Marquette University sophomore C. Nortey has been named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team, while the defending Blue Division champion Golden Eagles were picked to finish fourth in Blue Division in the league's 2012 preseason poll.

A native of Accra, Ghana, Nortey was a unanimous BIG EAST All-Rookie Team selection last season when he led the team with 20 points after moving from the midfield to striker early in the campaign. Nortey's nine goals were the most by an MU freshman in nearly 20 years. His breakthrough season helped the Golden Eagles to a 7-2-0 record in the BIG EAST and the school's first conference title since 2002.

Connecticut, which advanced to the 2011 NCAA quarterfinals, was selected by the league's coaches to finish atop the Blue Division in the 2012 BIG EAST Men's Soccer Preseason Poll released Monday. Notre Dame and Georgetown were also picked to finish ahead of MU, respectively, rounded out by Providence, Seton Hall and Pittsburgh.

St. John's (14-7-2 overall record in 2011) was selected to win the Red Division, edging division rivals USF and Louisville.