IRVINE, Calif. – A new season is on the horizon for the Concordia University Irvine men's soccer team and the Golden Eagles are eager to prove themselves to both the league and the region.

The PacWest coaches voted the Golden Eagles seventh out of 14 teams in the league's annual preseason poll. Every coach and player will tell you that ultimately what matters is how the games play out, but this season involves some extra intrigue with a few more unknown teams entering the mix.

The PacWest Conference expanded again this year with Vanguard, Menlo College and Jessup University joining the fray one year after Westmont was granted membership and made the leap from NAIA to NCAA DII.  Westmont also received a waiver that makes the Warriors postseason eligible this school year for the first time at this level.

There is lots of enthusiasm around the CUI men's program with the home opener just days away. Long-time assistant Erik Kirsch was promoted to interim head coach and has stocked up on local talent to combine with a solid pack of returners. 

SAAC representative Kevin Sanchez scored seven goals last season and made Second Team All-PacWest a year ago.  Third Team All-PacWest selection Wyatt Burris is back for one more campaign as the captain and will help anchor the defense along with talented goalkeeper Andre Flores.

CLICK HERE for the PacWest Men's Soccer Preseason Watch List

Ryan Smith will aid Flores and Burris as strong options to snuff out attacks on the back end. Leo Sanchez also joins Smith as returners who scored at least twice last season.

Former starters Tyler Oakson and Sergio Gutierrez are also still involved on the bench as graduate assistant coaches.

After a couple of scrimmages in late August, Concordia begins the season with its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 4:00 p.m. against The Master's.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's soccer schedule

CLICK HERE for the full PacWest men's soccer preview