ITHACA, N.Y. — The Cornell men's soccer team is opening the 2023 season with a number next to its name for the first time in 10 years after the United Soccer Coaches released its preseason poll earlier this week.

Cornell, who opens the season as the No. 20-ranked team, last opened a season ranked in the United Soccer Coaches' preseason poll back in 2013 when it was ranked No. 22. It is the fourth overall time Cornell has received a preseason ranking as the Big Red opened the inaugural United Soccer Coaches' poll as the No. 19-ranked program in 1996 and was No. 22 to begin the 1997 campaign.

Having recorded a program record fourth consecutive 10-win season last year, the Big Red is coming off an impressive 14-4-1 campaign, which included reaching the third round of the NCAA Tournament where it fell to Syracuse, who went on to claim the national championship.

The Big Red is the highest-ranked Ivy League program in the preseason poll and is one of two Ancient Eight teams in the preseason top 25. Last year's regular-season champion, Penn, was the only other program recognized as it came in ranked No. 25.

Of the 25 teams in the preseason rankings, Cornell is scheduled to face four programs, including the reigning national champions, Syracuse, in the Big Red's home opener on Sept. 19. The Big Red opens its season on the road against two opponents in the preseason top 25 in No. 12 Vermont (Sept. 1) and No. 23 New Hampshire (Sept. 4). The other ranked opponent Cornell will play is on the road against No. 25 Penn on Oct. 7.