FOREST, Va. – With the first day of competition just days away, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference has released the preseason coaches’ poll for men’s soccer. This year, the Wasps have been voted to finish 12th during the regular season.

Last season, the Wasps opened the season with a 2-0-1 record including a runner-up finish in the Raven-Quaker Classic. Emory & Henry claimed a 3-2 win in its home opener against William Peace University and picked up a 1-0 conference victory at Shenandoah.

This year, E&H is led by a trio of seniors: forward Pierce Moreland (Bristol, Tenn.), defender/goalkeeper Tim Coulter (Mooresville, N.C.) and defender Jimmy Wilmouth (Forest, Va.). The trio will provide guidance, wisdom and stability to a squad which is over two-thirds freshmen and sophomores. Though the Wasps are young and have their sights set on the future, the experience gained this season by the 10 freshmen and two sophomore transfers will be instrumental to the program’s success in years to come.

“We’re excited to welcome this large freshman class to the Emory & Henry family,” said Head Coach Robert Richardson, now in his third year. “Together with our returning sophomore class, they will provide the basis for a solid core in future years. The seniors and our current junior class are working hard to help them make the adjustment to the college game ahead of the forthcoming season.”

Perennial powerhouse Roanoke College was tabbed to win the league, earning seven first-place votes while Lynchburg College was voted second with four first-place votes. Virginia Wesleyan College occupies the third spot while Washington and Lee University is fourth. Hampden-Sydney College took the last first-place vote but is sixth overall.

Emory & Henry will begin the 2015 season with a home match against Maryville (Tenn.) College on Tuesday, September 1 at 7:30 p.m.

The Wasps will face off against Anderson University in the Raven-Quaker Classic on Friday at 4:30 p.m., while Saturday’s game will pit E&H against Earlham College with a 1:00 p.m., start.

For more information about ODAC Men's Soccer and to learn about each of the league's 12 teams, click HERE.

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-photo courtesy of Kymn Hamley