(Posted August 24, 2011)

HUNTINGDON, PA. -- Juniata College men's soccer ranked seventh in a preseason poll by Landmark Conference coaches and sports information directors released Wednesday.

The Eagles collected 20 points in the poll, falling behind a fifth place tie between Moravian College and The University of Scranton at 32 points.

The United States Merchant Marine academy received the top spot with 74 points, edging out the defending champions Catholic University with 67 points. Drew placed third with 62, followed by Susquehanna with 59 points. Goucher University closes out the poll behind Juniata with 18 points.

Juniata finished last season with the Eagles' first winning season since 1992, a 9-8-1 record. Juniata returns 19 players including leading scorer Greg Hess (Hanover, Pa./ South Western). Hess led the team with five goals, while Jeff Gring (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) and Luke Waddell (Muncy, Pa./Muncy) both return to the season as top offensive threats, both turning in three goals apiece.

Landmark Player of the Week Ezra Cassel (Denver, Pa./Cocalico) will return as goalkeeper. Cassel has a save percentage of .802 and totaled 69 saves last season.

The Eagles kick off their season on the road, September 2 at Pitt-Greensburg.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.