The ACC released its preseason men’s soccer poll on Tuesday, with the league’s head coaches predicting UNC will finish third in the conference’s South Region.

In addition, senior goalkeeper Alec Smir was the Tar Heels’ representative on the league’s Players to Watch list

This unique season will see ACC teams divided into two regions, playing six games within their division over a nine-week period.

Boston College has opted out of the season due to a combination of injuries and players not returning this semester.

UNC is part of the five-team South Region, along with Clemson, Wake Forest, NC State and Duke. The North Region consists of: Virginia, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Louisville and Notre Dame.

Clemson was picked to win the South Region by a narrow margin over Wake Forest, while Virginia got the nod in the North Region.

An eight-team ACC Tournament will be held in November to determine the conference champion.

UNC opens the regular season on Friday, Sept. 25 at Clemson.

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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