Northwestern University Athletics

First-team All-Big Ten selection Brad Napper and the Wildcats are the preseason No. 17 ranked team in the nation.

Wildcats Ranked No. 17 in Preseason Poll

8/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Aug. 5, 2005

EVANSTON, Ill. -- In its preseason poll released Thursday afternoon, College Soccer News ranked Northwestern at No. 17 -- the Wildcats' first-ever preseason rating and the highest the 'Cats have ever been in a national poll of any kind.

Northwestern returns every starter from its 2004 squad, which posted a program best 15-6-2 record and qualified for the Wildcats' first-ever NCAA Tournament. NU was the only first time qualifier to advance to the second round.

After fielding just two seniors last year, the Wildcats have 10 seniors and nine juniors on an experienced-laden squad.

Northwestern is the second-highest Big Ten team in the poll; two-time defending national champion Indiana holds the No. 1 position. For the complete rankings, link to www.collegesoccernews.com.

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