Butler Picked No. 21 in NSCAA Preseason Poll

BALTIMORE -- Butler, who a year ago was the last unbeaten men's soccer team in the NCAA, was tabbed No. 21 in the National Soccer Coaches Assocation of America (NSCAA) 2011 preseason poll. The Bulldogs finished 2010 with a 16-1-3 record, earning the No. 13 national seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The defending Horizon League champion Bulldogs will be led in 2011 by Paul Snape, who takes over coaching duties from Kelly Findley, who moved to North Carolina State in the offseason. Snape was an assistant coach on the Michigan squad that reached the College Cup in 2010.

Once again, Butler will face a challenging slate of contests, including a meeting with last year's national runner-up, Louisville, on Sept. 17. The Cardinals sit atop the 2011 NSCAA preseason poll. The Bulldogs will meet two other squads in the preseason top 25 in non-conference play, taking on No. 9 Michigan and hosting No. 17 Indiana.

It is the third time in the last four years a Horizon League squad has been tabbed in the preseason top 25; UIC earned a place in the poll in both 2008 and 2009.

Butler opens its season on Thursday, Aug. 18, when they host Notre Dame in exhibition play.

The Horizon League men's soccer preseason poll will be release on Friday, Aug. 12.