RALEIGH, N.C. - The William Peace University men's soccer team was selected fourth in the 2026 USA South Preseason Coaches Poll, released today by the conference.

The Pacers received 31 points, placing them fourth in the preseason poll. Preseason favorite N.C. Wesleyan received 47 points and five first-place votes, while Pfeiffer was selected second with 45 points and three first-place votes. Methodist was picked third with 33 points.

Coming off a 9-6-4 season and an appearance in the USA South Tournament semifinals, the Pacers enter 2026 looking to continue the program's sustained success, highlighted most recently by the 2024 USA South Championship.

The Pacers produced 42 goals across 19 matches last season, averaging 2.21 goals per game while outscoring opponents 42-27. Peace also generated 259 shots and 108 corner kicks during the year.

"I'm really happy with what we're seeing from the group so far in preseason," Huber said. "We have a large group of returning guys and a big group of freshmen that are ready to make an immediate impact as we look to compete for another championship!"

Peace enters 2026 with a deep roster that combines an experienced group of returners with 19 newcomers, including a mix of freshmen and transfers who will look to make an immediate impact throughout the field.

The Pacers return a pair of 2025 First Team All-Conference selections in defenders Zach Marlier and Andrew Mesnard. Mesnard also earned Fourth Team All-Region VI honors following the season.

Offensively, Santiago Escobar returns after recording six goals and three assists for 15 points in 15 appearances last season, while Gabriel Faria Jr. added five goals and three assists for 13 points across 19 matches. Roberto Rayo also contributed three goals and two assists in 2025.

The Pacers will begin the regular season on September 1 at Averett before traveling to Hampden-Sydney on September 4 and Queens on September 8. Peace opens its home schedule against Roanoke on September 15.

USA South play begins September 30 when the Pacers host Pfeiffer. The conference slate also features Brevard, Southern Virginia, Mary Baldwin, Greensboro, Methodist and N.C. Wesleyan before the USA South Tournament begins October 31.

View the full 2026 men's soccer schedule here.
View the full 2026 USA South Preseason Poll release here.

Below is the 2026 USA South Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll: