Aug. 26, 2008

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Mid-American Conference has announced its preseason men's soccer poll placing the Bowling Green State University Falcons at fifth in the field of seven.

The University of Akron, who earned a NSCAA preseason ranking of 12 and 18 on the College Soccer News poll, once again was the top vote receiver overall. The Zips also pulled in six-of-seven tournament championship nods.

Northern Illinois and Buffalo fell into the second and third positions, respectively, while Hartwick rounds out the top four.

Last season the Falcons finished at fourth overall and enter 2008 on slot back at fifth overall. Newly added league affiliate Florida Atlantic and Western Michigan finalize the field.

Bowling Green will open the season at 18/11 South Florida on August 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Tampa, Fla. The Falcons closed the exhibition with a pair of stalemates at Oakland University and versus Cleveland State University.

2008 MAC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Akron
2. Northern Illinois
3. Buffalo
4. Hartwick
5. Bowling Green
6. Florida Atlantic
7. Western Michigan

Tournament Champion: Akron (6), Western Michigan (1)