----Andy Bacon

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The National Soccer Coaches Association of America has tapped the Northern Kentucky University men's soccer squad as one of the top teams in the nation.

The Norse came in at No. 16 in this week's Division II national poll after an impressive 3-0 week in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. The Norse defeated Bellarmine, No. 24 Wisconsin-Parkside and No. 15 Lewis to move within a half-game of the conference lead.

The Norse also jumped four spots to No. 2 in the NSCAA Great Lakes Region poll.

A 5-1 win over Bellarmine started the week started in the right direction. Five different Norse scored in that victory. Alex Allison, Andy Bacon, and Jim Delaney all scored their first goals of the season to key the win.

Last Friday, NKU defeated No. 24 Wisconsin-Parkside, 1-0, at Kenosha, Wis. Tony Capurro netted the only goal of the contest at the 52:44 mark off an assist from Braden Bishop.

On Sunday, Chris Thompson netted two goals for the Norse in a 2-1 overtime victory against No. 15 Lewis at Romeoville, Ill. The performance earned Thompson GLVC Player of the Week honors. The win was the fifth consecutive for the Norse, who stand at 9-2-1 overall and 6-2-1 in the GLVC.

Lynn (Fla.) is the nation's top team in the poll. Other ranked GLVC teams include Southern Illinois at Edwardsville (No. 9) and Wisconsin-Parkside (No. 22). Drury is among others receiving votes in the NSCAA poll.

The Norse are back to action this weekend, as they host Rockhurst Friday at 5 p.m. and Drury at noon Sunday. Both games will be held at the Town & Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Ky.

NSCAA/adidas Division II National Rankings