PSAC Announces Preseason Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll; LHU Opens Season Sept. 3

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) released the 2023 Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ polls today (Aug. 16), and the Lock Haven men’s soccer team was picked fifth of seven in the PSAC Eastern Division.

Bloomsburg received four of seven first-places votes and was picked as the favorite by the coaches in the PSAC Eastern Division. West Chester picked up three first-place votes and was slotted second, while Millersville rounded out the top-three. East Stroudsburg was picked fourth and Lock Haven sits No. 5 in the highly-competitive PSAC Eastern Division as the new season stands on the horizon. Shippensburg and Shepherd rounded out the Eastern Division preseason rankings.

In the Western Division, Mercyhurst and Gannon split the six first-place votes with three each and are tied at the top of the rankings. Seton Hill checked in at No. 3 and was followed by Slippery Rock, California (Pa.) and Pitt-Johnstown in the six-team PSAC Western Division.

Last season, Lock Haven went 6-7-5 overall and 4-4-4 in PSAC East play. A year ago, the Bald Eagles stood out at home and finished with a 4-2-2 record at home during the 2022 season.

Under the direction of seventh-year head coach Patrick Long ’08, Lock Haven will open the 2023 season on the road in PSAC East-West play vs. California (Pa.). The season-opening match is set for a 1 p.m. start. This will mark the third straight season where Lock Haven and the Vulcans will meet early in a new campaign.

Looking to continue the strong play at home, the Bald Eagles 2023 home-opener is set for Wednesday, Sept. 6 vs. Mercyhurst. Mercyhurst enters the season ranked No. 25 nationally. The two teams also met last season.

In all, eight of Lock Haven’s 18 matches will come at home. Over the last two seasons, The Haven is 10-4-3 at home.

The Bald Eagles will open PSAC East play on Sept. 16 vs. Millersville. Last season, Lock Haven beat Millersville at home (W, 1-0) and earned a 3-3 draw on the road with the Marauders early in the season. The Haven is 2-1-1 vs. Millersville in the last four meetings.

Lock Haven returns a solid core of players that saw quality minutes a year ago. That veteran experience will prove valuable as the season begins. Connor Swope leads the way after scoring five goals (5G, 4A, 14 PTS.) last season. Recently, Coach Long and the team announced the addition of an impressive group of newcomers.

The Bald Eagles have returned to campus for preseason training with their eyes set on the 2023 season.