BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University men's soccer team has been picked to finish in second place in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) standings as the 2021 MASCAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll was released today by conference director of media relations, Emily Loux.

The Bears received 41 points in the poll to finish in a second place tie with defending MASCAC champion Framingham State University. The Bears picked up a pair of first place votes, while the Rams recorded one. Westfield State University is the preseason favorite to capture the conference title as the Owls recorded 47 votes including five first place votes.

Under the guidance of head coach Brendan Adams (20th Year), the Bridgewater State men's soccer team will return to the pitch for the first time since 2019. The Bears finished in three-way tie for fourth place in the 2019 MASCAC standings with a 3-4 conference mark (5-13-2 overall).

2018 All-MASCAC selection Kevin Roberts (Medway, Mass.) will help lead the Bears in 2021. Roberts, who was also a CoSIDA Division III Academic All-District One honoree this past year, has amassed 14 goals (four game-winners) and ten assists for 38 points in 57 career games.

The Bears will open the season on Wednesday, September 1st when they travel to Johnson & Wales University to take on the Wildcats at 7:30. BSU's home opener is slated for Wednesday, September 8th at seven o'clock against Rhode Island College. The MASCAC schedule gets underway on Saturday, September 18th as the Bears head to Salem State University for a two o'clock match with the Vikings.