MIAC Release

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - The Saint John's soccer team was picked to finish ninth out of 11 teams in the 2010 MIAC Preseason Coaches' poll released Tuesday, Aug. 31.

Macalester, the reigning MIAC playoff champion, received five first-place votes, while St. Thomas and Carleton split the other six down the middle, with the Tommies taking second in the poll by a single point over the Knights. Sticking with that theme, just three points separated fourth-place St. Olaf, fifth-place Bethel and No. 6 Augsburg, with No. 7 Gustavus and the Cobbers following close behind. Saint John's, Hamline and Saint Mary's filled out the last three spots, respectively.

The 2010 season officially opens Wednesday, Sept. 1, with seven of the 11 teams in action against nonconference opponents. The first big day of MIAC action will come on Sept. 14, when eight of the teams meet head-to-head in their conference openers. The final day of the regular season, which will feature three crucial MIAC matchups, will be Saturday, Oct. 30.

The Johnnies begin their 2010 season Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Minnesota-Morris.

2010 MIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll
Coaches voted for every team in the conference except their own team. Points were assigned for each vote (10 for first, nine for second, etc.) Teams are ranked in order of highest point total to lowest with vote totals listed and first-place votes shown in parentheses.

1. Macalester (5)
2. St. Thomas (3)
3. Carleton (3)
4. St. Olaf
5. Bethel
6. Augsburg
7. Gustavus
8. Concordia
9. Saint John's
10. Hamline
11. Saint Mary's