BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Augustana soccer team was selected to finish fifth in the NSIC preseason coaches' poll, announced by the league Tuesday morning. 

"We had a fall that we were not the happiest with, we then followed that up with a very unique spring, and the team has taken those experiences and has used that as motivation to work out and train this summer. In speaking with several of the athletes, I know they are fired up and eager to apply all of their work to the season, said head coach Brandon Barkus."

"We believe that there has to be intentional meaning in everything that we do. It cannot just be soccer; it has to be everything - the competition/training, the education, the people. It is asking everyone to put their heart on the table and demanding everybody who's involved in the program to be invested in this and living our core values, Barkus continued. 

Within the same release, returning redshirt sophomore Paige Bracker and junior Connor Rylance were named as Vikings' players to watch. 

Bracker started in 16 of 19 games played and contributed for two goals and three assists for seven points. The Underwood, Iowa redshirt sophomore is the highest point returner on the 2024 roster. 

"Paige is undoubtedly an exceptionally talented athlete, and we have very high expectations for her. However, this season, we feel this way about our entire front-line/offensive group. She works so incredibly hard and motivates her teammates through her effort and positive attitude! We anticipate an extremely productive year from Paige, but again, the whole group can be very dangerous in the attacking third. It should be a fun offensive year" said Barkus. 

Rylance, a returning junior will look to continue her strong 2023 campaign into the season. Last year she potted one goal and one assist for three points from the backend. She started in all 19 games and was named NSIC All-Conference Second Team and was awarded CSC All-Academic District Team and named NSIC All-Academic. 

Barkus said "Connor plays such a strong, fervent and competitive style of soccer that will rally our team this season. She does a great job of finding a way to possess the ball, but she is terrific at striking and serving balls in behind backlines which, can make things difficult for our opponents. This is in addition to her excellent defending skills. Connor is outstanding in one-on-one situations but more than anything, I feel like motivates the whole backline to give everything they have. I am extremely excited about our defensive look this fall."

Augustana soccer kicks off its 2024 season on Friday, Sep. 6 at 5 p.m. in Warrensburg, Missouri against Central Missouri. They follow up the content with a Sunday, Sep. 8 match against Rogers State in Claremore, Oklahoma. The first Vikings home game will be Friday, Sep. 13 against Fort Hays State.  

Full NSIC Coaches' Poll
1. Minnesota State (10), 186
2. St. Cloud State (4), 179
3. Bemidji State, 170
4. UMary (1), 151
5. Augustana, 147
6. Concordia-St.Paul, 147
7. Northern State, 129
8. Minnesota Duluth, 97
9. Minot State, 84
10. Southwest Minnesota State, 76
11. Wayne State, 70
12. Winona State, 70
13. Sioux Falls, 46
14. MSU Moorhead, 36
15. Minnesota Crookston, 18