Last week, we discussed how the SMU men's soccer team, ranked No. 5 in the preseason rankings, deserves as much hype and attention as the football team, considering the expectations facing both teams. The football team is predicted to win Conference USA. The soccer team is a legitimate contender for a national title.

But, winning the conference is the first priority and the men's soccer team is predicted to repeat as Conference USA champions. However, that is only the first step for the Mustangs, who hope to improve upon last year performance in which they fell in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.

The SMU attack will be led by senior Arthur Ivo, who has been selected for the honor of Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Ivo was Conference USA Co-MVP and Co-Offensive Player of the Year last season and was also NSCAA's Nation Player of the Week in October. His fellow teammate, sophomore Juan Castillo, has also been named to the Preseason All-Conference USA team.

SMU begins their bid for the national championship on August 27 when they open the season against No. 13 William & Mary - a rematch of the NCAA round of 16 in 2010. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Westcott Field.

All stats courtesy of smumustangs.com.