Aug. 16, 2016
WAC Release
DENVER - San José State men's soccer players Rory Knibbs and Jonathan Colunga were named to the preseason All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) team by a vote of the league's 11 head coaches, it was announced on Tuesday. The Spartans, who return seven starters from a squad that qualified for the WAC tournament, was selected to finish fifth in 2016 by a vote of the same panel.
For Knibbs, this was his third preseason All-WAC honors and the second such honor for Colunga.
Knibbs, a senior forward from London, England, led the team in goals (11), points (23), shots (60), shots on goal (30) and game winners (4) in 2015. His 23 points were the most on the team since 2002.
The 11 goals were third most by a WAC player last year and his 23 points were fourth most.
Colunga, a senior midfielder from Lindsay, Calif. led the team in assists (4), and finished second in goals (4), points (12), shots (47) and shots on goal (21). He also received academic All-WAC honors in 2014 and 2015.
Seattle University, the winner of last year's regular season and WAC tournament, was selected as pre-season favorites. The Spartans host Seattle University on Thursday, October 6 at 3:00 p.m. PT.
San José State opens the 2016 campaign with a preseason exhibition match this Sunday, August 21 at Saint Mary's (Calif.) beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT. The Spartans open up their regular season at UC Davis on Friday, August 26 at 5:00 p.m. PT.
Follow the SJSU men's soccer team throughout the year on its social media accounts including Twitter (@sjsumsoccer), Facebook (@sjsuspartansmenssoccer) and Instagram (@sjsumenssoccer)
2016 Preseason Men's Soccer Coaches Poll | ||
Rank | Team (1st Place Votes) | Points |
1. | Seattle University (9) | 99 |
2. | Utah Valley (2) | 87 |
3. | UNLV | 79 |
4. | CSU Bakersfield | 68 |
5. | San José State | 59 |
6. | Grand Canyon | 54 |
7. | Houston Baptist | 47 |
8. | Air Force | 41 |
9. | University of Incarnate Word | 34 |
10. | UMKC | 21 |
11. | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 16 |