The St. Thomas Aquinas College men's soccer team has been ranked #8 in the East Region in this week's United Soccer Association coaches' poll, released on Tuesday. Through games of last Sunday, the Spartans had ridden a three-game winning streak to a 6-2-1 overall record, eclipsing last season's win total before the start of the final month of the season.
In their lone game of last week, the Spartans captured a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the University of Bridgeport, which was enough to propel them into the regional rankings. With their home victory over Roberts Wesleyan College on Thursday, STAC has now won four straight to improve to 7-2-1, and defense has become the trademark of this year's squad. Since an opening day loss, they are 7-1-1 over their last nine games, with only five goals allowed in their last eight.
That charge has been led by senior goalkeeper Jack Nicholson, who has anchored the tough backline by leading the East Coast Conference in goals against average (0.50), and save percentage (.862). The offense has boasted a balanced effort with Federico Scaglioni and George Yusuff tied for the team lead with three goals and seven points each.
The Spartans are one of three ECC teams in this week's rankings, with Mercy College standing at No. 3 and LIU Post holding the No. 10. slot. Southern New Hampshire University currently hold the top position.
United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Men - East - Poll 5 - October 2, 2018
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Georgian Court University
- Mercy College
- Assumption College
- Adelphi University
- Wilmington University
- LeMoyne College
- St. Thomas Aquinas College
- Merrimack College
- LIU Post