Westfield, Mass.— 2022 MASCAC Tournament Champion Worcester State was selected by the coaches from around the league to win the 2023 MASCAC Men’s Soccer title in this year’s preseason poll.

In the top spot in the 2023 poll, the Lancers received three first place votes for 44 points. The team was 4-0-3 in MASCAC action last season and found themselves as tournament champions after winning the crown in penalty kicks. Manny Ramirez returns for Worcester State after registering four goals and seven assists for 11 points. His assists were the second-most in the conference last season and earned him a spot on the All-Conference squad. 

Sitting in second is Salem State with two first place votes for 42 points. The Vikings had a 5-1-1 record in league play in 2022. Back in goal for the team is All-Conference honoree Matt Hauntsman who last season posted five shutouts, including a league-best four shutouts in conference games. He led the conference in wins (10) while making the third most saves (84).

Framingham State is in third with two first place votes for 40 points. The Rams were 6-0-1 last season to earn the 2022 MASCAC Regular Season title. Reigning Rookie of the Year Gustav Hemmingsen is back for the squad after finishing sixth in the conference with six goals and fourth in the league with four assists. His 16 points was good for third overall on the Rams.

Earning the final first place vote is Bridgewater State in fourth with 33 points. The Bears ended the conference season 4-2-1. All-Conference award winner David Nelson scored a career-high nine goals to go along with one assist for nine points in 17 games. Three of his nine markers were game winners. He also ranked third in the MASCAC in goals, tied for second in game-winning goals and tied for fourth in scoring.

Westfield State lands in fifth with 25 points. The Owls bring back Carter Hebert who finished with 19 points on a team-leading eight goals and three assists, including a game-winning marker.

Tying for the sixth spot with 16 points is Fitchburg State and MCLA. For the Falcons, Gabriel Teixeira looks to lead the offense after scoring four goals and adding two assists last season. For the Trailblazers, Marcos Lopez returns after his All-Conference award season that saw him drain four goals with two assists.

In the final spot of the 2023 preseason poll is Massachusetts Maritime who brings back CJ Vincent who found the back of the net three times in 2022 for the Buccaneers.

Kicking off the men’s soccer season with non-conference competition, the MASCAC schools return to the pitch Labor Day weekend. Find all the game info and video at mascac.com and mascac.tv.