FOREST, Va. – With the first day of competition fast approaching, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference has released the preseason coaches' poll for men's soccer. This year, the Wasps have been voted to finish 11th during the regular season by the league's 12 coaches.

"With the scheduling changes resulting in teams not playing every other ODAC team during the season, I have no doubt the student-athletes, coaches, fans and the conference officials are interested to see what bearing this has on the end of season standings, NCAA Tournament representation, and future poll predictions," said Head Coach Robert Richardson, now in his fourth year.

In 2015, the Wasps started the year 2-2-2 earning a pair of wins on a visit to Pennsylvania. E&H managed a pair of wins and ties in ODAC play including a key 1-1 draw at Virginia Wesleyan College to finish 10th in the standings with an overall record of 4-10-3. With a core group of returners mixed with a strong group of newcomers, Emory & Henry has the opportunity to make another step up the ODAC table.

"We're excited to welcome this large freshman class to the Emory & Henry family," added Richardson. "The seniors and our returners are working hard to help them make the adjustment to the college game ahead of the forthcoming season."

Washington and Lee University is picked to repeat as ODAC Champion, earning 10 of 12 first-place votes. Roanoke College and Randolph College share the final two top nods in second and third place, respectively while Lynchburg College and Virginia Wesleyan round out the top five.

Emory & Henry will open the season on Thursday, September 1 when it travels to face Ferrum College at 7:00 p.m.

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 Caleb Johnston, E&H '15

2016 ODAC MEN'S SOCCER
PRESEASON POLL