ANNVILLE, Pa. - With their 2010 preseason underway, the men's soccer team was picked to finish seventh on this year's Commonwealth Conference preseason coaches poll, as announced Monday afternoon.

The Lions, who finished 2009 with a 6-11-2 record, were tied with local rival Alvernia University in the eight team poll. Both squads received 10 points. Messiah College was picked as the conference favorite for another season, after claiming their seventh national title in 10 years in 2009.

In second was Elizabethtown who received one first place vote and 38 points. Tabbed to finish third was Arcadia, while Lebanon Valley finished in fourth. Lycoming took fifth, and Widener was slotted as finishing sixth this season.

Head coach Pat Stanco has high hopes for his very young squad this season. He is also looking to his returners to make an immediate impact this season as well. Leading the red and white in the midfield will be all-conference player Mark Yost. In his sophomore season, Yost capped off another strong year with three goals and four assists.

In goal, sophomore Ryan Barr will look to improve a solid rookie campaign, which saw him make 13 appearances and 35 saves.

Albright will begin their new season on September 1st when they travel to Lancaster Bible College for a 5 p.m. non-conference match.

2010 Commonwealth Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Poll

1.    Messiah              49 pts (7)
2.    Elizabethtown    38 pts (1)
3.    Arcadia                37 pts
4.    Lebanon Valley  32 pts
5.    Lycoming            25 pts
6.    Widener              23 pts
t-7. Albright                10 pts
t-7. Alvernia               10 pts