Soccer Breaks into National Rankings

NORMAN, Okla. -- After notching a 2-1-1 start to the 2014 campaign, the Oklahoma soccer team has broken back into the national rankings for the first time since the 2005 season. OU earned the No. 20 slot overall in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) rankings, released on Tuesday.

"For our student athletes, this validates their endeavor, commitment and willingness to learn," head coach Matt Potter said. "We are enjoying the start to the season but are grounded by the fact that it is just a start. I am sure they will be hungry for more."

The Sooners jumped out to a 1-0-1 start on the season in mid-August, opening with a commanding 2-0 shutout win over Bedlam rival Oklahoma State. OU followed up with a tie with Pac-12 opponent Utah just days later.

Oklahoma caught the soccer world's attention last Friday night when the Sooners downed the No. 6 Florida Gators in Norman by a score of 2-1, and added a narrow loss to No. 2 Florida State on Sunday. OU was recognized this week with its No. 20 national ranking; the program is also No. 2 in the NSCAA Central Region rankings.

The Sooners last broke into the national rankings in 2005 after one of the best starts in program history. OU appeared at No. 25 nationally in the Soccer America poll after topping No. 21 Texas in October of that season. Oklahoma's best program ranking came in 2003, the first season the program ever achieved a national ranking. The '03 Sooners were ranked as high as No. 18 in 2003 (NSCAA).

"I'm delighted for the players, staff and those behind the scenes," Potter added. "As a program it shows we are moving in the right direction. The University of Oklahoma athletics is steeped in winning traditions. We are just trying to play our part."

OU is set to hit the road for the first time this fall on Friday, facing No. 16 Nebraska in Lincoln. The teams will square off at 5:30 p.m. before Oklahoma returns home for a contest with Central Arkansas on Sunday at 1 p.m.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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