DUBUQUE, Iowa – For the first time since 2019, the Loras College men's soccer program will begin the season atop the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) preseason coaches' poll.
Head coach Sam Koenig takes over the reigns this year after spending the previous four seasons at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he started as the men's soccer head coach (2019-20) before being elevated to the Director of Soccer in 2021. In four seasons at the helm of the men's team, the Pioneers compiled a 33-18-8 record, including a program record 14-game unbeaten streak (12-0-2) in 2021.
"We are grateful for the voting from our conference's coaching staffs," said Koenig. "However, we know that postseason polls are really what will matter for the 2023 season."
The Duhawks received five first-place votes from the coaches to earn themselves 59 points. Luther College, the reigning conference champions, nabbed three first-place votes and rank second overall in the A-R-C with 55 points. Wartburg is projected to finish third with 46 points, while Nebraska Wesleyan and Simpson hold a tie for fourth with 40 points to round out the Top 5.
"We are excited to come together as a family this season," said Koenig. "We look forward to blending our family together with new faces in the program and returners who have been foundational over the last several years. We always have high expectations, as that's the standard we set for our program every year."
Last season, the Duhawks were 10-6-2 overall, going an impressive 5-1-2 against conference opponents. The program welcomes back last year's A-R-C Defensive Most Valuable Player in
Michael Brandt, as well as impact players in
Ben Krogman,
Owen Johnson,
Reed Miklavcic,
Alex Beausoleil,
Bryan Basinger, among others.
"I'm excited to be back leading the program and to have the mindset to just win today," remarked Koenig. "We retain a lot of great players, including several who did not see game minutes in the past but have still impacted the program in numerous ways."
The Duhawks open the season on Friday, Sept. 1 against Monmouth College at the Rock Bowl at 7:30 p.m.
2023 Men's Soccer A-R-C Preseason Coaches' Poll
Rank | School (1st Place Votes) | Points | 2022 Record (Overall, A-R-C)
1. Loras (5) | 59 | 10-6-2, 5-1-2 (Regular Season Conference Champions)
2. Luther (3) | 55 | 12-4-5, 4-0-4 (Tournament Champions)
3. Wartburg | 46 | 7-2-9, 3-0-5
T-4. Nebraska Wesleyan (1) | 40 | 7-8-3, 4-2-2
T-4. Simpson | 40 | 12-4-3, 4-1-3
6. Dubuque | 34 | 8-7-4, 3-2-3
7. Central | 25 | 3-11-2, 2-5-1
8. Coe | 16 | 2-14-1, 1-7
9. Buena Vista | 9 | 0-15-2, 0-8
