SALEM, W.Va. — Salem University was selected to finish third in the South Division of the 2026 Mountain East Conference (MEC) Men's Soccer Preseason Poll, as the conference announced its preseason selections Thursday.

The Tigers received 22 points in the South Division voting, placing Salem behind preseason favorite the University of Charleston (36 points) and Concord University (35 points). Shawnee State was picked fourth with 18 points, while West Virginia Wesleyan rounded out the division with 14 points.

Charleston received six first-place votes to lead the South Division, while Concord earned three first-place votes. Shawnee State received the remaining first-place vote. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.

The 2026 season marks a new chapter for Salem men's soccer as the Tigers begin their first season competing in the MEC. The move gives Salem the opportunity to compete against NCAA Division II opponents throughout the region while establishing itself within one of the region's premier conferences.

Salem opens the 2026 campaign on August 27 at Malone University, beginning a schedule that will feature the Tigers' first full slate of MEC competition.

The Tigers will compete in the MEC South Division alongside Charleston, Concord, Shawnee State and West Virginia Wesleyan. Salem will look to make an immediate impact in its first season in the conference and compete for a spot in the MEC postseason.

Davis & Elkins was selected as the North Division favorite with 36 points and five first-place votes. Point Park followed with 33 points and four first-place votes, while West Liberty received 26 points and one first-place vote. Frostburg State and Wheeling completed the North Division with 20 and 10 points, respectively.

The 2026 MEC men's soccer season begins August 27, with league members opening their seasons against non-conference opponents. Salem will open its historic first MEC season on August 27 at Malone University.