MOBILE, Ala-- The University of Mobile men's soccer team received 14 votes in the 2010 NAIA Men's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll, released Tuesday.

Mobile is ninth among teams receiving votes, while defending National Champion Lindsey Wilson College tops the poll after going 20-2-1 in 2009.

The Rams will receive an automatic bid to the Round of 16 at the 2010 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships, since the University of Mobile is hosting the tournament in conjunction with the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission Nov. 29 - Dec. 4.

Mobile went 9-11 in 2009, but they made their 13th trip to the NAIA National Championship, and the 2010 club returns a number of key contributors. All-Americans Ruben Diaz and Chris Dillon return, along with defender David Maddren, goal keeper Jason Williams, forward Onesimus Ikungo and midfielder Stephen Okai. Nine others that dotted the 2009 roster join that group.

The team will have plenty of chances to prep for the national tournament, with a strong schedule. Mobile will face No. 5 Embry-Riddle, No. 6 Martin Methodist, No. 9 Southern Poly State University, No. 12 Bethel University, No. 16 UT-Brownsville, No. 17 Auburn-Montgomery, No. 18 Bethel College and No. 19 William Carey.

This season will also mark Mobile's first year in a Southern States Athletic Conference that has four teams ranked or receiving votes in the poll.

Mobile will open the season against Bethel College Thursday, Aug. 26 at home at 7 pm.