Wisconsin Soccer Central

Axel Sjoberg stood tall on the backline and in the attack as the Marquette men's soccer team enjoyed one of the best seasons in program history last fall.

Big East Conference coaches are expecting another big season from the 6-foot-7 Swedish center back in 2013.

Sjoberg was named the Big East Co-Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, sharing that honor with St. John's defender Tim Parker in voting done by the league's 10 coaches.

Sjoberg, senior midfielder Bryan Ciesiulka and sophomore forward C. Nortey – who didn't play last season after undergoing knee surgery – were named to the 14-player Preseason All-Big East Team for the Golden Eagles, who were picked to finish third in the new-look conference behind Georgetown and Creighton.

A veteran-laden University of Wisconsin side was picked sixth in the seven-team league by conference coaches, ahead of Ohio State. Junior center back AJ Cochran, senior forward Chris Prince and senior midfielder Tomislav Zadro, back after sitting out the 2012 season because of a torn ACL in his knee, were among the Big Ten Players to Watch.

UW-Milwaukee is expected to challenge for the Horizon title in coach Kris Kelderman's second season, as the Panthers were tied for second in the preseason coaches' poll. Six of the league's eight sides received first-place votes, with Cleveland State on top of the rankings. The Panthers and conference newcomer Oakland tied for second, while UW-Green Bay was predicted to finish at the bottom of the standings. Wright State, coached by Bryan Davis (Milwaukee/UW), also received a first-place vote and was sixth in the poll.

Four of the league's five teams received at least two first-place votes in voting by coaches and sports information directors, with UW-Platteville topping the tight race. The conference will have a new format this season with the addition of a postseason tournament: The top four teams will qualify for the Nov. 6 semifinals, while the winner of the Nov. 8 final will be the WIAC champion.