Aug. 17, 2005

WOODLAND, Calif. - The UNLV men's soccer team was picked to finish third in the 2005 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation men's soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced on Wednesday. The Rebels have finished in third place for the last two years in the MPSF, including last season's tie for third with Sacramento State after finishing the season at 5-7 in the conference, 6-12 overall.

New Mexico, the reigning MPSF champions and coming off a season which saw them ranked No. 1 at the end of the regular season, received five of six first-place votes on the way to topping the preseason poll with 25 points. Denver, which finished in second place in 2004, was picked to finish second this season with 20 points, while UNLV followed in third (14 points), Sacramento State was fourth (11), San Jose State fifth (10), and Air Force sixth (eight points).

Under 24th-year head coach Barry Barto, the Rebels will have a different look on the field in 2005 with 12 newcomers and just 10 returnees. They will be led by senior midfielder and two-time all-conference selection Rod Dyachenko, while senior goalkeeper Peter Clitheroe will be the starter in the net for the third straight season.

UNLV opens its season on Friday, Sept. 2 on the road at Wisconsin in the 2005 Wisconsin Big Toe Soccer Invitational. The Rebels open up conference play on Oct. 7 at Denver.

2005 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Preseason Men's Soccer Coaches' Poll

Place   Team (1st place votes)  Votes1.  New Mexico (5)      252.  Denver          203.   UNLV            144.  Sacramento State        115.  San Jose State      106.  Air Force           8