PROVIDENCE, R.I.— The Keene State College men’s soccer team has been predicted to repeat as Little East Conference champions after a vote by the conference’s eight head coaches. The Owls earned six first-place votes and a second-place tally for 48 total points. Each head coach cast a vote, but could not select their team.

Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Dr. Ron Butcher, Keene State College has hoisted the Little East Conference championship trophy five times since 1999, reaching a conference-high six berths in the championship round. Last season, the Owls posted a 15-6-1 overall record, including a 4-2-1 mark in the conference circuit. Butcher led his charges to a 3-0 victory at Plymouth State University in the championship round of the Little East Conference Tournament, recording the program’s eighth NCAA Tournament appearance in the past 10 campaigns. Keene State returns nine starters from last season’s squad, including National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-New England Region, second-team selection junior forward Alex Horne (Harvard, Mass.).

Plymouth State University, the 2006 conference regular season champions and tournament finalist, enter the 2007 campaign in the No. 2 position, just six points off the Owls’ pace. The Panthers received a first-place vote and five second-place tallies for 42 total points. In 2006, Head Coach Rob Wright guided his squad to an overall record of 10-7-2 and registering his fourth consecutive ECAC Tournament berth. The 2006 Little East All-Conference second team pick Keith Whittemore (Holderness, N.H.) highlights a highly-talented Plymouth State squad.

Eastern Connecticut State University edged Rhode Island College for the No. 3 spot. The Warriors earned the final first-place vote and 30 total points, outpointing the Anchormen by just two points.

The University of Mass. Boston (26) and Western Connecticut State University (26) share the No. 5 position, while the University of Southern Maine (16), the University of Mass. Dartmouth (8) close out the coaches’ rankings.

The Little East Conference kicks off its 12th season on Sept. 1, when three conference members take to the pitch. The top four schools in the final regular season standings qualify for the Little East Conference Tournament, beginning on Oct. 31. The Little East Conference champion will be crowned on Nov. 3 and earn the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.