RINDGE, N.H. (October 18, 2016) – The Franklin Pierce University men's soccer team earned their first national ranking since the 2012 season during the week seven edition of the 2016 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Rankings released this afternoon.

The no. 20 national ranking was the first time since September 2012 that the men's soccer program received national votes. Last week, the men's squad earned six votes in the national poll, but attracted more division wide attention after a 1-0 victory over the previously ranked #19 Merrimack College Warriors this past Saturday night.

The Crimson and Grey also moved up a spot to no. 3 in the East Region rankings. The rankings were posted by the NSCAA on their official website.

Undefeated Wingate University (11-0-0) holds the top spot in the nation and they're followed by LIU – Post (11-0-1) and St. Edward's University (12-1-1) for second and third. Fellow Northeast-10 conference opponent no. 9 Adelphi University (10-1-1) are the only other conference member listed in the national poll.

Team captain Marius Preber (Jessheim, Norway) and freshman Jacob Blixt (Borrby, Sweden) have been the driving forces behind the Ravens offensive attack while goalkeeper Jadel Poon-Lewis (Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago) has been the mainstay in the cage this season.

Preber ranks tied for third in the league in goals with eight while Blixt ranks first in shots (48), third in points (20) and fourth in assists (6). As a team, the Ravens rank second out of 14 NE-10 teams in goals for average (2.09). Poon-Lewis has three shutout victories on the season thanks to strong defensive and goalie play.

Under Coach Roy Fink and his staff, the Ravens have improved their goals-per game average (1.76-to-2.09), shooting percentage (.138-to-.144) and shots per game (12.8-to-14.5) while decreasing their goals against average (1.62-to-1.15) from last year.

The Ravens return to the pitch tomorrow when they welcome conference foe Bentley for a 7:00 p.m. contest.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce athletic apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).