BRIDGEWATER, N.J. - Returning 21 members of their Northeast Conference Championship team from 2022, the FDU women's soccer program has been selected third in the 2023 NEC Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Tuesday afternoon by the conference office. Central Connecticut was selected first with five first place votes.

After knocking off the four-time defending champion Blue Devils in the NEC tournament semifinal, the Knights battled to their second-ever NEC title last fall, besting Sacred Heart in a penalty shoot-out after a tied tally following 100 minutes of play. Advancing to four NEC title games in the past six seasons, the Knights (8-11-3, 5-2-2 NEC) prevailed as the first four-seed in the NEC tournament to capture all the marbles in 21 seasons.

Among the returners for Eric Teepe's side are a trio of NEC All-Rookie Team honorees from a season ago in midfielder Emma Moe, defender Mona Schlegl and midfielder Katie Ward. The Burgundy and Blue also return a pair of fifth-years in defender Nina Carlomusto and midfielder Naemi Hausen.

The Knights open the 2023 campaign on the road at St. John's on Thursday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. before their home opener on Sunday, August 20 at 12 p.m. against Monmouth live on NEC Front Row from University Stadium. Conference action begins on Thursday, September 21 at Sacred Heart at 7 p.m.

For more on the rest of the Northeast Conference field click the link above.

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