KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Portland Pilots Men's Soccer is ranked sixth in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25, their highest ranking ever in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll and their highest in any preseason poll since 1996.
"While I usually don't place much stock in preseason awards or rankings, it's always nice to see our program recognized nationally among the nation's elite," Portland head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt. "Preseason rankings are simply based on last year's results, which were extraordinary. This ranking is a reflection of the consistency, culture and standard that our players and staff have built and come to expect. That said, preseason rankings don't win games. We have a new team, the hardest schedule to date and everything will be earned. We'll stay humble, keeping our focus on the daily work and habits needed to keep growing and improve every day."
The Pilots are coming off a tremendous year that saw them make the quarterfinals of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, advancing that far for the second time in four years. Finishing 14-2-4, the Pilots posted their best win percentage in any season since 1988.
The Pilots were ranked in the top 10 every week over the final 10 weeks of the regular season and reached as high as first in the poll for the first time ever and the first time in any poll since 1992. They were sixth in the final United Soccer Coaches poll last year, which was their highest place in a United Soccer Coaches postseason poll in program history.
Portland will play three exhibition matches and scrimmages, starting with the Purple-White Scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. here at Merlo Field. The scrimmage is free to the public, but no concessions will be provided. They will also play the Seattle U Redhawks and Oregon State Beavers in exhibitions on the road on Aug. 11 and Aug. 14 respectively.
The regular season opens on Friday, Aug. 21 against the California Golden Bears. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Merlo Field. Check PortlandPilots.com for tickets, live stats and video options.
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