28.  University of Central Florida – UCF had a breakthrough season last year, posting a 12-5-3 overall record with a 4-1-3 record in Conference USA play.  The Knights were awarded an at-large berth and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament where they were topped by Michigan in overtime.  Nine starters return for coach Bryan Cunningham’s squad.  The UCF midfield features seniors Warren Creavalle (4g, 4a) and Kevan George (0g, 4a) along with junior Nik Robson (11g, 9a) who led the Knights in scoring last year.  All three were 2010 All-CUSA First Team selections and when the game is on the line all three are capable of coming up with a big play.  Senior Cameron Cooksey (6g, 3a) and junior A.J. Nelson (4g, 4a) return to provide firepower up-top.  Senior Scott Spencer (3g, 8a) and juniors Ben Hunt (2g, 0a) and Andrew Quintana were starters in the back last year who return in 2010.   Junior Shawn Doyle who had a 0.82 goals against average and recorded eight shutouts returns between the pipes.  The Knights are talented and hungry to prove that last year was a steppingstone, not a fluke. 

 

29.  Denver – The Pioneers improved significantly as the 2010 season progressed.  It will be interesting to see if Denver can capitalize on the momentum they built last year. If so, they will have a very good 2011 season.  The Pioneers will enter the 2011 season with eight starters back from the 2010 team that was 9-7-4 overall and earned an at-large berth into the NCAA Tourney. Senior midfielder Jarod Stigall (9g, 8a) and senior forward Kellan Christensen (5g, 3a) return to give Denver a solid one-two punch on the offensive side of the ball.  Juniors Alex Tarnoczi (3g, 6a) and Nate Sackeyfio (1g, 0a) also return up-top to add an additional dimension to the Pioneer attack.  Junior Mark Weigand (2g, 4a), an All-MPSF Second Team selection, senior Matt Kirby (0g, 2a), and sophomore defensive midfielder Blair Jeralds are among returning linkmen who were starters last year. The backline will be anchored by juniors Drew Beckie and Blake Shannon.  With a solid contingent returning supplemented by a very good recruiting class, the Pioneers are in the driver’s seat to win the MPSF championship.  Early games with Creighton, Notre Dame and Indiana will be tough but provide an opportunity to make a statement.

30.  Furman – This is the year that the Paladins will begin their return to national prominence.  Nine starters return along with a recruiting class that is among the best in the country.  Last year Furman was 10-7-2 overall and finished regular season play in a three way tie for the number one spot in the Southern Conference.  Forward Coleton Henning who was the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year in 2008 is back after missing the 2010 season due to a knee injury.  Returning midfielders include junior Danny Hojaij (1g, 1a) and sophomores Michael Gandier (2g, 1a) and Josh Fusan (2g, 2a).  Seniors Walker Jernigan (0g, 2a) and Eric Cobleigh (0g, 1a) return to anchor what looks to be a very good backline.  Senior Alan Kann, an All-Southern Conference Second Team selection last year, returns to give the Paladins an experienced presence in goal.  Defenders Walker Zimmerman and George Fradenburg and midfielder Kevin Pahl are among the freshmen who figure to see significant playing time.  Sophomore forward Martin Ontiveros who transfers in from Akron should add an additional dimension to the Furman attack.   The Paladins may experience some growing pains but if the newcomers live up to their hype, this is a team that will steadily improve as the season progresses.  Opportunity knocks early when Furman hosts Duke on August 29.

Others Receiving Votes:  South Carolina, Penn, Georgetown, Santa Clara, William and Mary, Butler, Providence, Princeton, Dartmouth, College of Charleston, UMBC, High Point