BALTIMORE - Reigning America East men's soccer champion UMBC is getting recognition as one of the top teams in the nation heading into the 2013 season while one of its stars is being touted as one of the best in the country.
The Retrievers, who captured their second America East title in three seasons and reached the second round of the NCAA College Cup for the second time in that span as well a year ago, are ranked 29th in College Soccer News' preseason poll.
UMBC, which went 11-4-7 last year, returns eight starters from that squad, including America East Striker of the Year Pete Caringi III, who was tabbed a preseason All-American by College Soccer News. The senior ranked among the nation's best with 14 goals and 32 points last season.
The Retrievers open their season Aug. 30 against Seattle.