ATLANTA--The Georgia State men's soccer team improved to No. 26 in the nation in the latest NCAA Men's Soccer RPI rankings released on Tuesday.

Last week Georgia State achieved a ranking of 27^th in the RPI, at the time its highest ranking ever. The battle-tested Panthers (10-5-1, 4-4), who have squared off against four teams either ranked or receiving votes in the NSCAA Coaches Poll Top 25, are one of nine Colonial Athletic Association teams in the top 100 in RPI.

The CAA's nine teams give it more teams in the top 100 in RPI than the Conference USA (8), Atlantic Coast Conference (7) and Big West (7). By comparison, the conference with the most teams in the top 100 in RPI is the Big East with 10 teams, one more than the CAA, including eight in the top 50.

Head Coach Brett Surrency and the Panthers have battled eight teams in the top 100 in RPI this season, including top-notch competition in USF (No. 5), James Madison (6), Old Dominion (7), UAB (14) and William & Mary (23). GSU is 1-3-1 in those matchups but hasn't lost a game by more than a goal in the three losses.

Georgia State travels to the 81^st-ranked team in George Mason this Saturday for a 3 p.m. CAA matchup. The Panthers are tied with VCU for sixth in the CAA with 12 points prior to Wednesday night's slate of conference games. George Mason is tied for eighth as both teams seek one of six CAA Tournament bids.

Visit www.GeorgiaStateSports.com later in the week for a preview of GSU's important showdown in Fairfax, Va. against George Mason. Also follow Georgia State men's soccer on Twitter (@GSUMensSoccer) and Facebook (facebook.com/GSUMensSoccer) to receive the latest news, updates and recaps.

www.GeorgiaStateSports.com