a high level and showcase their skills on the field. Fans can show their support for the Vaqueros by attending games and following the team on social media platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes content.