BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference has tallied the coach's votes and released the 2012 NSIC Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll. Minnesota State University Moorhead, receiving 71 points, landed in the 12th spot in the poll.
Minnesota State University Mankato topped the poll with 221 points and 11 first place votes. The Mavericks finished No. 2 in the conference in regular season play during the 2011 season but took home only their second NSIC Tournament title.
Last year the Dragons ended the season in the 10th spot in the conference (8-8-1, 4-8-1 NSIC). Starting off with a strong start, a five game win-streak, the Dragons had a play-off berth in their sights but struggled on the road in the later half of the year.
With 15 returners coming back for the 2012 season, the Dragons look to repeat last year's quick start and continue the momentum into the post season. Junior
Amanda Wurdeman and senior
Ashley Swanson will lead the Dragons as the team's two players to watch in the NSIC.
Wurdeman led the team last season with six total goals and two assists, tallying 14 points for the forward. Last season she posted two two-goal games for the Dragons; one on Sept. 3, 2011 against Benedictine University and again on Oct. 2, 2011 vs. Northern State (S.D.).
Swanson started 16-of-17 games she played in last season. A midfielder for the Dragons, she scored two goals with two assists, giving her six total points for the season.
Sophomore
Erin Nyberg is another player that could take strides for the Dragons this year. Last season she scored four goals and aided in two assists, totaling 10 points, which was third highest on the team. As a freshman, Nyberg was named the Offensive Co-MVP with senior
Jordyn Wallenborn.
Head Coach
Rollie Bulock is making history for the team this year by bringing in the program's largest recruiting class. Eleven freshmen made the roster and show great potential for the up coming season.
“Overall the freshmen are adjusting well,” says Coach Bulock. “A number of them have stepped up this week.”
In the 2011 season, the Dragons took 40 more shots than their opponents, outshooting them 235-188. However, the team sat even with their competitors in goals made at the end of the season with 26.
“The team goal this season is to allow less than 20 goals and score a minimum of 32 goals,” said Swanson. “If we are able to split our games on the road and continue to have a winning record at home we will have great success this year."
“We want to make it to the conference tournament this year. We have a strong chance,” said Bulock. “We have a tougher schedule this year, but where the team is at right now, we are going to challenge a lot of those teams.”
The Dragons open their season on the road against NSIC newcomer, Minot State University on Aug. 30.
2012 NSIC Soccer Preseason release.
