The NIU men’s soccer team was picked to finish fifth in the preseason poll conducted by the league’s coaches, but that does not worry head coach Willy Roy.

“The Mid-American Conference is very competitive,” Roy said. “Last year, one game separated first and fifth place.”

Nine starters are returning to the lineup, including junior defender Peter Agrimson, who earned Second-Team All-Midwest recognition.

“Peter is an outstanding player, and will be an anchor on defense,” said Roy.

Agrimson is joined by fellow award winner and defensive captain, junior Nick Park. Park was an All-MAC second team performer in 2000.

Junior Rasih Pala will start the season in the net for the Huskies after a shutout against Dominican University in exhibition play.

“Our defense should be solid this season, they have gotten a lot of playing time together the past couple seasons,” Roy said.

Last season, the Huskie offense scored just 23 goals in 16 games, but Roy spent the offseason signing talented forwards.

The Huskie offense will feature freshmen Vrahram Kadkhodaian and Doug Whitsel. Both underclassmen, Kadkhodaian and Whitsel have shown promise in exhibition games scoring a combined 8 goals.

“The goals are encouraging, but we will have to see if that comes when we begin playing for real,” Roy said.

The inexperienced forwards will be supported by some veteran leadership at the midfield position. Senior Phil Diehl will be one of the set-up men at midfield.

The Huskies are patiently awaiting the return of senior forward Robert Berkley. Berkley has a hairline fracture in his foot, but is expected to return in a couple of weeks.

“I don’t think that we will have a 15 goal scorer this year,” Roy said. “I think we are going to have a more spread out offense with a couple guys scoring 6-8 goals.”

The Huskies will play 9 of their 17 games at Huskie Soccer Field this season.

“Last year, we had to travel to Kentucky,” said T.J. Goeke, referring to the 2000 MAC Champions who come to NIU on September 25. “[Kentucky’s] field is cut shorter which helps them because they are a quicker team, but this year they have to come here.”