RICHARDSON, Texas – Eastern New Mexico has been selected 8
th in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll, garnering 136 points. Additionally, three Greyhounds were listed as players to watch for the upcoming season:
Nick Huenig (Offensive),
Kris McDonald (Defensive), and
Catalin Nastuta (Goalkeeper). The preseason poll is selected by head coaches, sports information directors, and selected members of the media.
Midwestern State took top honors in the poll, claiming 32 of the 33 first place votes and 362 total points. West Texas A&M followed in second place with 303 total points, while St. Mary's claimed third spot with one first place vote and 275 total points. DBU (266 total points) and Texas A&M International (211 total points) wrapped up the top five, respectively.
As for preseason awards, Midwestern State's Mere Escobar and Juan Galindo took home Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively. St. Mary's Johnny Turbin was recognized as the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year.
Brandon Misuraca returns to the sideline for Eastern in their third season. ENMU narrowly missed out on the postseason last year, falling just two points short in the conference standings. The Greyhounds finished with a 4-7-6 record, picking up a nationally ranked win against #16 St. Mary's at home (4-2, 10/7/23).
Huenig returns after leading the Greyhounds with five goals in 2023, while McDonald comes to Eastern as a Division I transfer from Rider. McDonald helped the Broncs take home the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament championship in 2023, reaching the first round of the NCAA tournament. Nastuta returns to Portales for his second season, making on appearance in net for the Greyhounds in 2023.
The Greyhounds will face a 17-game season, with 10 of those matches taking place at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium. ENMU play their first three games of the season at home, opening the campaign against Adams State at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5. Eastern concludes the opening weekend in Portales, with #21 Fort Lewis playing the Greyhounds on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1:30 p.m.
2024 Lone Star Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
| Rank |
School |
1st Place Votes |
Total Points |
| 1. |
Midwestern State |
32 |
362 |
| 2. |
West Texas A&M |
|
303 |
| 3. |
St. Mary's |
1 |
275 |
| 4. |
DBU |
|
266 |
| 5. |
Texas A&M International |
|
211 |
| 6. |
Lubbock Christian |
|
179 |
| 7. |
Oklahoma Christian |
|
174 |
| 8. |
Eastern New Mexico |
|
136 |
| 9. |
UT Tyler |
|
124 |
| 10. |
St. Edward's |
|
113 |
| 11. |
Sul Ross State |
|
35 |
