FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Liberty University has been picked to finish third in the North Division of the 2026 Mountain East Conference men's soccer preseason poll, as voted on by the league's 10 head coaches.
The Hilltoppers received 26 points in the preseason voting and also earned one first-place vote.
Davis & Elkins was selected as the North Division favorite with five first-place votes and 36 points, while Point Park finished second with 33 points and four first-place votes. Frostburg State was picked fourth with 20 points, followed by Wheeling with 10.
In the South Division, Charleston was selected as the preseason favorite with six first-place votes and 36 points. Concord was second with 35 points and three first-place votes, followed by Salem (22), Shawnee State (18) and West Virginia Wesleyan (14). Shawnee State received the division's remaining first-place vote.
West Liberty will open its 2026 campaign Thursday, Aug. 27, at Daemen in Amherst, N.Y. The Hilltoppers will make their home debut Sept. 9 against Point Park at the West Family Athletic Complex.
2026 MEC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
North Division
- Davis & Elkins — 36 (5)
- Point Park — 33 (4)
- West Liberty — 26 (1)
- Frostburg State — 20
- Wheeling — 10
South Division
- Charleston — 36 (6)
- Concord — 35 (3)
- Salem — 22
- Shawnee State — 18 (1)
- West Virginia Wesleyan — 14
Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at
westliberty.edu.
