ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon men's soccer team has been picked to finish sixth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), according to the league's preseason coaches poll released Friday afternoon. 

For the 2010 season both men's and women's soccer will return to a single division conference format, combining the previous Eastern and Western Divisions. The PSAC last had a single division format in men's soccer in the 2007 season. 

Mercyhurst was picked to win the conference with seven first-place votes, followed by Millersville, who received two first-place nods. East Stroudsburg and Slippery Rock tied for third place with defending champion Slippery Rock picking up the final first-place vote. California (Pa.), Gannon, Bloomsburg, West Chester, Lock Haven and Shippensburg rounded out the poll, respectively. 

In 2010 Gannon returns All-PSAC forward Afrim Latifi, who finished second on the team in goals scored, as well as PSAC West Freshman of the Year Sean Washek. Gannon finished the 2009 campaign with a 6-10-2 overall record and 3-5 PSAC mark.

Gannon kicks off the 2010 season Labor Day weekend at the Le Moyne Tournament. The Golden Knights will play Bloomsfield (N.J.) Saturday, September 4 at 12 noon and NYIT Monday, September 6 at 11 a.m. 

Head coach Rob van Rheenen's squad kicks off the home portion of its schedule Wednesday, September 8 against West Virginia Wesleyan. The home opener at Gannon University Field is scheduled for 3 p.m.

For the complete 2010 PSAC Men's Soccer Coaches Poll, please click here.