BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. -- The University of Charleston is the favorite to once again win the Mountain East Conference title in men's soccer. 

Charleston finished atop the poll with 64 points and had eight first-place votes. The Golden Eagles have won seven-straight MEC regular season titles, and have seven conference tournament trophies as well. UC swept both titles in the spring and has not lost a conference match since 2016. Charleston, the 2019 NCAA champions, will open the season ranked No. 1 in the country. 

Notre Dame was second in the poll with 54 points and had one first-place vote, followed closely by Davis & Elkins with 51 points. The Falcons finished third in the standings in the spring but advanced to the MEC Tournament finals, while the Senators were runner-up in the regular standings. Both teams are receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll.

West Virginia Wesleyan (38) checked in at fourth, just ahead of West Liberty (36) and Alderson Broaddus (31). Concord (19), Frostburg State (17) and Wheeling (14) completed the poll.

The 2021 season begins on Thursday, Sept. 2. See the complete schedule here.

2021 MEC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Charleston -- 64 (8)
2. Notre Dame -- 54 (1)
3. Davis & Elkins -- 51
4. West Virginia Wesleyan -- 38
5. West Liberty -- 36
6. Alderson Broaddus -- 31
7. Concord -- 19
8. Frostburg State -- 17
9. Wheeling -- 14