PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern men's soccer team continues to gain national attention as the Firehawks received votes in the latest NAIA Men's Soccer Top 25 Coaches' Poll.
UT Southern is one of 21 programs listed in the receiving votes category after opening the season with a perfect 3-0 record. The Firehawks have defeated Tennessee Wesleyan, Bryan College, and Brescia University while outscoring opponents 9-3 through the first three matches of the campaign.
The recognition comes on the heels of a strong opening stretch for fourth-year head coach Bret Boylan's squad. UT Southern is one of several unbeaten teams in the South Region and has collected victories by scores of 3-2, 2-0, and 4-1 to begin the year.
The Firehawks have been fueled by a balanced attack, led by sophomore forward Christian Sentz. Sentz was named the SSAC Offensive Player of the Week after totaling two goals and two assists in wins over Bryan and Brescia. He scored the game-winning goal in both contests and factored into four of UT Southern's six goals during the week.
Defensively, goalkeeper William McGinn has been a stabilizing force in net. McGinn recorded his first shutout of the season against Bryan and followed with a seven-save performance in Sunday's victory over Brescia as the Firehawks improved to 3-0.
The latest poll also highlights the strength of the Southern States Athletic Conference, with five league members earning national recognition. Cumberland climbed to No. 6, William Carey moved up to No. 8, Life checked in at No. 9, Faulkner entered the rankings at No. 22, and Xavier (La.) came in at No. 25. Dalton State also received votes.
UT Southern will have an opportunity to continue building its national résumé this weekend when the Firehawks travel to face rival Bethel University. Although the Wildcats dropped out of the Top 25 this week, they remain in the national conversation as a receiving votes team in the latest NAIA poll.
NAIA Men's Soccer Top 25 Highlights
- No. 6 Cumberland (Tenn.)
- No. 8 William Carey (Miss.)
- No. 9 Life (Ga.)
- No. 22 Faulkner (Ala.)
- No. 25 Xavier (La.)
- Receiving Votes: Dalton State (Ga.), Tennessee Southern, Bethel (Tenn.)
UT Southern returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Firehawks travel to McKenzie, Tennessee, for a showdown with rival Bethel University. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central.
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