2013 NJCAA Men's Soccer Division I Preseason Poll

Coming off a successful run to the 2012 NJCAA Tournament, the Marshalltown Community College men's soccer team enters the 2013 season ranked No. 15 in the preseason national rankings. The Tigers finished the 2012 campaign with a 14-6-2 record.

MCC captured the 2012 Region XI Championship to advance to the national tournament for the first time since 2007. The Tigers posted a 1-1 record in Albany, GA to finish tied for fifth at the tournament. MCC received a final ranking of No. 9 to close out the 2012 season. The Tigers return eight players from last year's squad.

Head coach Rafael Martinez sees the ranking as a point of pride for the program. "We appreciate the confidence that other coaches have put into our team," said Martinez. "The ranking indicates the recent success our program has demonstrated. It is now up to our current players to build upon that success."

Along with MCC, fellow Region XI opponent Iowa Western appeared in the preseason poll as well. The Reivers enter 2013 at No. 6 in the preseason poll. Iowa Western posted a 17-1-1 record last season with the lone loss coming from MCC in the Region XI Championship game. The two teams will meet at Iowa Western on Sept. 11.

Iowa Central was one of 12 teams in the Also Receiving Votes category of the poll. The Tigers defeated the Tritons in the semi-final round of the Region XI Tournament last season. MCC will host Iowa Central on Oct. 1.

"Having three teams nationally ranked prior to the start of the season," Martinez continued, "just goes to show how competitive our conference is. As a team, we look forward to the challenge."

Tyler Junior College (TX.) sits atop the 2013 preseason poll after winning the 2012 national championship.