MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - Berry men's soccer has been picked to finish seventh in the Southern Athletic Association's preseason poll.

After finishing fourth in a jam-packed conference race last season, the Vikings are ready to take a leap into the upper echelon of the conference to solidify themselves as championship contenders.

Defensively, the Vikings enjoy several key returners, including All-SAA talent Andy Guzman and midfielders, Brock Shoultz and Lucas Stevenson, who will all play big minutes as captains this season.  

Offensively, expect to see newcomers make huge impacts this season, along with formidable returning forwards like Soren Bednar and Max Albertson.  

The poll was voted on by the league's eight head coaches. 

2025 SAA Men's Soccer Preseason Poll 

1. Trinity – 56 (7) 

2. Oglethorpe – 48 (1) 

3. Rhodes – 45 

4. Southwestern – 35 

5. Centre – 30 

6. Sewanee – 29 

7. Berry – 23 

8. Millsaps – 14 

Last season, Trinity finished with an impressive 19-1-3 overall record, going 10-0-1 in SCAC play to secure the conference title. The Tigers advanced past Belhaven and Bowdoin in the NCAA tournament before falling to No. 11 Babson College in the third round. The team returns SCAC Offensive Player of the Year Adam Knutson, who led the squad in goals and earned USC All-Region honors, alongside three key contributors lost to graduation, including All-American JC Rule. The United Soccer Coaches preseason poll tabs the Tigers at No. 11. 

Oglethorpe also saw postseason success, highlighted by All-American Ben Alram and multiple All-Region selections. The Stormy Petrels finished 9-3-6 overall and 3-1-2 in SAA play before edging Rhodes 1-0 in double overtime to claim the conference championship and secure their second straight NCAA appearance. 

The 2024 season kicks off on Friday, August 29, with the SAA Tournament scheduled to begin November 7 in Georgetown, Texas, hosted by Southwestern University. 

Past SAA Men's Soccer Champions 
2024 – Oglethorpe (3-1-2) 

2023 – Oglethorpe (6-1) 
2022 – Rhodes (4-0-3)/Sewanee (5-2) 
2021 – Oglethorpe (6-0-1) 
2020 – no season 
2019 – Oglethorpe (7-0) 
2018 – Oglethorpe (7-0) 
2017 – Oglethorpe (6-0-1) 
2016 – Oglethorpe (6-0-1) 
2015 – Oglethorpe (5-1-1) 
2014 – Millsaps (6-1) 
2013 – Millsaps (5-1-1) 
2012 – Berry (5-1-1)/Centre (5-1-1)