Story Links
Aug. 16, 2001
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Virginia men’s soccer team was picked to finish second in the 2001 Atlantic Coast Conference Coaches Preseason Poll, as determined by a vote of the leagues seven head coaches. North Carolina, the 2000 ACC Tournament Champion, was selected as the favorite for the upcoming 2001 ACC men’s soccer season. The Tar Heels collected 42 points in the pre-season balloting, edging out Virginia, which finished second with 39 points. The Cavaliers return nine starters and 14 letterwinner from a team that finished 17-6-1 overall, 5-1-0 in the ACC last season. UVa advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals last year for the third consecutive season.
With 37 points, Clemson was picked to finish third while Maryland was fourth recording 30 points. Completing the pre-season poll in order of finish is Duke (26), Wake Forest (15) and N.C. State (7).
Considered by many to be one of the top soccer conferences in the nation, ACC schools have won nine national championships in men’s soccer over the last 17 years. This year, the ACC enters the 2001 season with four teams ranked in the 2001 NSCAA/adidas preseason poll. North Carolina heads up the poll for the ACC in the #5 spot, followed by Virginia at #7, Clemson at #8 and Duke at #13.
Below is a listing of the preseason coaches’ poll with 2000 records and regular season finishes.
2001 Pre-Season ACC Men’s Soccer Poll
Rank School Points 2000 Record1. North Carolina 42 21-3-0, 5-1 ACC2. VIRGINIA 39 17-6-1, 5-1 ACC3. Clemson 37 14-4-2, 3-3 ACC4. Maryland 30 10-9-0, 1-5 ACC5. Duke 26 15-6-0, 5-1 ACC6. Wake Forest 15 10-7-2, 2-4 ACC7. N.C .State 7 3-12-3, 0-6 ACC
— UVa —