Charlotte, NC – The 15th-ranked Charlotte 49ers men's soccer team, who captured last season's Conference USA regular-season championship, were picked to repeat as Conference USA champions in a vote by the league's nine head coaches. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Elliot Panicco was tabbed as the Conference USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
The Niners return seven starters and 17 letterwinners off last season's Conference USA regular-season championship and NCAA Tournament team. The 49ers have added 12 talented newcomers to the roster as well.
Since returning to Conference USA in 2013, the 49ers have captured two Conference USA regular-season titles as well as winning the 2013 Conference USA Tournament title.