Wheaton Picked to Win CCIW Men’s Soccer Title

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Wheaton men’s soccer team’s surprising run to the national championship game in 2006 has led to a predicted first place finish in 2007 according to the latest College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) coaches poll released by the conference office Thursday.

Former Wheaton head coach Joe Bean retired after 38 seasons with the program, but the Thunder will usher in a new era with new coach Dr. Michael Guiliano as his first Wheaton squad won the coaches poll with 46 points including four first place votes.

Defending conference champion North Park placed second with 43 points including three first place votes. Augustana placed third in the poll with 34 points and one first place vote. Carthage was fourth with 32 points, while Illinois Wesleyan was fifth with 28 points. Rounding out the poll was Elmhurst (20), Millikin (14) and North Central (seven).

Voting for the pre-season poll is done by the men’s soccer coaches in the CCIW. Each coach votes for the seven other schools in the conference in order of predicted finish. Points are assigned in reverse order of voting (seven points for first, six for second, etc.). Coaches may not vote for their own team.

The CCIW men’s soccer season begins August 31.

2007 CCIW Men's Soccer Pre-season Poll