What do MVC coaches think of SIUE soccer?

Defending regular-season champion, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been picked to repeat as Missouri Valley Conference men's soccer champions, according to a poll of the league's head coaches released Thursday.

In addition, three players were named to the MVC Preseason All-Conference team. Midfielder Ivan Gutierrez, forward Devyn Jambga and defender Austin Ledbetter are included among the 11-member team. Three players is the most representatives from any team with Loyola also claiming three spots.

Following the program's first-ever MVC regular season crown in 2015, the Cougars garnered 45 points and four first-place votes in the 2016 poll. Drake, who edged SIUE in last season's tournament title match, was picked second with 39 points and one first-place vote, followed by Loyola in third with 34 points. Missouri State (32 points) was picked fourth and earned two first-place votes. Bradley (25), Central Arkansas (12) and Evansville (9) filled out the final three spots.

Each of three preseason honorees were All-MVC selections last season. Ledbetter earned a spot on the first team, while Gutierrez and Jambga each were named to the second team.

The Cougars have played a pair of scoreless games so far in the preseason, earning the 0-0 tie with No. 9 Notre Dame Aug. 14 and playing to a 0-0 tie at Kentucky Tuesday night. SIUE will play host to Dayton Friday night before opening the regular season a week later (Aug. 26) at Korte Stadium against Northern Illinois.

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 12:03 PM with the headline "What do MVC coaches think of SIUE soccer?."