The Sports Inquirer

By E. Marcel Pourtout, Editor

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) released its preseason polls for the upcoming men’s and women’s soccer collegiate seasons and the Atlantic Coast Conference was well-represented.

On the men’s side, a national-high five ACC members were ranked including new member and defending national champion Notre Dame which enters the 2014 season ranked first in the nation.

Four other men’s teams made the rankings including Virginia, who reached the College Cup in 2013. The Cavaliers came in ranked third. Wake Forest (11), conference newcomer Louisville (14) and North Carolina (22) are also nationally ranked. Clemson, Duke and Syracuse received votes.

For the women’s poll, eight ACC squads made the national rankings, including four of the top five spots. Pac-12 member and defending national champion UCLA enter 2014 ranked first in the nation but is followed by defending ACC champion Florida State, North Carolina and Virginia Tech to round out the top-five. The Seminoles, Cavaliers and Hokies each made the Women’s College Cup in 2013.

The other ACC women’s soccer teams to make the preseason rankings were Notre Dame (16), Duke (18), Boston College (19) and Wake Forest (21)