Men's Soccer Tabbed Seventh in UMAC Preseason Coaches Poll

North Central University Men's Soccer
2011 Overall Record: 5-14-2
2011 UMAC Record: DNP*
2011 UMAC Finish: DNP*
Starters Returning: 6
Starters Lost: 5

Jake Smith enters his fourth year as the head coach for North Central as the Rams step into UMAC associate membership in the UMAC. NCU is coming off of one of its best seasons in recent history and hope to continue that momentum in their new conference affiliation. Offensively, the returning players on the 2012 Rams squad accounted for 10 of the 26 goals that North Central scored last season. While the Rams will miss the 10 goals that Caleb Thomas notched last season, Christian Stepaniak will return to lead the Rams attack after scoring three goals and adding a team-high six assists. Stephen Johnson is the leading returning goal scorer after tallying seven goals and two assists last season. Defensively, NCU must replace its starting keeper but the Rams have several candidates to take over in between the pipes including Nathan Kraines, who started one game last season. The rest of the defense should be stout with several members of the backfield returning including field commander Andy Manley.

For the full press release and UMAC Preseason Men's Soccer Poll follow this link:
http://umacathletics.com/news/2012/8/23/MSOC_0823122007.aspx