KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan men's soccer team was picked third in the annual Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) preseason poll, which was released by the league office this morning. Along with that, sophomore defender Christian Shannon was selected to the Preseason All-MVC Team. 

The top of the poll was tight, as the Broncos trailed the leader by just five points. Drake led the way with 56 points, while Bowling Green (54) and WMU (51) were just behind. Drake received three first-place votes, while BGSU and WMU each earned two. The Brown and Gold went 3-1-4 in conference play last season. 

Shannon has proven to be one of the best players in the nation, racking up the preseason awards. Spearheading one of the best defensive teams in the nation last season, Shannon also chipped in on offense. He finished the 2024 campaign with nine points on three goals and three assists. He was a MVC All-Freshman Team honoree and secured College Sports Communicators Academic All-American recognition. 

Braxton Arpachinda, Roni Sylejmani, Duarte Chapelas and Jonathan Stout will help Shannon and the Broncos in their quest for a fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. WMU has never made four-straight appearances in the national tournament in program history. 

The Brown and Gold kick off the season on Aug. 21 at home against Kentucky. The game is set for 5:30 PM at the WMU Soccer Complex. Socccer Fest is set for Sept. 1 at 2 PM against New Hampshire. For tickets, visit WMUBroncos.com/Tickets.