Posted by Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Another strong season is projected for the Sonoma State men’s soccer team with the Seawolves ranked 22nd in a national coaches poll.

For the third consecutive year, Sonoma State enters the season among the top 25 teams in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Adidas Division II Preseason Poll.

Three other California Collegiate Athletic Association teams are also ranked: Cal State Dominguez Hills (6), Cal State Los Angeles (12) and Cal State San Bernardino (25).

Sonoma State opens play at home in Rohnert Park against Santa Rosa Junior College on Aug. 20, the first of three exhibitions with the Seawolves also visiting Stanford and hosting St. Mary’s. The games start to count with Sonoma State’s opener at Fresno Pacific on Sept. 4.

Returning to the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Championship Tournament is Sonoma State’s goal.

Last year the Seawolves fell in the first round of the West Regional to finish the season 14-5-4. Sonoma State won the CCAA North Division for the sixth consecutive year and lost the conference championship to Dominguez Hills, the same team to beat the Seawolves in the NCAA tournament.