PAWTUCKET, R.I. - The Castleton men's soccer team was ranked sixth in the Little East Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Tuesday afternoon by the conference. 

The Spartans finished 6-12 in 2019 before competing in a shortened four-game slate in the spring of 2021. This year's roster features 19 returners, including five seniors, along with 10 newcomers. The team welcomes back Andres Soto-Burgos and Jonathan Maul, who both saw action as goalkeepers in the spring season. 2018 Team MVP Jacob Godfrey also returns as a senior captain. 

Eastern Connecticut was ranked first with 58 points and four first-place nods. UMass Boston was a close second with 57 points. Castleton tallied 24 points. 

The 2021 season begins on Wednesday, September 1 when the Spartans travel to Russell Sage. The home opener falls on the following Sunday as Castleton takes on Clark University at Dave Wolk Stadium.