DENVER – Seattle University men's soccer has been picked to win the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) this season, according to the Preseason Coaches' Poll, released Wednesday. Alex Acton-Petronotis was chosen Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and Noe Meza was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Acton-Petronotis, Meza, Akili Kasim, and James Morris have earned Preseason All-WAC honors.
The Redhawks, WAC preseason favorites in five of the last seven seasons, claimed nine of 10 possible first-place votes and 98 points. Utah Valley was next with one first-place vote and 81 points. Air Force was third, while Grand Canyon checked in at fourth with the final first-place vote. UNLV, San Jose State, and California Baptist were next, with UTRGV, Houston Baptist, Incarnate Word, and new WAC member Dixie State rounding out the poll.
"You have to play the games," said SU Coach Pete Fewing. "We appreciate the shout-out. After winning the WAC last year, we know everyone will be coming for us again. We want to live up to the ranking. The WAC is one of the most underrated conferences in the country."
Acton-Petronotis started 22 games at center back in 2019. The College Station, Texas, native played a key role in SU allowing just eight goals in 11 WAC games.
"Alex is a solid defender and our most experienced back," said Fewing. "He has good ability."
Meza scored a career-high nine goals in 20 appearances last season. The native of Sunnyside, Wash., finished the season strong with four goals in nine WAC games and then a tying goal at Stanford in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
"I'm happy for Noe," said Fewing. "He's a terrific player and person. Noe is a key part of our attack and leadership and I think he's going to have a very good year."
Kasim played every minute of his 23 starts in goal last season, his first as the Redhawks' goalkeeper. He tallied a 0.83 goals against average and a .730 save percentage with 10 shutouts. Kasim, a West Seattle native, earned WAC Tournament MVP honors after his tremendous four-save performance in penalty kicks in the WAC Tournament Championship.
"Akili was rock-solid last year," said Fewing. "I expect him to have another great year."
Morris burst onto the scene in 2019, winning WAC Freshman of the Year. The Doncaster, England, product, scored eight goals in 10 WAC matches, including a hat trick at CSU Bakersfield.
"James is a clinical finisher," said Fewing. "I'm really excited to have him back. He's stronger and his confidence is really high."
Seattle U opens the regular season on Wednesday, Feb. 3, as Gonzaga visits Championship Field. SU enters the season with the longest active unbeaten streak in the nation (16 games).
The Redhawks, WAC preseason favorites in five of the last seven seasons, claimed nine of 10 possible first-place votes and 98 points. Utah Valley was next with one first-place vote and 81 points. Air Force was third, while Grand Canyon checked in at fourth with the final first-place vote. UNLV, San Jose State, and California Baptist were next, with UTRGV, Houston Baptist, Incarnate Word, and new WAC member Dixie State rounding out the poll.
"You have to play the games," said SU Coach Pete Fewing. "We appreciate the shout-out. After winning the WAC last year, we know everyone will be coming for us again. We want to live up to the ranking. The WAC is one of the most underrated conferences in the country."
Acton-Petronotis started 22 games at center back in 2019. The College Station, Texas, native played a key role in SU allowing just eight goals in 11 WAC games.
"Alex is a solid defender and our most experienced back," said Fewing. "He has good ability."
Meza scored a career-high nine goals in 20 appearances last season. The native of Sunnyside, Wash., finished the season strong with four goals in nine WAC games and then a tying goal at Stanford in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
"I'm happy for Noe," said Fewing. "He's a terrific player and person. Noe is a key part of our attack and leadership and I think he's going to have a very good year."
Kasim played every minute of his 23 starts in goal last season, his first as the Redhawks' goalkeeper. He tallied a 0.83 goals against average and a .730 save percentage with 10 shutouts. Kasim, a West Seattle native, earned WAC Tournament MVP honors after his tremendous four-save performance in penalty kicks in the WAC Tournament Championship.
"Akili was rock-solid last year," said Fewing. "I expect him to have another great year."
Morris burst onto the scene in 2019, winning WAC Freshman of the Year. The Doncaster, England, product, scored eight goals in 10 WAC matches, including a hat trick at CSU Bakersfield.
"James is a clinical finisher," said Fewing. "I'm really excited to have him back. He's stronger and his confidence is really high."
Seattle U opens the regular season on Wednesday, Feb. 3, as Gonzaga visits Championship Field. SU enters the season with the longest active unbeaten streak in the nation (16 games).