The Gannon men’s soccer team made another move up in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National poll, taking over the second spot in the country. Additionally, the Golden Knights continue to rank first regionally for the fourth consecutive week.

After two of the top four teams in the country suffered losses last week, LIU Post (9-0-0) moved up from second to take the top spot nationally. Gannon (9-0-0) moved up two spots to second. Regis (8-0-1) is third followed by Lynn (9-1-0) and Flagler (7-1-1) to round out the top five.
Other Atlantic region teams appearing in poll include University of Charleston (6-0-2) at 9th and Davis & Elkins (7-2-0) at 22nd. The Golden Knights defeated Davis & Elkins earlier this season 3-1. West Virginia Wesleyan is also receiving votes in the poll.
One of only two teams regionally without a loss, Gannon continued to hold the top spot in the NSCAA Atlantic region poll. University of Charleston (6-0-2) is second followed by Davis & Elkins (7-2-0), West Virginia Wesleyan (7-2-0), Slippery Rock (5-2-3), Millersville (5-1), Wheeling Jesuit (6-4-0), West Chester (4-4-1), California (Pa.) (5-5-0) and Bloomsburg (5-5-0).
The Golden Knights are one of only two programs in all of NCAA Division II without a loss or a tie this season. Top-ranked LIU-Post is the other. As a team, Gannon ranks ninth natioanlly in assists (23), 14th in total goals (25) and 17th in scoring offense (2.78). Robbie Bennett (Pinetown, South Africa / St. Benedict School) is 12th nationally in points per match (2.38), 16th in total points (19) and 19th in assists per match (0.63). Sean Pike(Liverpool, England / Range) is 22nd in total assists (5) and 29th in assists per match (0.56).
Following a week that saw him earn Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Men’s Soccer Athlete of the week honors thanks to three shutout wins, Jason Barbarino (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Plum Senior) moved up to 12th nationally in save percentage (.852) and 24th in total saves (46.0).
The 9-0 record for the Golden Knights is the best start to a season since the 1996 team opened its campaign with nine straight wins. The five PSAC wins in 2012 are a new single-season record since joining the league prior to the 2008-09 season.