GPAC coaches place Bulldogs fourth in preseason poll

By Jacob Knabel on Aug. 11, 2021 in Men's Soccer

2021 GPAC Preseason Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll

SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Men’s Soccer program will begin 2021 just above where it finished last season, ranked fourth in the GPAC. The Bulldogs checked in at No. 4 with 86 points in the preseason coaches’ poll released on Wednesday (Aug. 11). Head Coach Jason Weides’ program hopes to move back into the top four of the league standings after it finished at 10-5-3 and fifth in the GPAC in the two-part 2020-21 season.

Four of the five Bulldogs who earned All-GPAC honors last season have returned to the 2021 roster: Iker Casanova (second team), Carlos Orquiz (second team), Federico Simonetti (second team) and Garrett Perry (honorable mention). Weides will showcase an experienced roster that brings back nearly all key players from last season. Perry made the decision to return for a fifth season within the program. Concordia has been a consistent winner having recorded 10-straight campaigns with at least 10 victories.

The GPAC was represented by two teams in the NAIA preseason national poll unveiled on Wednesday: No. 21 Briar Cliff and No. 23 Morningside. Hastings also received votes. Morningside took the top spot in the official GPAC poll.

The 2021 season will get started on Aug. 25 when the Bulldogs host York College. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT from Bulldog Stadium.

2021 GPAC Preseason Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll
-First-place votes in parentheses

1. Morningside – 120 (10)
2. Briar Cliff – 109 (2)
3. Hastings – 103
4. Concordia – 86
5. Northwestern – 78
6. Midland – 73
7. Jamestown – 60
8. Doane – 53
9. Dordt – 39
10. Dakota Wesleyan – 34
11. Mount Marty – 26
12. Presentation – 11