UU places 13th in final poll

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Urbana University men’s soccer team was rated 13th in the final NCAA Division II postseason rankings, released this week by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

UU received votes in 10 of the 12 weekly polls during the 2016 season while appearing 12th in Week 2 – a school record. After finishing the season 14-5-1, the Blue Knights are ranked three spots ahead of where they appeared in the 2016 preseason tally (16).

UU has now been ranked among the nation’s elite programs in 18 of the previous 20 NSCAA polls, dating back to the 2015 season.

Under head coach Nick Roberts in 2016, UU tied the program record for most wins (14) and hosted the school’s first-ever NCAA Championship event in Urbana. The Blue Knights won a second-round NCAA match for the second straight year (2-0 vs. Mercyhurst), eventually falling to national runner-up Charleston in the national round of 16.

UU also made the school’s first appearance in a conference championship event since joining the Mountain East Conference in 2013-14.

Statistically, the Blue Knights put together an incredible year. UU outscored opponents 48-17 while averaging nearly three goals per match. Team records set in 2016 include: most wins (14 – tied), highest winning percentage (.700 – tied), fewest goals allowed (17) and lowest goals-against average (0.83).

Eight Knights scored at least two goals during the season, led by Lars Blenckers and Thibaut Bourrier with nine goals apiece. In addition, senior midfielder Lewis Dunne (eight goals, six assists) was recently tabbed the first All-American in program history. Senior goalkeeper Nathan Jones, a four-year starter, ended his career as the team’s leader in career GAA (1.00), season GAA (0.64), career shutouts (25), season shutouts (nine), highest season save percentage (.850) and most games played in goal (73).

The Urbana University men’s soccer team (pictured) was ranked 13th in the final NCAA Division II poll of the season.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/12/web1_uusoccer.jpegThe Urbana University men’s soccer team (pictured) was ranked 13th in the final NCAA Division II poll of the season.

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