DALLAS – Four Conference USA men’s soccer programs, led by defending national champion Marshall at No. 1, appear in the 2021 preseason United Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 poll.
 
The Thundering Herd (13-2-3 overall in the 2020-21 season) join No. 14 Kentucky (12-5-2), No. 18 Charlotte (6-3-2) and new C-USA affiliate member Coastal Carolina (No. 25; 9-5-2).
 
Marshall became the first C-USA team national champion after a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over Indiana in the College Cup title game. The Herd won its first men’s soccer title through a tournament gauntlet of No. 1 national seed Clemson, No. 8 seed and defending national champion Georgetown, North Carolina and No. 3 seed Indiana in the final four games to lift the trophy. Marshall also won the C-USA regular season title with a 6-0-1 conference mark.
 
Charlotte, Kentucky and Coastal Carolina each were part of the 2020 NCAA tournament field. Kentucky advanced to the third round, while Charlotte and Coastal Carolina were defeated in second-round games.