BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – With its season opener just two days away, the Auburn soccer team was picked to finish fifth overall in the annual SEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league office announced Tuesday.
Florida was predicted to win the 2018 SEC Championship after all 14 of the league's head coaches voted. Texas A&M checked in behind the Gators and was followed by Tennessee, South Carolina and Auburn to round out the top five.
Auburn finished the 2017 season sixth in the conference after going 4-2-4 in league play. The Tigers are scheduled to play seven of the remaining nine teams that make up the preseason top 10 as voted on by the head coaches.
The 26th season of Auburn soccer, including the 20th under head coach Karen Hoppa, kicks off Thursday at Samford. Kickoff at the Samford Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Florida
2. Texas A&M
3. Tennessee
4. South Carolina
5. Auburn
6. Arkansas
7. Ole Miss
8. Alabama
9. Vanderbilt
10. Missouri
11. LSU
12. Mississippi State
13. Kentucky
14. Georgia