LHU men’s soccer team picked fourth in PSAC Eastern Division
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Wednesday announced the 2021 preseason men’s soccer coaches’ poll and the Lock Haven University men’s soccer team was picked fourth of seven teams in the Eastern Division.
West Chester received four of seven first-place votes and was tabbed by the coaches as the preseason-favorite. Millersville grabbed three of seven first-place votes and was picked second. East Stroudsburg rounded out the top-three as the Warriors checked in one spot ahead of the Bald Eagles. Bloomsburg was picked fifth, while Shippensburg and Shepherd rounded out the preseason conference rankings at No. 6 and No. 7, respectively.
In the Western Division, Mercyhurst was picked as the favorite after receiving four of six first-place votes. Gannon received two first-place votes and was picked second, while Seton Hill earned the No. 3 spot in the preseason rankings in the Western Division. Slippery Rock was picked fourth, California (Pa.) was slotted in at No. 5 and Pitt-Johnstown rounded out the coaches’ picks for the west.
For Lock Haven and much of the PSAC, the 2021 season will mark the first men’s soccer competition since the 2019 season as the COVID-19 global pandemic cancelled the Bald Eagles’ season last fall in 2020.
That 2019 season proved to be a special one for LHU, and one to look back on. It also sets the stage for what could be a special 2021 on the pitch.
Back in 2019, LHU went 10-8 and 7-5 in PSAC play. Seven of those 10 victories came at home as the Bald Eagles were strong on their home turf.
The Bald Eagles closed the 2019 season on a four-match win streak. All four wins came against conference opponents as LHU did all it could to secure a playoff berth. In all, Lock Haven won eight of its last 11 games after a 2-5 start. The 10-win season marked the most wins for a Lock Haven squad since 2011.
Leading the way for Lock Haven this fall will be returning All-American Andrea DiSomma. Back in 2019, the standout goal-scorer capped a brilliant rookie season with All-American honors after being named to the PSAC Eastern Division First Team. He was also named the PSAC East Freshman of the Year after scoring 17 goals.
Veteran leadership and experience also returns in the form of Beckham Sibiski and Chase Tackett. Sibiski scored two goals and dished out seven assists in 2019, and Tackett provides a tenacious effort in the midfield and defensive end.
There are plenty of talented newcomers up and down the lineup looking to make an immediate impact, including nine student-athletes in the class of 2021 and five from the 2020 recruiting class who are eager to make their first appearances for The Haven.
Lock Haven will open the 2021 season on the road at California (Pa.) University on Saturday, September 4 (5:30 p.m.). LHU’s first home match is set for Wednesday, September 8 at 4 p.m. vs. Gannon. The home-match vs. Gannon is the first of two straight at Hubert Jack Stadium as the Bald Eagles will also play host to Goldey-Beacom in non-conference action on September 11. Lock Haven will open PSAC East play vs. perennial contender Millersville on September 15.
In all, the 2021 schedule includes 18 contests including nine home matches. The full 2021 LHU men’s soccer schedule is available at GoLHU.com.
Full 2021 PSAC Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll Results:
Eastern Division
1. West Chester (4)
2. Millersville (3)
3. East Stroudsburg
4. Lock Haven
5. Bloomsburg
6. Shippensburg
7. Shepherd
Western Division
1. Mercyhurst (4)
2. Gannon (2)
3. Seton Hill
4. Slippery Rock
5. Cal U
6. Pitt-Johnstown
