The University of Portland Pilots have been ranked No. 19 in Soccer America’s Preseason Top 25 National Poll. Portland finished the 2003 season out of the national rankings despite earning an at-large bid in the NCAA Playoffs and advancing to the second round. Indiana was picked No. 1 in the poll, while UCLA, St. John’s, Wake Forest and Connecticut rounded out the top five.

Four opponents on Portland’s schedule garnered top 25 consideration, highlighted by West Coast Conference rival Santa Clara, who was ranked No. 7. California came in at No. 10, Washington was picked No. 21 and UAB snuck in at No. 24.

The Pilots return eight starters, including WCC Player of the Year Alejandro Salazar (10g, 1a) and sophomore striker Christopher Sanders (8g, 2a). Also returning is Portland’s entire starting back line along with sophomore goalkeeper Luis Robles. An incoming class of 10 talented newcomers will help offset the loss of 10 letterwinners.

The Pilots begin their 2004 campaign as host of the Nike Invitational on Sept. 4-6. Portland faces Sacramento State on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 2:30 p.m., then take on UAB on Monday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

Soccer America Preseason Top 25 National Poll

1. Indiana (17-3-5)

2. UCLA (20-2-1)

3. St. John’s (17-6-3)

4. Wake Forest (15-5-0).

5. Connecticut (9-8-4)

6. North Carolina (12-4-4)

7. Santa Clara (16-4-4)

8. Saint Louis (15-4-3)

9. Notre Dame (16-3-4)

10. California (11-9-2)

11. Virginia (11-10-2)

12. SMU (13-6-3)

13. UC Santa Barbara (16-5-1)

14. Penn State (9-10-1)

15. Maryland (20-3-1)

16. VCU (17-5-0)

17. South Florida (7-8-3)

18. Stanford (3-15-2)

19. Portland (10-9-1)

20. Seton Hall (9-6-4)

21. Washington (13-5-2)

22. Clemson (9-7-4)

23. Tulsa (13-6-2)

24. UAB (10-5-5)

25. Coastal Carolina (20-3-0)