2022 Men's College Previews: MAAC to WAC

by Tom Hindle

August 24, 2022

MAAC

What happened in 2021: Marist overcame a slow start in conference preseason to go on a dream run, winning eight of its last nine games to bag both the regular season title and tournament championship. Saint Peter's made a charge, but a draw with Rider and shock loss to Manhattan saw their title hopes crushed.

What to expect in 2022: Can Marist repeat? Preseason polls suggest that the Red Foxes are well placed to win another conference title, especially after retaining All-MAAC talents Henrique Cruz and Samuel Ilin. Rider could also make a push, especially with the prolific Zaki Alibou leading the line.

MAC

What happened in 2021: Northern Illinois made an unexpected run in both regular season play, winning the conference and tournament titles. The Huskies were buoyed by the duo of Nick Markanich and Anthony Markanich, who were both selected in the MLS SuperDraft at season’s end. West Virginia made a late title push, but points dropped early in the campaign cost them. Still, the Mountaineers rebounded, making it to the last eight of the NCAA Tournament. Georgia State did enough to earn an at-large bid and eventually fell to Georgetown in the second round.

What to expect in 2022: The conference has shrunk to only five teams this year, a victim of realignment. Northern Illinois has remained in the picture, though, and should be favorites to win again. Akron looks a little stronger, thanks to the additions of Terence Okoeguale and Mani Diop. With so few squads, anything can happen.

Missouri Valley

What happened in 2021: Missouri State had another year of dominance, winning the MVC regular season and tournament titles. Kian Yari starred for the Bears, contributing eight assists from midfield. Loyola-Chicago(m) made a push in its last year in the league, playing Missouri State to two close games. But it couldn’t find a tying goal in either contest.

What to expect in 2022: With Missouri State’s biggest competitor gone, it’s hard to see anything but another year of dominance. The Bears have returned five All-Conference selections, including their two top goalscorers from last year. Yari is also back in the fold and is a potential MLS Draft prospect. SIUE has brought in some good players, including Spanish keeper Alvaro Bazaco Camino, but will need to get more out of its squad to compete for the top spot.

Northeast

What happened in 2021: LIU and St. Francis Brooklyn split the conference after a tight season. But LIU got hot at the right time, winning the conference tournament. It went one further in the NCAA Tournament, beating Maryland, 1-0, in College Park thanks to a terrific curled effort from Assane Ben Fall.

What to expect in 2022: LIU appears primed for another conference title, especially with a wealth of experience returning to the fold. Emil Jaaskelainen is a natural goalscorer up front, while Henry Haferkorn is a stout defender. St. Francis will have another go and Farleigh Dickinson(m) has some talent. Still, LIU should have the overall quality required to win it all.

Patriot League

What happened in 2021: It was a tight year in 2021 with Loyola Maryland, American and Holy Cross all vying for the title. Loyola Maryland had more quality in the end, though, winning its last three games to clinch the regular season title. It did the same again in tournament play, beating American, 2-1, to win the conference championship. A penalty kick loss to UNC ended the Greyhounds’ College Cup hopes.

What to expect in 2022: Though American has retooled with some solid recruits, the title appears to be Loyola Maryland’s to lose. It brings back All-Conference first team forward Kelan Swales, as well as All-Conference center back Jordy Luchies. Navy should also be in the picture, especially with reliable midfielder David Jackson at the center of everything.

Southern

What happened in 2021: UNC Greensboro narrowly topped the conference in 2021, winning five out of six league matches. Mercer was close behind, but a tie with East Tennessee State derailed its title hopes. ETSU got hot late, winning the conference tournament to secure an NCAA Tournament berth — where it fell to Wake Forest in the first round.

What to expect in 2022: Mercer should make another run at the regular season crown. It returns the players that accounted for 37 of its 38 goals, as well as four stout defenders. UNC Greensboro should make a challenge, especially with such a free-flowing attack, provided they replace the goals of Theo Collomb. Keep an eye out on Furman(m) and East Tennessee State as well.

Sun Belt

What happened in 2021: Nothing. The Sun Belt didn't sponsor men's soccer in 2021.

What to expect in 2022: The Sun Belt is back. And it looks loaded. The conference features some top programs, including West Virginia, Marshall and Kentucky, all of which should compete for the conference’s top spot this fall. West Virginia appears to be the favorite, especially on the back of an NCAA Tournament quarter final appearance. But Kentucky is also full of quality, especially with senior forward Eythor Bjorgolfsson leading the line. The West Virginia-Marshall contest is one to watch. Last year’s game brought 3,000 fans to Huntington, West Virginia.

Summit League

What happened in 2021: Oral Roberts and Denver split the regular season conference title, with Omaha just a point behind. Denver won the conference tournament by beating Oral Roberts on penalties. That win earned the Pioneers an NCAA Tournament spot, where they beat Grand Canyon before losing to Clemson in overtime.

What to expect in 2022: Denver will undoubtedly go into the season as favorites again, especially with defender Liam Johnson returning for a fifth season. He anchored a unit that conceded only 0.79 goals per 90 minutes — among the best averages in the nation. Oral Roberts will surely compete but lack the punch that pushed them to the top last year. Omaha is also one to watch, with new head coach Donovan Dowling inheriting a talented squad.

West Coast

What happened in 2021: Santa Clara edged Pacific for the league title in 2021, winning the division despite posting a couple of disappointing ties. Forward Oladayo Thomas led the way, tallying 17 goal involvements en route to All-Conference First team honors. The Broncos won one game in the NCAA Tournament, before being bounced by Kentucky in the second round.

What to expect in 2022: Could this be the year that Portland makes a charge? The Pilots could certainly capitalize on a weakened Santa Clara team. They have an experienced squad, headlined by star midfielder Jake Arteaga. A league title is certainly within reach. Pacific should also be in the mix, although taking points off Santa Clara and Portland will be vital if they are to top the division.

Western Athletic

What happened in 2021: Grand Canyon topped the conference, with Seattle and Air Force finishing just behind. Seattle won the conference tournament before narrowly losing to Portland in the NCAA Tournament first round.

What to expect in 2022: Seattle appears to be primed to top the league. It boasts a well rounded squad, highlighted by a dynamic second striker in Declan McGlynn. If he can score and create, it’s difficult to see anyone pipping the Redhawks. Grand Canyon will have a chance of repeating and brought in a top coach in Mike Kraus this offseason. He might need a few years to get the team firing, though. California Baptist is also in the mix, especially with three All-Conference picks to turn to.