Empire 8 soccer teams recognized in NSCAA D-III Preseason Rankings
ROCHESTER, NY -- The 2012 soccer season is set to begin at the end of this month, and in preparation for the upcoming campaign, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) have partnered with Continental Tire to release their NCAA Division III Men's and Women's College Preseason Rankings. Four Empire 8 teams were recognized in the rankings - one men's team and three on the women's side.
The Stevens Institute of Technology men’s soccer team, which finished 18-3-1 a year ago is the highest ranking Empire 8 school with its No. 7 ranking in the men’s top 25. The Ducks advanced to the NCAA Division III Playoffs after winning the Empire 8 title for the fifth straight season. Stevens won 16-straight matches and was unbeaten in a string of 18-consecutive games making a run to the Elite 8 of the national tournament.
On the women’s side, Stevens Institute of Technology has received the No. 18 ranking after finishing 14-3-4 a year ago. The Ducks claimed its second Empire 8 title in as many years en route to an automatic NCAA bid. The team will carry a 13-game unbeaten streak into the 2012 season, as well as an 11-game home-unbeaten streak.
Ithaca College, ranked 19 in the poll, posted a 15-4-3 record last fall and reached the NCAA semifinals for the seventh time after earning at at-large bid into the national tournament.
Nazareth College, who finished 10-4-4 last season, was also recognized in the women’s rankings outside the top 25 in the "Also receiving votes" section.
The NSCAA will provide updated weekly rankings throughout the season, with the first regular-season rankings due for release on Sept. 4. Ohio Wesleyan claimed the No. 1 men's preseason ranking, with Messiah taking the top spot in the women's poll. The NSCAA is based in Kansas City, Kan., and is the largest soccer coaches' association in the world.
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NSCAA Press Release |
Men's Rankings |
Women's Rankings |
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