Columns in order:
Adjusted RPI's 2015-17 (conference rating at top),
2018 non-conf. average RPI's and SOS's based on 2017,
2018 pre-season poll rankings
The Mid-American Conference has been the Akron Invitational for so long, the Zips felt it was necessary to beef up their non-conference schedule to remain relevant on a national basis. Western Michigan burst upon the scene in 2017 to win the regular-season MAC title, although Akron restored order by winning the conference tournament. The two teams begin the season ranked in the top 15 nationally, according to the United Soccer Coaches pre-season poll.
Akron begins the season ranked 4th in the USC poll, commensurate with last season's College Cup national semifinal appearance. The Zips return just four starters, but they typically reload instead of rebuild. Ben Lundt, the 6' 6" senior German goalkeeper, registered 12 shutouts, made 50 saves and recorded a 0.58 goals-against average in 2017.
Western Michigan was the giant slayer of the MAC in 2017, ending Akron's 12-year streak of winning/sharing the regular-season title. The Broncos are well-respected at the beginning of 2018, earning a No. 8 national ranking from Top Drawer Soccer and No. 14 rankings from College Soccer News and United Soccer Coaches. WMU put together a solid non-conference schedule with visits from Butler, Pacific and Xavier and a trip to Michigan.
Things could get interesting if West Virginia pans out. The Mountaineers return 16 lettermen, including nine that played in at least 15 matches, from a 9-6-4 squad.
The Mid-American Conference has been the Akron Invitational for so long, the Zips felt it was necessary to beef up their non-conference schedule to remain relevant on a national basis. Western Michigan burst upon the scene in 2017 to win the regular-season MAC title, although Akron restored order by winning the conference tournament. The two teams begin the season ranked in the top 15 nationally, according to the United Soccer Coaches pre-season poll.
Akron begins the season ranked 4th in the USC poll, commensurate with last season's College Cup national semifinal appearance. The Zips return just four starters, but they typically reload instead of rebuild. Ben Lundt, the 6' 6" senior German goalkeeper, registered 12 shutouts, made 50 saves and recorded a 0.58 goals-against average in 2017.
Western Michigan was the giant slayer of the MAC in 2017, ending Akron's 12-year streak of winning/sharing the regular-season title. The Broncos are well-respected at the beginning of 2018, earning a No. 8 national ranking from Top Drawer Soccer and No. 14 rankings from College Soccer News and United Soccer Coaches. WMU put together a solid non-conference schedule with visits from Butler, Pacific and Xavier and a trip to Michigan.
Things could get interesting if West Virginia pans out. The Mountaineers return 16 lettermen, including nine that played in at least 15 matches, from a 9-6-4 squad.
More previews to come...follow links to rpiupdate.blogspot.com's daily scoreboards, team schedules, conference standings, NCAA Tournament projection and the most updated, accurately adjusted Division I men's soccer RPI rankings available.