ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Drake University men's soccer team was listed second in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll, the league announced today.

The Bulldogs earned one first-place vote and 40 points overall in the poll of conference coaches, slotting in one spot behind preseason favorite Western Michigan.

Drake will look to improve upon a stellar 2025 season in which they shared the MVC regular season title with Evansville, who also picked up a first-place nod, and former league member Northern Illinois. The Bulldogs return a dozen members of last year's championship squad, including a foursome of 2026 Preseason All-MVC honorees.

The quartet of goalkeeper Tomas Butkovic, defenders Sam DeLong and Cole Schrage, and forward Preston Kipnusu were named to the All-MVC list. Drake's four honorees were the most of any team.

UIC rounded out the top four in the preseason poll with 29 points.

Drake will begin its regular season schedule this Thursday with a home match against Central Arkansas with kickoff pegged for 7:30 p.m. The Bulldogs and Bears will cap off a Drake double-header as the Bulldog women are set to host in-state foe Iowa State earlier in the evening.