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College Soccer News Preseason Poll
DAVIS, Calif. – Even though the
2020 season is delayed until at least January, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UC Davis was recognized as one of the top programs in the nation when College Soccer News unveiled its Preseason Top 30 National Poll on Tuesday. In the inaugural listing of the new academic year, the Aggies were ranked No. 23.
Only five players from last year's title-winning roster graduated during the off-season, which means the defending regular season and Big West Tournament champions will field a team loaded with experience whenever competition resumes.
One of the stingiest backlines in the nation — UC Davis' defense allowed only 13 goals throughout the 2019 campaign, one of the lowest totals in the country — helped the Aggies enjoy one of the most successful seasons in program history.
In addition to winning both Big West championship trophies in the same season, for the first time since joining the league in 2007, men's soccer advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008 by capturing the conference's automatic bid.
By defeating numerous nationally-ranked teams throughout the season, the Aggies also earned an opening-round bye in the national playoffs and the right to host a Second Round match for the first time in program history as the event's No. 14 seed.
With 13 overall victories, a total that includes seven results earned at home, the Aggies set new program records in each of those categories and strengthened its position on college soccer's national map as one of the top programs in the nation — a reputation further validated by Tuesday's announcement.
ABOUT UC DAVIS
With the addition of equestrian and women's beach volleyball in 2018, more than 700 student-athletes represent the fifth-ranked public school in the nation on one of 25 intercollegiate athletics teams.
UC Davis, a national leader in Title IX gender equity and leadership, is centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley; and offers an unrivaled student-athlete experience that features the ideal combination of elite academics, Division I athletics and personal growth.
Ranked annually in the top 10 in diversity and students' social mobility, UC Davis is uncommonly committed to preparing student-athletes for life after graduation with Aggie EVO — an innovative student-athlete outcomes program that helps young women and men develop passions, gain real-world experience, and enjoy a successful launch to full-time employment or graduate school. Through Aggie EVO, Intercollegiate Athletics provides unmatched resources and a vast network of working professionals to ensure post-graduation success for its student-athletes.
