HereÆs a look at the top 10 teams in Soccer America's Preseason Top 25:
1. NORTH CAROLINA. (ACC)
Elmar BolowichÆs Tar Heels have all the tools. They have a game-breaker in Englishman Ben Hunter (13 goals in his first season of NCAA ball). They have goalkeeping in Justin Hughes (13 shutouts in 25 career starts). They have experience in seven seniors (among 10 returning starters). They have youth in one of the countryÆs best freshman classes (striker Billy Dworsky, an Alabaman who starred on the Dallas TexansÆ vaunted U-18 team, and defender Eric Lichaj and winger Eddie Ababio, both U.S. U-17 residency graduates). But perhaps most important, the Heels have the missing link in midfield (St. JohnÆs transfer Garry Lewis replaces fellow Floridian Dax McCarty, who signed with MLSÆs FC Dallas). ôHe plays the same position, and he is an aggressive player,ö says Bolowich of his new ball-winner.
2. SMU (Conference-USA)
The Mustangs started 2-4-2 before catching fire. The secret to their turnaround? Coach Schellas Hyndman, a stern taskmaster, took a gentler approach with his young team. ''For us to find a way to be competing in the College Cup semifinals was spectacular for this team,'' says Hyndman, who returns eight starters. The key is the sophomore class with Paulo da Silva, who scored five of his eight goals in the NCAA Tournament, Bruno Guarda, Daniel Lopez and Ryan Mirsky. TheyÆre joined by Brown transfer Scott Geppert (Ivy League Rookie of the Year). Also transferring is junior defender Ben Shuleva, who started all 21 games for quarterfinalist St. JohnÆs. Hyndman has raised $650,000 for renovations to Westcott Field intended to ensure that the Mustangs play NCAA Tournament games at home.
3. VIRGINIA (ACC)
The Cavaliers have perhaps their best shot at capturing a national championship since winning four in a row under Bruce Arena (1991-94). German Yannick Reyering, an All-ACC pick as a freshman, and Adam Cristman combined for 21 goals in 2005. Juniors Nico Colaluca and Jeremy Barlow return in midfield, where they will be joined by freshman phenom Jonathan Villanueva. Watch out for defender Bakary Soumare, who is healthy after red-shirting as a freshman with a foot injury.
4. MARYLAND (ACC)
The Terrapins got bad news on the eve of the season: Sophomore Robbie Rogers left to sign with Dutch club Heerenveen. Along with the loss of Player of the Year Jason Garey, that leaves a big gap in the Terrapin attack, but Sasho Cirovski has signed giant Omar Gonzalez from the U.S. U-17s and Penn State transfer Richard Costanzo. The TerpsÆ strength is midfield with Stephen King and Maurice Edu. CirovskiÆs big chore is rebuilding his backline.
5. UCLA (Big East)
The Bruins, winners of four straight Pac-10 titles, suffered big losses. Former U.S. U-20s Marvell Wynne (No. 1 pick in the MLS SuperDraft) and Patrick Ianni turned pro, and Kamani Hill isnÆt in school this fall. In addition, defender Brandon Owens suffered a knee injury. Still, the talent is there. Sal Zizzo, Chance Myers and Tony Beltran played on the U.S. U-20 team that was second at the Milk Cup. Besides Myers and Beltran, the big recruit is former U-17 star Kyle Nakazawa.
6. CLEMSON (ACC)
The Tigers have a potent frontline with Jamaican international Dane Richards and Brazilian Frederico Moojen, both seniors. RichardsÆ 12 goals included game-winners in ClemsonÆs first three NCAA Tournament games en route to a berth in the MenÆs College Cup. Moojen, the 2006 PDL MVP, transferred from NCAA D2 school Lincoln Memorial. Goalie Phil Marfuggi is a steadying influence for the defense that lost Nathan Sturgis to MLS.
7. AKRON (Mid-American)
The ZipsÆ No. 1 ranking in the final Soccer America Top 25 should have been no surprise. Akron has been one of the best programs over the last five years. Louisville took notice and hired Coach Ken Lolla. His replacement is former Indiana assistant Caleb Porter. Akron returns eight starters, led by All-American midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic (17 goals) and sophomores Evan Bush, Matt Tutich and Ossie Michalsen. Also back is All-MAC defender Jonathan McClain.
8. CONNECTICUT (Big East)
The Huskies won back-to-back Big East titles for only the second time in their 24-year history in the league. TheyÆre led by Trinidadian Julius James, who earned All-American honors as a sophomore, and Jamaican OÆBrian White, the 2005 Big East Rookie of the Year. Jamaica international Akeem Priestley, who transferred from Jacksonville, heads the recruiting class. The big hole is in goal, where the four candidates have a combined 11 minutes of collegiate experience.
9. SOUTH FLORIDA (Big East)
The Bulls werenÆt intimidated by their move to the Big East, finishing second in the conference tournament. USF has as much talent as any team in the country. Back are junior Rodrigo Hidalgo and sophomores Jordan Seabrook, Yohance Marshall and T&T international Kevon Neaves. Star Hunter West (medical redshirt) sat out last season. Recruits include Diego Restrepo and Anthony Wallace. USFÆs third U.S. U-17 recruit, Neven Subotic, joined German club Mainz.
10. NOTRE DAME (Big East)
Coach Bobby Clark was rewarded with a multi-year contract extension after the Irish made the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight year and upset defending champion Indiana in the second round, but he insists ôwe are not where I want us to be, yet.ö The Irish stars are Californians Greg Dalby (former U.S. U-20 captain) and Ian Etherington (son of former U.S. international Gary Etherington), both senior midfielders. They are among nine returning starters.
For scouting reports on all the Top 25 teams, profiles of men's college soccerÆs foreign stars and a look at players and coaches on the move during the offseason, as well as our college women's preview, read the September issue of Soccer America.