SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team was picked to finish fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference, the league announced Monday morning.
 
The poll was voted on by the head men's soccer head coach and sports information director from each institution. The Cardinals earned 53 points to just behind Lindenwood who had 62.
 
Top six teams from the conference at the end of the regular season will qualify for the conference championship tournament which will take place on the campus of SEIU November 5, 8 & 11 in Edwardsville, Illinois. The winner of the tournament will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament later in the year.  
 
The full preseason poll is below.
 

2023 OVC Men's Soccer Predicted Order of Finish
1. Liberty (8 first-place votes) - 88 points

2. SIUE (4) - 86

3. HCU (4) - 81

4. Lindenwood - 62

5. UIW - 53

6. Southern Indiana - 29

7. Eastern Illinois - 25

8. Chicago State – 24

Along with the poll, the conference announced a player to watch from each team. Francisco "Paco" Segura was the name for the Cardinals. The senior midfielder/forward played in 10 games making three starts, scored and assisted on one goal for the UIW last season.

FOLLOW ALONG  
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook.    
Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @UIWMensSoccer.