Tampa Moves Up to No. 7 in Latest Men’s Soccer Rankings
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Coming off a 3-0 shutout over nationally-ranked Clayton State University, the University of Tampa men's soccer team moved up three spots to No. 7 in the NSCAA Division II national poll.
The Spartans are now 3-0 on the season with all three victories coming over NCAA Division II opponents. Sophomore Tyler Blackwood was the star on Saturday, registering his first career hat trick in the victory as David Niepel notched his first shutout of the year.
Tampa is one of three Sunshine State Conference schools in the top-25, joined by Lynn (1) and Rollins (23).
This marks the fifth consecutive season that Tampa has been represented in the national rankings and the second consecutive week this season where UT has been in the top-25.
In the NCAA Division II national rankings, UT ranks 26th in team GAA (0.65), 26th in save percentage (3.67), 36th in total assists (6) and 45th in total points (20). Blackwood ranks 21st in goals per game (1.0) and 32nd in total goals (3). Dominic Goncalves is 32nd in total assists (2) and 35th in assists per game (0.67). Niepel is 31st in GAA (0.654) and 32nd in save percentage (.833).
The Spartans return to action on Wednesday at Florida Tech, and will return to Pepin Stadium on Saturday as it will meet Eckerd.