Dupage Policy Journal

North Park University has been chosen as the leading team in the 2025 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) men’s soccer preseason coaches’ poll. This marks the seventh year in a row that North Park has been selected to top the poll, according to an announcement from the league office.

The Vikings received eight first-place votes and achieved a total of 64 points, which is the highest possible score in this ranking system. Last season, North Park finished with a 13-3-5 record, placed second in the CCIW regular-season standings, and advanced to the championship match of the conference tournament. The team also earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, marking its fifth appearance since 2017.

Wheaton College was ranked second in this year’s poll with 55 points. Wheaton won last year’s CCIW regular-season title with a 6-2-0 record. It was their first conference title since 2015 and their 21st overall.

North Central College is third in the preseason poll after winning last season’s CCIW Tournament as a #5 seed. The Cardinals defeated both of the top two seeds during their tournament run and finished with a total of 48 points in this year’s voting. Last fall, North Central made its fourth consecutive appearance in national postseason play after achieving ten wins during the season.

Carroll University received one first-place vote and placed fourth with 45 points. Carroll finished third in last season's league standings with a 5-2-1 record, which is its best finish ever within the conference.

Illinois Wesleyan holds fifth place with 31 points. The Titans have reached at least the semifinals of the CCIW Tournament for two straight years and won the title in 2023. Carthage follows at sixth place (28 points), Millikin is seventh (25 points), while Augustana and Elmhurst are tied for eighth (14 points each).

The men’s soccer season begins on Friday, August 29, when all nine teams will play non-conference matches. Conference play will start on Saturday, September 27.

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