By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team has once again set the bar high, opening the season No. 5 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America NCAA Division II poll.

The Norse are ranked behind the four teams that advanced to the 2007 NCAA national semifinals: Montevallo, Midwestern State, Lincoln Memorial and national champion Franklin Pierce. The rankings also reflect the final poll from the 2007 season.

It marks a three-position jump from where the Norse began last year’s campaign, when they opened the season at No. 8. NKU climbed to No. 1 in the nation in early October and held that position throughout the regular season. It marked the first time in school history that the men’s soccer team was ranked No. 1 nationally Division.

NKU enjoyed a program-best 20-game winning streak en route to a 22-2 overall record and a second straight NCAA II Great Lakes Regional championship. The Norse allowed just 12 goals on the year, another team record, including just two during the regular season.

After an exhibition match against Wright State on Aug. 22, NKU begins the quest to improve that ranking on Aug. 29, when they travel to West Virginia Wesleyan for the regular-season opener.

NSCAA PRESEASON POLL