OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels Men's Soccer squad has came in seventh in the Sooner Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll, the league announced yesterday (Aug. 12). 

The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers, last year's SAC regular season champions, received the maximum 10 first-place votes to defend their conference crown.  Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team. 

Oklahoma City University was third, with John Brown University, Wayland Baptist University and Oklahoma Baptist University rounding out the top five. 

Texas Wesleyan University was ranked sixth, followed by MACU, Southwestern Christian University, Northwood University, St. Gregory's University and Southwestern Assemblies of God University. 

The Evangels are coming off their best season since joining the NAIA with nine victories, while also qualifying for the Sooner Athletic Conference Postseason Tournament for the first time in school history.  

MACU opens the 2013 season at home against Tabor College on Aug. 30.