GPAC Coaches Tab Raiders Second in Men’s Soccer Poll

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Northwestern men's soccer team has been picked second in the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference office announced today.

The Raiders completed a successful campaign in 2025 with a regular season conference title after finishing third in the GPAC the year before. Northwestern's stifling defense led the charge, allowing less than a goal per game and outscoring opponents 39-13.

A pair of First Team All-GPAC honorees are back in goalkeeper Edoardo Alessandrini and defender Gorka Ilundain. Second Team selections Diego Quintero, Juan Miranda, and Ben Nederpel also return as the Raiders look to repeat as conference champions again this season.

Northwestern picked up 88 points and four first-place votes in the poll. Concordia took the top spot with 91 points and four first-place votes, while Morningside came in at third with 82 points and three first-place votes. A vote from the league's head coaches determined the results. Coaches could not vote for their own team.

Here are the full results of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:
1. Concordia – 91 pts. (4 first-place votes)
2. Northwestern – 88 pts. (4 first-place votes)
3. Morningside – 82 pts. (3 first-place votes)
4. Midland – 73 pts.
5. Briar Cliff – 66 pts.
6. Dakota Wesleyan – 58 pts.
7. Hastings – 49 pts.
8. Dordt – 32 pts.
9. Doane – 30 pts.
10. Mount Marty – 26 pts.
11. Waldorf – 10 pts.

Northwestern's season will begin on August 22 at Simpson (Iowa).

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

#10 Diego Quintero: M; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#1 Edoardo Alessandrini: GK; 6' 2"; Junior

#4 Gorka Ilundain: D; 5' 11"; Freshman

#6 Juan Miranda: M; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#3 Ben Nederpel: D; 5' 11"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#10 Diego Quintero
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: M

#1 Edoardo Alessandrini
: 6' 2"; Junior
: GK

#4 Gorka Ilundain
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: D

#6 Juan Miranda
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: M

#3 Ben Nederpel
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: D