Saint Joseph's College of Maine has been ranked third in the 2026 GNAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll. The University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) is the top pick, followed closely by Rivier University. The Monks, led by Head Coach Will Pike, aim to make a return to the NCAA Tournament, having last qualified in 2021. They welcome back four All-GNAC honorees from last season, including standout junior Nick Marion and senior Zander Haskell.

By the Numbers
  • Saint Joseph's received 137 points and one first-place vote in the poll.
  • Nick Marion scored nine goals and 24 points last season, while Zander Haskell followed with eight goals and 16 points.
Yes, But

Though projected third, Saint Joseph's faces tough competition from the defending champion Blue Jays and Rivier, who have strong returning rosters and recent successes. Preseason rankings are estimates and do not guarantee future performance.

State of Play
  • The GNAC men's soccer season kicks off on September 1, with Saint Joseph's hosting Rivier in the first conference game on September 12.
  • The top eight teams qualify for the GNAC Tournament starting October 31, leading to a championship on November 7.
What's Next

The Monks will focus on solidifying their team dynamics leading into the season, with hopes of securing a higher ranking and obtaining the GNAC championship for an automatic NCAA berth.

Bottom Line

Saint Joseph's College is in a strong position to challenge for the GNAC title, but their ultimate success will depend on consistency and performance in a competitive conference landscape.