Braves Claim 10th Spot In NCAA Region Rankings

INDIANAPOLIS – Coming off a 1-0 shutout victory over Peach Belt Conference opponent Francis Marion this week, the UNCP men's soccer team made its first appearance of the season in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Southeast Region Rankings at 10th, announced by the association on Wednesday.

Coker claimed the top spot, while Anderson (S.C.) held tight in second. PBC opponent Flagler grasped third as Mars Hill and Montevallo were included in the top five. Lees-McRae, Lander, Tusculum and North Georgia ranked about the Braves in order. 

The Braves were led by newcomer Adam Smith as he registered the lone goal of the match in the 51st minute to deliver the win over the Patriots on Wednesday in Florence, S.C. 

Sam Miles leads the PBC in goals (12), points (28) and shots (59), while Shaun Herselman and Smith are second in the league in assists with five. UNCP is first in the nation in Division II in scoring offense and ninth in total goals. 

This is the seventh time in 20 years the men's soccer has registered 10 or more wins in a season, and the first time in the Phil Hindson era.

The Braves will compete in their last home game of the season on Saturday as the Black and Gold hosts Peach Belt Conference opponent Lander at Varsity Grounds at 3:30 p.m. Admission to all 2011 home soccer matches is free.