ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis men's soccer newcomers Luke Adams and Lucas McPartlin have been recognized by Top Drawer Soccer in its 2026 Preseason Best XI teams, the publication announced ahead of the start of the men's college soccer season.

Adams was named to the Preseason Best XI Third Team, while McPartlin earned a spot on the Preseason Freshman Team.

The recognition comes as the Billikens enter the 2026 season ranked No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll following a historic 2025 campaign that saw Saint Louis capture the Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament championships and advance to the NCAA College Cup for the first time since 1997.

Adams, a junior defender, joins the Billikens after three seasons at Tulsa. He was named the 2025 American Conference Defender of the Year and earned first-team All-Conference honors after starting 13 matches. Adams was selected by Charlotte FC with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.

McPartlin, a freshman goalkeeper, joins the Billikens after developing through the St. Louis CITY SC Academy pathway. He earned a call-up to the United States U-19 Men's Youth National Team earlier this year and was named to the U.S. U-20 National Team for the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in July. McPartlin also competed with St. Louis CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro, making eight starts in 2026.

In Top Drawer Soccer's Men's National Top 100 player rankings, Adams is ranked No. 24. Sophomore forward Theo Franca ranks No. 74, while sophomore midfielder Guilherme Gomes is No. 82.

The Billikens open the 2026 regular season Thursday, Aug. 20, hosting Seattle at 7 p.m. at Hermann Stadium. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.