The Fort Hays State men’s soccer team topped the MIAA men’s soccer poll released by the MIAA on Friday, Aug. 10. The Tigers received four of the eight first place votes and 46 total points. This is the first season of MIAA men’s soccer since 1998.

FHSU is in its second season of men’s soccer, adding the sport in 2011. In the inaugural season, the Tigers went 11-5-2, including a 10-game unbeaten streak. Fort Hays returns nine of 11 starters. All-American Diego Cabral and all-region selection Ricardo Yeverino are two of the top players coming back for FHSU. The Tigers also add a strong recruiting class that includes the Kansas Gatorade High School Player of the Year Austin Clifton.

Northeastern State received two first place votes and 41 points to place second with Lindenwood one point behind in third with 40 points and two first place votes. One point separated Truman and Upper Iowa for fourth and fifth place. The Bulldogs totaled 27 points for fourth, and the Peacocks received 26 votes for fifth place.

Rounding out the standing were Harding, Sourthern Nazarene and Southwest Baptist in sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively.

The MIAA restarts men’s soccer in 2012 with eight members. Fort Hays State, Northeastern State, Lindenwood, Truman and Southwest Baptist are joined by associate members Upper Iowa, Harding and Southern Nazarene to form this season’s men’s soccer conference.

FHSU’s 2012 regular season starts on Aug. 31 on the road at Colorado Christian. The Tigers open their home schedule on Sept. 7 against Sioux Falls.

2012 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1.            Fort Hays State (4)          46
2.            Northeastern State (2)   41
3.            Lindenwood (2)               40
4.            Truman                              27
5.            Upper Iowa                       26
6.            Harding                             19
7.            Southern Nazarene         17
8.            Southwest Baptist             8

-FHSU Sports Information-