BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The NEC released its 2025 Women's Soccer Preseason Poll on Tuesday afternoon. The FDU Knights were picked to finish second by the league's coaches and garnered four first-place votes.

The lofty expectations surrounding the Knights come as no surprise. With 10 of 11 starters returning from the 2024 squad that battled its way back to the NEC Championship match, FDU enters 2025 with the program's third conference title in its sights.

Four of those starters earned First Team All-NEC recognition last year, while two others landed on the All-Rookie Team. Seniors Mona Schlegl and Andrea Ougaard lead the way, supported by the junior trio of Ana Salas, Laura Martinez, and Katia Cardaba—each entering their third year as a mainstay in the lineup. Sophomores Marina Burzaco, Elena Cvetkovic, Elisa Garcia, and Rosemarie LeBlanc also return after playing pivotal roles in the team's 2024 success.

To paint the picture in numbers: the Knights bring back 26 of 32 goals and 73 of 89 total points. The 32 goals scored marked the program's highest single-season total since 2017. With the bulk of production returning—and an extra game added to the conference slate—FDU is in prime position to eclipse those numbers in 2025.

Head Coach Eric Teepe returns for his 12th season on the sidelines in Teaneck, already cemented as the program's all-time winningest coach with 100 career victories. Alongside much of the returning core, Teepe also welcomes back assistant coach Elma Kolenovic for her second season at her alma mater.

The only team picked ahead of the Knights in the preseason poll is reigning champion Howard. The Burgundy and Blue fell twice on the road to the Bison last season, including in the NEC final. This fall, Howard will travel to FDU on November 3 for the regular-season finale.

NEC Women's Soccer Preseason Poll

1. Howard (7)
2. FDU (4)
3. Wagner (1)
4. CCSU
5. Stonehill
6. LIU
7. Saint Francis U
8. Mercyhurst
9. Le Moyne
10. New Haven
11. Chicago State
12. Delaware State

The 2025 season kicks off on August 17 when the Knights face Boston College in Newton, Mass. FDU's home opener in Teaneck is set for September 4 against Penn.