NATIONALLY RANKED REDHAWKS
This week, the Redhawks celebrate their fourth straight week in the NSCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Top 25 at No. 19, matching their highest DI ranking from two weeks ago. Over the past four weeks, Seattle U has been ranked No. 19 twice (also: Oct. 6, 2015) and No. 24 twice (Sept. 29, Oct. 13).
For the week of Oct. 19, the Redhawks also rank nationally in three other polls including Top Drawer Soccer (No. 13), Soccer America (No. 13), and College Soccer News (No. 18).
In 2014, Seattle U earned the program’s first two Division I national rankings since reclassification in the NSCAA/Continental Tire Top 25. On Sept. 2, 2014 the Redhawks were ranked No. 22 and on Sept. 30, 2014 they were ranked No. 24.
2015 NCAA RPI RELEASED
In the fourth NCAA RPI rankings of 2015, the Redhawks come in at No. 14 after ranking as high as No. 10 on Oct. 6. Seattle U is the second highest rated team in Washington, Oregon, and California behind Stanford (No. 9). RPI (Rating Percentage Index) is used to rank teams based upon wins, losses, and strength of schedule, and is primarily used for seeding for the national postseason tournament.
HOMEGROWN
Washington Youth Soccer recently created a video about Seattle University men's and women's soccer student-athletes from the state of Washington as well as the rise of the program to national prominence. The link to the video is in the box to the right of this story.
TICKETS
For all home games, single game tickets can be purchased online (Ticketmaster), by phone (206-398-GOSU), at the SU Ticket Office (1218 E Cherry), or starting 60 minutes prior to kickoff at the NE entrance to Championship Field. For season tickets, the Redhawk Sports Pass allows for GA seating for all men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, and baseball home contests.
BEST OF THE WEST
In the Oct. 20 version of the NSCAA NCAA Division I Men’s West Regional poll, half of the top 10 are members of the Western Athletic Conference, including three of the top four. The Redhawks (2nd) are joined by Utah Valley (3rd), UNLV (4th), Bakersfield (9th), and Grand Canyon (10th).
THE GANG’S ALL HERE
On Sunday in Phoenix, the Redhawks and Lopes will play a doubleheader at Grand Canyon, as the women will play at 12 noon PT before the men play at 2:30 pm PT. Both games are featured on the WAC Digital Network for free at www.wacsports.com/live, viewable online, iPhone, or tablet.
BJORNETHUN NAMED NATIONAL POW
Junior defender Kyle Bjornethun was named National Division I Men’s Soccer Player of the Week by both the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and College Soccer News for scoring both goals in the final 1:36 in a win at No. 13 Oregon State on Sunday, Sept. 27. He was also named Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 21-27.
SCOUTING UNLV (9-3-1, 3-1-1 WAC)
The reigning WAC tournament title winners are currently ranked fourth regionally and sit in third place in the league behind Seattle U and Utah Valley. Danny Musovski leads the team with nine goals and three assists (21 points), four of those goals in conference play. In goal, the Rebels have played four different keepers, with Richard Garness receiving the majority of time (11 GP, 11 GA, 1.00 GAA, 35 saves, .761 save pct.). UNLV and SU splits the series as Division I foes, 4-4-0, with the teams trading victories over the past two seasons.
SCOUTING GRAND CANYON (6-6, 2-3 WAC)
The Lopes are tied for sixth in league standings currently with Air Force and San Jose State, while ranked 10th regionally this week. Alberto Sanchez Garcia has a team-high 18 points (7 goals, 4 points), three of those in conference play. In net, Kendyl Day has played the majority of minutes in goal (11 GP, 21 GA, 1.93 GAA, 49 saves, .700 save pct.) while Luca Licciardi has made two appearances. SU is 7-4-0 all-time vs. Grand Canyon going into this weekend, including a pair of Redhawks wins the past two seasons as conference foes. Grand Canyon is in their third year of a four-year Division I reclassification period and will not be eligible for postseason until the 2017-18 season.