BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Senior Robbie Matei was named the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year the league announced Wednesday. He was also named to the Preseason All-League team.
 
Starting in 19 of the Eagles' 20 games last season, the senior forward recorded four goals and two assists. He notched a team-leading 34 shots and was selected to the 2022 Patriot League Second Team.
 
The Navy men's soccer team claimed the top spot in the 2023 Patriot League preseason poll with 134 points and eight first-place votes. The Boston University Terriers were right behind the Midshipmen, picking up 130 points and three first-place votes, while the Eagles were right behind the Terriers with 129 points and five first-place votes.
 
American will kick off its 2023 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 24 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The Eagles home opener is set for Friday, Sept. 1 when Virginia Commonwealth University comes to Reeves.
 
The preseason poll and individual awards were voted on by the men's soccer coaches and sports information directors from each institution. Coaches and SID were not allowed to vote for their own team. 

For the latest on American University Men's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MSoccer) and Instagram (@au.msoccer).
 
2023 Patriot League Men's Soccer Preseason Major Awards
Offensive Player of the Year: Robbie Matei, American, Sr., F
Midfielder of the Year: David Jackson, Navy, Sr., M
Defensive Player of the Year: Griffin Roach, Boston University, Sr., D
Goalkeeper of the Year: Francesco Montali, Boston University, Sr., GK
 
2023 Patriot League Men's Soccer Preseason All-League Team
Robbie Matei, American, Sr., F
Evan Jones, Holy Cross, Jr., F
Hale Lombard, Lafayette, Sr., F
Baba Kallie, Navy, Sr., F
Cooper Warren, Army West Point, Sr., M
Colin Innes, Boston University, Gr., M
David Jackson, Navy, Sr., M
Nick Atkinson, Army West Point, Sr., D
Griffin Roach, Boston University, Sr., D
Zach Wagner, Navy, Sr., D
Francesco Montali, Boston University, Sr., GK
 
2023 Patriot League Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
Navy – 134 (8 first-place votes)
Boston University – 130 (3)
American – 129 (5)
Loyola Maryland – 107
Army West Point – 106 (4)
Lafayette – 75
Lehigh– 52
Boston University – 58
Bucknell – 37
Holy Cross – 22