Men's Soccer 8/29/2019 10:40:00 AM

Christopher Newport Men's Soccer Picked Third in Capital Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll

Conference Release

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- In the first year under head coach Justin Chezem, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team has been picked third in the preseason coaches poll released by the Capital Athletic Conference. The Captains finished last season sixth in the league, but expectations remain high for success in Newport News as only preseason favorite Mary Washington and St. Mary's (Md.) were picked ahead of Christopher Newport.

Mary Washington collected the unanimous preseason favorite designation with five first-place votes and 25 total points in the ranking. St. Mary's garnered the remaining first-place vote and 18 points while Christopher Newport is just behind with 16 points. Salisbury (14 points), York College of Pennsylvania (12 points), and Southern Virginia (5 points) rounded out the 2019 preseason coaches poll.

The Captains won the regular season conference title in 2016 and 2017 and also have picked up a pair of conference tournament titles since joining the league in 2013. Last season, Christopher Newport was 7-8-1 overall despite outscoring opponents 28-16 for the season.

This year's version of the Captains will return leading scorer Jordan Boone after pouring in 11 points on 4 goals and 3 assists last season, along with sophomore Tanner Dail and junior Justin Wilson, who tied for third with 8 points apiece. The defense, led by senior Derek Cook, will also return three of four starters with Daniel Hulett and Davis Pillow set to reprise their roles in 2019.

The season is set to begin for Christopher Newport on Friday with the Steve Shaw Classic being played at Captains Field starting at 5:00 pm. Following the first game featuring Kean and Whitman, Christopher Newport will host Greensboro College at 7:30 p.m.