INDIANAPOLIS – Oakland was picked to finish in a first-place tie along with UIC atop the 2021 Horizon League Men's Soccer Preseason Poll, as announced by the league office on Tuesday and voted on by the league's 11 head coaches. Both teams earned 109 points with the Golden Grizzlies securing three first-place votes compared to eight votes for the 2019 league regular season champion Flames. Defending league tournament champion Wright State was picked third earning 88 points.
 
"While we appreciate the recognition, we also understand that preseason rankings are a reflection of past success," said Head Coach Eric Pogue. "What's most important to us is that we are atop the rankings on April 5th when league play ends and that journey begins on Thursday against Robert Morris."
 
Milwaukee was picked fourth with 79 points while Cleveland State rounded out the top five with 72 points.
 
The Golden Grizzlies kick off the 2021 campaign with a Horizon League match against Robert Morris inside the Grizz Dome on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.
 
2021 Horizon League Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
Pl.     Team – Pts. (First-place votes)
T1.     UIC – 109 (8)
T1.     Oakland – 109 (3)
3.      Wright State – 88
4.      Milwaukee – 79
5.      Cleveland State – 72
6.      Detroit Mercy – 71
7.      Green Bay – 68
8.      Northern Kentucky – 48
9.      IUPUI – 38
10.     Purdue Fort Wayne – 27
11.     RMU – 17
 
###