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Saint Louis was the near-unanimous pick to win the 2023 Atlantic 10 Conference men’s soccer title in balloting conducted by the A-10’s head coaches, the league announced today.
In addition, midfielder Christian Buendia and defender Diego Konincks earned spots on the 11-man preseason All-Conference squad.
The Billikens, who have captured Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament titles each of the last two years, return 16 contributors (six starters) from last year’s team that went 12-5-3 overall and 6-1-1 in A-10 play. SLU reached the second round of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship after defeating Memphis at Hermann Stadium in the NCAA first round.
Buendia is entering his fourth playing season at SLU and is a two-time first-team All-Conference selection (2020 and 2022). He has started 55 matches throughout his career and has tallied 20 points (7G, 6A).
Konincks transferred to SLU in the offseason and figures to be a big piece on the Billikens’ backline. He was a three-team first-team All-Big South selection during his three seasons at Campbell.
Dayton was picked second in the preseason poll, followed by Loyola Chicago in third. LUC received one first-place vote.
SLU’s regular-season opener is set for Thursday, Aug. 24, against Butler at Hermann Stadium in a 7:30 p.m. first kick.
