BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – The University of Charleston, the NCAA Division II national runner-up in men’s soccer, has been picked to win the Mountain East Conference men’s soccer title in 2022, following a vote of the league’s coaches.

Charleston finished atop the poll with 63 points and had seven first-place votes. The Golden Eagles have won seven of the last eight MEC regular season titles and have eight conference tournament trophies as well. UC finished second in the MEC regular season a year ago behind Davis & Elkins but went on to win the 2021 MEC Tournament crown before advancing to the Division II National Championship Game (falling in the title game, 1-0, against Cal State LA).

Davis & Elkins was second in the poll with 57 points and had two first-place vote, followed closely by Notre Dame in third with 50 points. The Senators won the 2021 MEC Regular Season crown and currently ranked 10^th in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll. Davis & Elkins earned a spot in the 2021 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the second round with a 4-2 win over Wilmington.

West Virginia Wesleyan (39) checked in at No. 4, just ahead of Frostburg State (36). West Liberty (24), Concord (21), Alderson Broaddus (19) and Wheeling (15) completed the poll.

The Bobcats, led by first-year head coach Josh Spencer, finished with an overall record of 7-9-2 in 2021. WVWC returns four seniors (Charlie Naylor, Nugzar Barkaia, Sinasi Emre Deniz and Colton Clark) as well as three graduate students (Luis Diaz, Javier De Ona Garcia and Sahil Dhunnokchand) to the pitch.

The 2022 season begins on Thursday, Aug. 25. 

2022 MEC Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Charleston – 63 (7)
2. Davis & Elkins – 57 (2)
3. Notre Dame – 50
4. W.Va. Wesleyan – 39
5. Frostburg State – 36
6. West Liberty – 24
7. Concord – 21
8. Alderson Broaddus – 19
9. Wheeling – 15

( ) Indicates first-place votes
* Coaches not permitted to vote for own team