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They start 2016 where they finished 2015.
Men’s soccer will open the season at No. 25, as ranked by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) preseason poll. With 12 victories in 2015, the Knights recorded their best record in 14 years (12-7-2) and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
#RFutbol begins the 2016 season ranked at No. 25 in the @NSCAA Preseason Poll - https://t.co/4F8qynSjx0 pic.twitter.com/Jzj7HeZx6q
— Rutgers Men's Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) August 3, 2016
Three other Big Ten schools are in the Top 25: Maryland (4), Indiana (15), and Ohio State (18).
RU opens with three exhibition games, including in-state rival Monmouth (0-0 double OT last season) and former Big East opponent UConn (received votes in poll). They then open the regular season with four straight ranked teams: Creighton (7) and Denver (20) at home and South Carolina (24) and Charlotte (22) on the road.
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Rutgers returns 24 letterwinners for the 2016 season. Among the returnees are Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and MAC Hermann Trophy candidate Jason Wright, Second Team All-Big Ten goalkeeper David Greczek and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honoree Brian Hawkins.
The Knights open the regular season on August 26 at home.
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