IRVINE, Calif. - The Concordia University Irvine men's water polo team is projected to finish seventh in the Western Water Polo Association after the league released its 2019 Preseason Coaches Poll.

Defending conference champion UC San Diego is the favorite to repeat atop the league after receiving seven of eight votes.

The Eagles return leading scorer Patrik Zsiros who will look to set the CUI school record for career goals during his junior campaign. A WWPA Second Team All-Conference selection last year, Zsiros enters this season with 85 goals on record through his first two years in Irvine and needs to score just 19 more to pass Spencer Hosch who currently holds the CUI mark with 103 career goals.

Sophomore Christian Bowley is coming off an impressive first year on campus where he showed his versatililty and garnered WWPA All-Freshman Team accolades.

Upperclassmen Austin Barton, Nick Walker and Marius Jakimcikas were all part of the WWPA All-Academic Team last season and will also provide a spark on offense. Senior Messan Moore has averaged 26.3 goals per season and ranks third on the CUI list for recorded career goals. Meanwhile, Cullen Mooers enters the fall ready to take over as the team's starting goalie.

For the full CUI men's water polo schedule, click here.  The Eagles open the season Sept. 6-7 at the Triton Invitational against UC Santa Barbara. The first home contest of the year is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 1:30 p.m. against the UC San Diego Tritons at the Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine.

2019 WWPA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. UC San Diego - 49 (7 first place votes)
2. UC Davis - 43 (1)
3. Loyola Marymount - 33
4. California Baptist - 29
T5. Air Force - 26
T5. Santa Clara - 26
7. Concordia - 11
8. Fresno Pacific - 9