Oct. 12, 2011

Bronx, N.Y. - The latest rankings and statistics have been released and the Fordham men's soccer team figures prominently in both areas. The Rams moved up from 7th position to the 3rd slot in the latest NSCAA poll, which was released on October 11.

Just one week ago, Fordham was at seven, and they were looking up at two Atlantic 10 conference schools, Charlotte and Xavier, that occupied the top spot. But the Rams have won three in a row, including a 1-0 upset of the then #23 Musketeers, and they have jumped them in the Mid-Atlantic rankings into the third slot. Fordham trails only Charlotte (who still occupies the top position) and Colgate in the region. The Rams are scheduled to face the 49ers at Jack Coffey Field on Sunday, October 23, at 1:00 P.M.

The recent success of the team is due, in no small part, to the play of the defense. Players like Michael Stalker, Ryan Curran, Casper Gimand, Phil Ferrantello, and Ryan Meara have helped Fordham earn rankings near the top of the national statistics. The team is ranked fifth in the country in Shutout Percentage at 0.64. They are 12th in Save Percentage (0.857) and 21st in Teams Goals Against Average (0.71).

Meara has been particularly stingy between the pipes for the Rams. In addition to recording three straight shutouts (one of which - against Xavier - set the all-time shutout mark at the school) he ranks in the top 10 in two areas. He is currently sixth in the land in both Goals Against Average (0.484) and in Save Percentage (0.896).

The Fordham men's soccer team brings its three-game-winning streak to Jack Coffey Field on Friday, October 14, as they continue A-10 Conference play against Massachusetts. The game with the Minutemen is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.