FLUSHING, N.Y. – The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) has announced its annual preseason poll for the 2024 men’s soccer season, and based upon first-place votes, Baruch was chosen to repeat as conference champions, as voted upon by the league’s head coaches. Head coaches were not permitted to vote for their own program.
The Bearcats were awarded 45 points and four first-place votes after winning a second straight CUNYAC title last season. Lehman finished second atop the leaderboard with 45 points and three first-place votes.
Hunter was slated third with 35 points, followed by Brooklyn with 30 points and the remaining first-place vote. John Jay came in fifth with 28 points, followed by CCNY (23), York (11) and Medgar Evers (7).
The 2024 CUNYAC Men’s Soccer Championship will take place from October 30 through November 9. The six-team, single-elimination tournament will be hosted by the higher seed for each of the first two rounds. The opening round is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30 followed by the semifinals on Saturday, November 2, and concluding with the championship match on Saturday, November 9 at Queens College.
CUNYAC Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Baruch – 45 Points (Four First-Place Votes)
2. Lehman – 45 (3)
3. Hunter – 35
4. Brooklyn – 30
5. John Jay – 28
6. CCNY – 23
7. York – 11
8. Medgar Evers - 7
CUNYAC Men’s Soccer Preseason Players to Watch
Arman Celebi (Baruch) – Arman Celebi returns to the Baruch lineup as the reigning CUNYAC Player of the Year. Last season, he led the conference in goals (12) and was a two-time CUNYAC Player of the Week honoree. He was an All-ECAC performer and was named the CUNYAC Championship Game MVP, helping the Bearcats secure a spot in the NCAA Division III National Tournament.
George Koufas (Brooklyn) – Last season, George Koufos became the first Bulldog to earn Rookie of the Year accolades since Azizjon Ziyaev earned the citation in 2017. Koufos led the conference in assists (9) this season, recording an assist in seven contests. Most importantly, the rookie has helped Brooklyn return to the CUNYAC Men’s Soccer Championship Game for the first time since 2014.
Yusuf Abdelmegid (CCNY) – Yusuf Abdelmegid played in 13 games last season for the Beavers, earning First Team CUNYAC All-Star recognition. The midfielder recorded a team-high five goals, including back-to-back multi-goal performances against John Jay and York.
Bradley Espejo (Hunter) - Bradley Espejo was a first team all-conference performer in 2023, finishing the season tied for second among the conference in points (23) and third in goals (9).
Nhlakanipho Linda (Lehman) – Nhlakanipho Linda started all 14 games for the Lightning in 2023, anchoring a Lehman defense that surrendered a league-low 23 goals.
Jonathan Granados (John Jay) – Jonathan Granados made 14 starts for the Bloodhounds last season, helping John Jay qualify for postseason play.
Taye Simon (Medgar Evers) – Taye Simon was named a 2023 CUNYAC Second-Team All Star. The standout led the Cougars in five offensive categories, including goals (five), assists (three), points (13), shots (32), and shots-on-goal (15). His best game during the 2023 season came back on October 7 against CCNY at Aviator Field, when he notched a pair of goals.
Stanley Sanchez (York) – Stanley Sanchez made seven starts for the Cardinals last season and was a recipient of the York College Men’s Soccer Coaches Award.
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