The first Division I women's soccer RPI report of 2009 was released today, and the first four teams - North Carolina, Stanford, Florida State and Portland - are all squads that have been hanging around the top of the NSCAA Division I Coaches Poll, but the No. 5 team in the RPI - the University of Central Florida -- may be more surprising to some.
Although they have been climbing in the national polls throughout the season, the Knights are No. 16 in the NSCAA rankings. The RPI, or Ratings Percentage Index, is a mathematical formula to measure a team's strength, and is used by the NCAA selection committee to determine the 64-team championship bracket.
UCF has posted a 2-2-1 record against foes ranked in the Top 25 of the RPI, including a victory over No. 3 Florida State.
"I think what we are proud of the most about the RPI ranking is our strength of schedule," said UCF head coach Amanda Cromwell. "That shows that we have put together a tough schedule against several teams that are doing very well this year, and we stepped up to the plate and got results in those games. The RPI is a great indicator of that. I think some of the other rankings are more subjective. This is pure and gives a detailed look of what's going on nationwide, such as win-loss record, strength of schedule and opponents' win-loss record."
The Knights are 8-3-1 overall, and 3-1-0 against Conference-USA foes. Next up for UCF is UTEP on Oct. 9 in Orlando.
For a complete look at the Division I Women's Soccer RPI report, click here:
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