Urbana Ranked 13th in Final NSCAA National Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Urbana University men's soccer team appeared 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 new 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).

NSCAA NCAA Division II Men - National - Final Postseason Ranking - December 6, 2016
Rank School Prev. W-L-T1 Wingate University 1 19-1-02 University Of Charleston 4 19-3-23 Rockhurst University 6 18-3-34 University of California-San Diego 10 19-3-25 Adelphi University 7 19-1-26 Pfeiffer University 9 19-3-07 Midwestern State University 11 18-4-18 LIU Post 1 18-1-19 University Of Tampa 14 13-5-310 St. Edward's University 7 18-3-111 Lynn University 5 14-2-212 Fort Hays State University 16 14-5-113 Urbana University 13 14-5-114 Simon Fraser University 3 14-1-315 Palm Beach Atlantic University 18 13-5-116 Cal Poly Pomona NR 13-6-317 Lindenwood University 20 13-4-218 Saginaw Valley State University 12 15-5-119 Colorado Mesa University 15 14-2-520 Drury University NR 13-4-421 Mercyhurst University 21 15-5-122 Regis University 25 14-5-123 Southern New Hampshire University RV 12-5-224 Tusculum College 17 16-4-025 Florida Tech 24 10-5-1Also receiving votes: Merrimack College, Lander University, Limestone College, Tiffin University, Western Washington University, Dixie State University, Franklin Pierce University, West Chester University, University Of Southern Indiana, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Sonoma State University

​Courtesy of the Urbana University Media Department and posted with their permission