ST. PAUL, Minn. — While there is promise for an exciting fall season across the board in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, it appears the most intriguing title pursuit will take place in men's soccer.

While three favorites exist at the top, as many eight teams could legitimately compete for title consideration and playoff berths.

The first-place votes in the 2010 MIAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll were split almost evenly among three teams, with Macalester edging out St. Thomas and Carleton as the favorite to claim the regular season crown. However, only 38 points separate the Scots and eighth-place Concordia, which points towards a season of incredible parity in the MIAC.

Macalester received five first-place votes, while St. Thomas and Carleton split the other six down the middle, with the Tommies taking second in the poll by a single point over the Knights. Sticking with that theme, just three points separated fourth-place St. Olaf, fifth-place Bethel and No. 6 Augsburg, with No. 7 Gustavus and the Cobbers following close behind. Saint John's, Hamline and Saint Mary's rounded out the final spots.