Big Sky Pre-Season Soccer Poll

[soccerfanatic]

The Big Sky has just released its pre-season soccer poll. The good news is: nobody will be gearing up to play Idaho State. Idaho State was picked to come in sixth out of eight teams.

The low ranking reflects the fact that the other coaches know that ISU lost a bevy of talent from last year. However, ISU returns six starters, a host of talented reserves, and a strong recruiting class. Further, although ISU did not make the tournament last year, they had a fantastic record against non-conference teams and just hit an offensive slump during conference play. They had the best defense in the conference (only giving up 3 goals in 7 games,) but over five games had two 1-0 losses, two 0-0 ties and one 1-1 tie. Given that the Bengals scored an average of more than two goals per game in pre-season play (wihtout playing any patsies), to end up with a 2-2-3 record (.500) was remarkably unlucky.

ISU was also written off in the polls two years ago, but finished first in both the regular season and Big Sky Tournament, and lost in a close overtime game in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Look for ISU to shock the conference again in 2008. Be a believer! Support the Bengals in their quest for Big Sky gold this year.

 

[isunorth]

I posted this from the Eastern Washington site earlier but it is probably better here. It was pretty close
This may be a help to some - I think this is more accurate for ISU but again the teams are pretty tight


Sacramento State 13-3-3 (6-1-0)
20+ returning players with significant depth and some key SO playing or pushing for starting position. Relatively easy preseason will help boost confidence and playability. Many of the players played in Summer leagues to keep their game sharp. 6-1-0 in BSC is tough and a question if they can –they have the talent and on paper can

Weber 10-6-3 (5-1-1)
Will be a strong contender with 6 returning Seniors , some key losses. Relatively strong recruiting class of Utah talent. Will have a challenging Preseason that will either mold the team or cause some issues but given the BCS schedule can build to a strong finish.

Portland State 8-9-3 (4-2-1)
New coach and Style. The preseason is going to be a killer – It will be telling what comes out of it. Talent wise 4 returning seniors with a complement of Juniors. Will play as a top 4 contender if the coach is successful.

Idaho State 8-6-5 (3-2-2)
Proposed record is a consequence of game timing and the ability of the coach to team the players. Given that she has had very good success doing this with National level ODP player she should be able to pull this off. Lost some players but a strong core and dynamic recruits and late pickups could result in a strong combo.

Northern Arizona 8-7-4 (3-1-3)
A building program that has benefited from strong recruiting. Has a good mix of old and new comers. Has the ability to play the spoiler. Has some holes but is a team to watch

Northern Colorado 9-4-5 (2-1-4)
With player lose and signees the Bears will be competitive. Last years playoff run was positive for the program and they had a good spring showing but like they had a marginal record and capitalized on others faltering. Don’t believe they will be lucky enough to get into the Playoffs unless a team above falters does a vanishing act


Montana 3-11-4 (1-4-2)
Tough team but personnel and recruiting does not make this team stronger this year and will probably struggle. Like others they may take the spoiler roll

Eastern Washington 3-13-1 (0-7-0)
Return large group but depth is in question and not much help from recruits. Fairly aggressive preseason with Boise State being a bell weather game. BCS starts against the top teams