Oct. 4, 2011

CINCINNATI - A strong start to the season has resulted in the Xavier men's soccer team being ranked No. 23 in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), making the first time the program has been ranked in the premier collegiate soccer poll.

The Musketeers' 6-1-1 record helped garner 72 votes in the poll announced Tuesday by the NSCAA to jump into the Top 25 for the first time. Xavier had been receiving votes in two previous NSCAA national rankings earlier this season.

"It's wonderful to get recognized by the NSCAA," head coach Andy Fleming said. "This is a testament to the staff and the players and their day-to-day and half-by-half approach. I hope our fan base and alumni will be able to enjoy this.

"As far as our team goes, we will always be ranked amongst Division I programs somewhere between one and 202. Right now the number happens to be 23 and that's the extent of us reading into it. The most important thing we can do is have a strong week of practice and focus on our games this weekend against Fordham and La Salle."

The NSCAA is not the only group that has taken notice of Xavier's success this season. The Musketeers are currently ranked 23rd by TopDrawerSoccer.com and 29th by College Soccer News. They are also receiving votes from SoccerTimes.com.

In addition to the national ranking the Musketeers are ranked No. 2 in the Mid-Atlantic region. Xavier has been ranked in the regional poll all six weeks this year and 13 consecutive weeks dating back to last year.

Xavier opens up its conference schedule at the Xavier University Soccer Complex against Fordham at 7 p.m. Friday and La Salle at 1 p.m. Sunday.