BURNSVILLE, Minn. – With four first place votes, the Augustana soccer team was selected to finish second in the NSIC, announced by the league Monday morning. 

"It's very easy to be excited about our incoming 2023 team because of the capabilities of our athletes, the wisdom that they have gained, and their competitive mentality they have developed over this last year" Augustana soccer head coach Brandon Barkus said. "In addition, our incoming players have proven to be extremely competitive and seem very driven to prove themselves, making for an exciting season. As we work to maintain a calm level of expectations, we are exorbitantly excited and ready to take this program to new heights."

Within the same release, returning junior Grace Douglas and senior Jillian Barkus were named as Vikings' players to watch. 

Douglas, a forward, netted two goals and two assists while compiling 9 points. The Woodbury Minnesota native contributed 32 shots and 17 shots on goal. 

"I am incredibly excited about Douglas. She's a fascinating example of hard work and determination. Her speed, grit and determination are prime examples of her special qualities. Her ability to create in the attacking third is really second to none" said Barkus. 

Barkus, a goalkeeper who started all 20 games last season, posted a 11-7-2 record with nine shutouts. The two-time NSIC All-Conference Second Team honoree recorded 84 saves and had a save percentage of .824. 

"We will be returning Jillian for a fifth year and the expectations for her are high. Her experience and leadership on and off the field help shape her overall willingness to be great" Barkus added. "We believe that her ability for us to build out of the back and create quick counter attacking opportunities will be crucial to our success. She reads the game well and understands the rhythm that our team plays with. I continue to believe that she will be extremely tough to get scored on, and I hope this will help lead the team to great success."

Augustana soccer kicks off their 2023 season on Friday, Sept. 1 as they are set to host MIAA Preseason favorites No. 13 Central Missouri. 

Full NSIC Coaches' Poll
1. Minnesota State (8), 187
2. Augustana (4), 177
3. Bemidji State (2), 170
4. Concordia-St. Paul (1), 147
5. UMary, 134
6. Minot State, 133
7. Northern State, 119
8. St. Cloud State, 104
9. Minnesota Duluth, 103
10. Winona State, 82
11. Southwest Minnesota State, 59
11. Wayne State
13. MSU Moorhead
14. Sioux Falls
15. Minnesota Crookston