The problem with the poll is "you think you know about a team" until you really dive deep into what that team is bringing back. I get a vote in the poll and BUTCHERED MINE. It's posted on my website (I won't share here as I'm not a filthy spammer), but how I voted with some rationale behind it...
#1 Virginia
I tried mixing "rewarding a team for last season along with what do they actually have coming back". UVA had one slip up last year and had to play Maryland twice, no harm no foul. They bring back just about everyone from last year and their green goalie won't be so green with almost the entire defense returning, same with offense. And adding McConvey is a HUGE pickup for the cavs.
#2 Maryland
I wanted to start them at one out of rewarding them for last year, but they lost their top 5 scorers from last year, a starting pole, all 4 ssdm's and they were a huge part of their defense and transition last year. That's just too much to ignore. They'll figure it out I'm sure, but I think the smart money is on UVA.
#3 Cornell
This one I regret. They lost everyone on defense other than Adler. If Ierlan plays the way he did their LAST 4 GAMES, aka the NCAA tournament, they'll probably get back to the quarters, but their defense by seasons end was the reason they made it to the finals and held MD to their lowest output of the season. That defense is going to be YOUNG. Offensively they'll be great though, so it may offset.
#4 Princeton
I'd drop them to #7 if I could do it again. Like Cornell they lost a lot on the defensive side of the ball including an AA caliber keeper.
#5 Georgetown, I'd bump Gtown to #3 and Cornell and Princeton back if I could do it again. What they gained in the portal offensively is gross. Dordevic, Solomon, Kelly and Minicus. But they did lose an all american close defender and all american goalie.
#6 Notre Dame, I'm not quite as high on Notre Dame as others. Will Jake Taylor be back at attack? If not, who will fill in? The midfield has weapons, Dobson is solid as hell, but they can't afford ANY SLIP UPS in terms of losses because of their moronic 12 game schedule. They play either "killers" or "pansies" and there is no in-between.
#7 Rutgers, #8 Duke, #9 Yale, #10 Penn, #11 Ohio State
I probably have this wrong but the thing is, all of these teams could get put in any order here. Rutgers lost a lot to graduation, but once again "plugged a couple of holes via the portal". Duke is just short of being a quarterfinals team and if "a group of guys can gell offensively" they'll be fine. They have talent, they just haven't played well together in a consistent manner game in and game out. Ohio State I should probably have at #9 or #10. who knows with this group.
#12 Delaware, #13 Boston U., #14 Denver, #15 Harvard
I originally had Denver at #12 and Harvard at #13 with Delaware and Boston U behind them. I changed that by the time I submitted my poll because the truth is, Delaware and Boston U. both bring back their ENTIRE SQUADS from a year ago. Both have 3 attack that put up serious points, solid mids, senior laden defenses and returning keepers. The reality, if Denver remains in the top 20 by seasons end I'd be surprised and if they do it will only be because like some other teams, they will lose the tough non-conference games, but they'll beat most of the other cupcakes they play. UTAH COULD TAKE THEM OUT IN WEEK ONE. Harvard too lost way too much talent and will have a hard time with their schedule staying in the top 20. But in their case I reward them for last season in this first poll. FOR DENVER, I just reward them for being consistent but if they lose to Utah or play a really close game, I'll drop them quickly.
#16 Jax, #17 UNC, #18, Richmond, #19 Army, #20 Navy
I think Jax could be top 15, but I want to see how the new guys on defense look first. Their offense will be better this year than last year and I think they will probably take out Hop this upcoming weekend. UNC I agree, probably will be the basement of the ACC this year. I don't even know why I have them here other than, Cuse needs to earn this spot from them after going 4-10 last year. I think Cuse is legit a top 20 team and from my understanding THEY WERE #21 I think Foy said in their podcast. I had them as my first team out and I saw other media members had them as high as #15. That might not be far off but they have to prove it.
Army & Navy, I never front on the service academies. Navy has some killer mids. Army probably doesn't deserve the spot as losing Nichtern's 100 points is brutal and I question if they have the talent. The Patriot league will be tough as usual and I think they may drop to middle of the pack.
I did leave St Joe's out of the mix and I think that was a mistake. I probably should have bounced maybe a Harvard or a Denver, maybe even UNC to plug Saint Joe's in at #20.
But that was my rationale and I ADMIT I WAS WRONG IN A LOT OF CASES and will correct as we see teams play.