For just the fifth time in program history, the Midwestern State men's soccer team made an appearance at No. 1 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division II Top 25 Poll, the organization released Tuesday.
The Mustangs last appeared at the top of the national poll near the end of the 2008 season with three-straight weeks (Oct. 21-Nov. 4) at No. 1. Midwestern State first took over the No. 1 spot back on Sept. 24, 1984 after opening the season 5-0-0 following a 9-2 win over TCU.
Midwestern State is currently 7-0-1 on the season after playing Lubbock Christian to a 2-2 draw on the road Monday afternoon at Frenship Soccer Stadium in Wolfforth. The Mustangs will look to record their second win over a top-10 team Thursday when they host No. 6 St. Edward's (Texas) in a 7 p.m. kickoff at MSU Soccer Field.
Midwestern State moved into the top spot after Charleston (W. Va.) fell to Wheeling Jesuit (W. Va.) in a 2-0 loss on the road last week. Coming in behind the Mustangs in this week's poll were Pfeiffer (N.C.), Southern New Hampshire, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.), Charleston, St. Edward's, California State-Dominguez Hills, Wingate (N.C.), Millersville (Pa.) and Barry (Fla.) to round out the top 10.
With one of the nation's top offenses, the Mustangs have dominated the opposition through the first five weeks of the season. Midwestern State is outscoring opponents 30-7 while holding a 206-72 advantage in shots and an 88-29 edge in shots on goal. The Mustangs currently rank fourth nationally with 3.75 goals per game and fifth with 10.5 points and 3.0 assists per game.
The Mustangs defense has also been strong in the opening weeks of the season, holding opponents to a 0.85 goals against average for 27th in the country.
The South Central Region is represented by No. 1 Midwestern State, No. 6 St. Edward's and No. 13 Colorado Mines in the national poll.
