PITMAN, N.J. - The TCNJ men's soccer team was selected as the dark horse in the NJAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, as released by the league office this morning.
 
Rowan received all eight possible first-place votes following its second NJAC Championship in three years to top the preseason rankings, with Montclair State (one first-place vote) and Stockton rounding out the top three. The Lions – viewed as the team most likely to exceed expectations under first-year head coach Steve DeMatteo – are slotted in eighth.
 
Senior midfielder J.J. Zaun is set to captain TCNJ's new-look roster alongside top returning scorers Matias Hornos (five goals, four assists) and Chris Meder (2G, 3A), as well as Massimo Rodio. A class of nine newcomers will also look to make an immediate impact for the Lions, headlined by freshmen Aidan Grund, Matt Will and Manny Thacher as well as sophomore Lawrence Mancino.
 
DeMatteo is eager to see how a successful spring season will translate to competition in the fall.
 
"We're excited for the season to start and to continue building on where we left off this past spring," DeMatteo said. "There's a great energy and motivation within the team right now as we get ready to compete. We're looking forward to blending what we feel is a strong incoming class with an experienced and driven group of returning players to make for a competitive and dynamic squad."
 
TCNJ opens the new season Friday, Aug. 29 at home against Immaculata as part of a non-conference slate that includes matchups against multiple 10-win teams in Penn State Harrisburg, Arcadia and DeSales as well as #21 Stevens. NJAC play kicks off against Kean Saturday, Sept. 27.