WVU men’s soccer seizes top spot in national polls

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The No. 1 men’s soccer team in the country wears Old Gold and Blue.

WVU men’s soccer has climbed to No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 , the NCAA-recognized poll for Division I men’s soccer. Previously, the Mountaineers ranked as high as No. 2 in this poll last season, and were No. 3 in the organization’s preseason poll.

This marks the first time in the 64-year history of WVU men’s soccer that the program has held the top spot in the poll of record in Division I men’s soccer.

The Mountaineers also sit atop the latest national poll from TopDrawerSoccer , which was released Monday.

The list of firsts accomplished under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Dan Stratford continues to grow. Last season, Stratford and the Mountaineers won a program-record 17 matches and reached the College Cup for the first time. The program is also unbeaten in its last 20 home matches at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, including postseason contests.

At 3-0-0, WVU possesses one of the best records in Division I men’s soccer, fueled by a potent offense that has netted 12 goals. WVU is tied for third in the nation in goals per game (4.0) and is tied for fourth in goal differential (+10), thanks to back-to-back clean sheets.

Forward Sergio Ors Navarro’s six goals are tied for second-most in the country. His 2.0 goals per game average stands alone as the top mark in the nation.

Midfielder Simon Carlson is also the nation’s co-leader in assists with four. He is the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week and appears on the national team of the week from TopDrawerSoccer.

WVU begins a two-game west coast road trip Friday night against California Baptist.

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