The United Soccer Coaches released their preseason rankings, and the Connecticut College Men’s Soccer team will open the year ranked No. 2 in NCAA Division III.

The Camels are coming off a 14-3-7 season that saw the squad claim their first NESCAC title and return to the NCAA Championship game for the second time in program history.

Conn is returning six of 11 starters from the deep postseason run, along with numerous contributors off the bench. Offensively, Marco Perugini ’27 finished second on the team in scoring with 16 points on four goals and a team-high eight assists, while Elliot Spatz ’26 finished third with six goals and one assist. Joining the returning attackers are Gavin Mpiana ’27 and Gavin Vanden Berg ’26, who combined for eight goals and two assists.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Camels—who held opponents to just 0.63 goals per game last season—will be without several standout seniors from the 2024 campaign, including All-NESCAC goalie and Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the NCAA Tournament Peter Silvester ’25, Jorge Mendo ’25 and Jack Kelesoglu ’25. However, the center of Conn’s defense returns three starters in holding midfielder Max Haberman ’27 and center backs Dylan Hoke ’28 and Charlie Miles ’27.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the team’s hard work last season; it shows that the players have put the program in a very competitive position,” said Head Coach Reuben Burk. “However, we must start the process of forming another competitive team all over again, starting in pre-season. It’s going to take a lot of hard work to reach the heights of last season, but I believe our team is up for the challenge ahead.”

The Camels kick off the 2025 season on Tuesday, Sept. 2, when they host the University of Hartford at 4 p.m. on Freeman Field.