GRINNELL, Iowa — The Midwest Conference announced the results of its preseason poll for men's soccer this afternoon with Knox claiming third place with a total of 49 points, a mere four points behind second-place Illinois College, which received one first-place vote. The defending champion, Lake Forest, is expected to take the crown once again, garnering seven first-place votes and 62 points.
Behind the Prairie Fire in the poll were Ripon (43) in fourth, despite netting the other first-place vote, Grinnell (42) in fifth, Cornell College (30) sixth, Lawrence (17) seventh, and Beloit and Monmouth College tying for eighth with 14 points apiece.
"The Midwest Conference I departed years ago has gotten much better through a great coaching fraternity and the fact that our conference attracts great talent," said Tyler Sheikh, in the first year of his second stint as head coach. "Being ranked third shows Knox remains respected, but this program is about getting to postseason weekend and aiming for more banners on Prats."
The Prairie Fire are looking to improve upon its 4-2-2 mark in the MWC last year when it averaged nearly two goals per league game. Junior Kestervens Dera had eight of the squad's 15 goals (while playing in just five of the eight conference contests), giving Knox a talented go-to scorer. Senior Arito Nakamichi complements Dera as another scoring option, having netted two of his four goals in league play. In all, the Fire have seven returning players who scored at least one goal in 2024.
The question entering the season is who will replace graduated four-year starter Nicolas Lantzendorffer in goal. All three keepers on the roster saw some time last year, but no more than 120 minutes. Senior Luke Mathieu had the best GAA of the three, sophomore Diogo Pereira the most minutes and saves, and sophomore Alessandro Carlani earned a win in his one appearance as a rookie.
Whoever ends up in front of the net, he will have an experienced defensive front to help him out in junior Galgallo Waqo along with sophomores Chrisangel Djambazian and Joao Gaspar. The two sophomores played in 17 of the 18 games, while Waqo saw action in 14, starting seven.
With 39 student-athletes on the roster, including eight hungry first-years, Coach Sheikh will get great competition in practice as players vie for playing time, elevating the level of play. And Sheikh knows a thing or two about a high level of play at Knox having guided the team to an overall record of 39-10-9 overall and 22-2-4 in MWC play during his first stint at the helm from 2015-17.
Knox opens the season with a four-game home stand beginning this Friday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. when North Central College comes to Jorge Prats Field.
