The University of Minnesota Duluth soccer team was picked to finish 10th in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference preseason coaches poll Monday. Bulldog senior attacker Jessica Eischens was named a NSIC Offensive Player to Watch, while junior defender Kailey Tomzak was listed as a NSIC Defensive Player to Watch.
UMD is coming off a 2025 season where it went 6-8-4 overall, and 5-7-3 in conference play, and the Bulldogs have plenty of room to improve in any number of areas.
"This year's team is very hungry after missing out on the playoffs by two points last year, said UMD head coach Greg Cane, who is now in his 35th season at the helm of the program. "Their excitement to earn a playoff spot is noticeable. Their effort and commitment to improve has been very noticeable in the off-season. A large, experienced JR class supports a smaller but solid SR class, well. We have emerging sophomores that will contribute, too. I expect us to be a difficult team to win points from, at home and on the road."
Eischens, who hails from North Oaks, Minn., is a three-time NSIC All-Conference Second Team selection, scored two goals and added six assists last season – a team best effort. Tomzak, a product of Lakeville, Minn. started in all 18 games for UMD and recorded two assists with four shots on goal.
"Jessica gains the attention of opponents because her high compete level, work rate, and attacking threat, said Cane. "As a team captain for the second year, her play is representative of our collective effort. She can play well in space behind the frontline but is most comfortable and threatening as a winger. She has a super work ethic in training, raising the team level.
"Kailey has been a regular starter since the first week of her first season," said Cane. "Reliability and consistency are her hallmark qualities. From that foundation, she delivers exactly what you want from your backs; gritty compete level, good choices on the ball, and leadership. Kailey is a natural leader in the group and has been named a Captain this year. Her approach and daily effort are evident to her teammates and she 's an excellent representative of UMD Soccer."
The Bulldogs were picked to finish 10th in the NSIC – the spot they finished in 2025. Minnesota State University, Mankato received 13 first place votes and tallied 223 points, ranking them 19 points ahead second place Concordia-St. Paul, which tallied 204 points and the other three first place votes. Bemidji State came in third with 193 points while Augustana was fourth with 174 points. St. Cloud State, which advanced to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16, was fifth with 164 points.
UMD's preseason camp is underway with opening practices set for Monday at noon. The Bulldogs will open the season on Friday, August 28 in Houghton, Mich. in Kearly Stadium against Michigan Tech University. Kick-off is set for 5:00 p.m. CT.
