SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- One day after receiving votes in the College Soccer News Top 30 National Poll, the Missouri State men's soccer program garnered more national attention when the first edition of the NCAA statistical rankings came out Tuesday (Sept. 11).

With the help of five consecutive shutouts, the Bears' defense is among the nation's leaders in team goals against average, shutout percentage and save percentage. Similarly, sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Riggs ranks in the top five nationally in goals against average and save percentage.

After the first six matches, Missouri State ranks second in goals against average (0.16) and shutout percentage (0.83). Marshall University is the only team in the nation that has yet to allow a goal. The Thundering Herd men's soccer team is 4-0-1 on the season and has outscored its opponents 12-0. MSU is currently third in save percentage (0.955).

Riggs, who was named MVC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, appeared on the list at No. 2 in goals against average, No. 3 in save percentage and 49th in total saves.

Also cracking the Top 100 nationally were juniors Cole Alexander and Jared Gain, along with sophomore Jack Roberts. Alexander was ranked in three different categories including total goals (40th), goals per game (72nd) and total points (87th). With two assists apiece, Gain and Robert debuted in the rankings at 54th for total assists.

The Bears will take their 4-0-2 record to Albuquerque, N.M. this weekend for the TLC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Lobo Invitational. On Friday, Missouri State will go head-to-head with 26th-ranked UC Irvine, at 5:30 p.m. CST. In the final match of the tournament, the Bears will face Ivy-League school Dartmouth on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. CST.

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