USF men’s soccer picked to finish third in preseason poll

The USF men’s soccer team finished the 2019 season with an 11-7-1 overall record. USF ATHLETICS PHOTO

The USF men’s soccer team was picked to finish third in the AAC by the conference’s preseason coaches poll which was released Monday afternoon.

SMU and UCF were the two programs ranked ahead of the Bulls, predicted to finish first and second, respectively. 

Last season, USF was tabbed to finish fourth, but the Bulls narrowly surpassed those expectations. The team went on to finish third and made its first NCAA tournament appearance under coach Bob Butehorn.

The coaches poll also handed out individual honors, and senior defender Avionne Flanagan was unanimously named to the preseason all-conference team.

Flanagan has been a force both offensively and defensively during his time with the Bulls. In the 2019 season, he scored one goal and added a team-high seven assists.

The Baltimore native was recently selected by Cincinnati FC with the 29th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft.

Although Flanagan has been training with the team, it is still unclear if he will take part in the upcoming collegiate season due to his recent selection in the draft.

The Bulls kick off their season with an exhibition match against FIU on Saturday. They will then turn their attention toward the first game of the regular season scheduled for Feb. 6 against Temple. Both games will be played at home in Corbett Stadium.

Every home match during the regular season will be streamed live on ESPN+ and fan attendance will be limited via pass list only.