BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University men's soccer team has been picked to finish in third place in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) standings as the 2022 MASCAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll was released today by conference director of media relations, Emily Loux.

The Bears received 38 points in the poll. Defending MASCAC champion Salem State University is the preseason favorite to capture the conference title as the Vikings recorded 49 votes including seven first place votes. Framingham State University is second in the poll with 42 points and one first place vote.

Under the guidance of head coach Brendan Adams (21st Year), the BSU men's soccer team opens the 2022 campaign on Thursday, September 1st when the Bears host Johnson & Wales University at four o'clock. After taking on the Wildcats, the Bears' next three games are on the road including a September 5th (5:00 PM) tilt against local rival Wheaton College.The Bears will open Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play at home against defending conference champion Salem State on Saturday, September 17th at 11:00 AM.

Returning All-MASCAC selections Carsten Boloz (So., M, Southborough, Mass.), Robson Montrond (Sr., F, Brockton, Mass.) and Justin Silva (So., D, North Attleboro, Mass.) will help lead the Bears in 2022.

The Bears finished in third place in the 2021 MASCAC standings with a 5-2 conference mark (8-10 overall).