Northwestern University Athletics
NU Begins 2012 Ranked in Top 25
8/9/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 9, 2012
EVANSTON, Ill. – The defending Big Ten champions will enter the 2012 season with a top-25 ranking. Northwestern is tabbed No. 20 in the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division I Men's Preseason Rankings.
After winning the 2011 Big Ten regular season and tournament titles, an 11-5-5 record and NCAA Tournament appearance, the Wildcats closed the 2011 season ranked No. 22 in the same poll, moving up two spots to begin 2012.
Northwestern is one of two Big Ten teams ranked in the preseason poll. Indiana enters the season ranked No. 12. Three NU regular-season opponents are listed on the poll, including the Hoosiers, Xavier and Northern Illinois, who are both receiving votes.
The 'Cats officially opened up the 2012 campaign at 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning with the first practice of the season. The team heads out East to New Jersey next week, playing two exhibition matches against Monmouth (Tues., Aug. 14) and Rutgers (Sat., Aug. 18), who also is receiving votes in the NSCAA poll.
Nine starters and 16 letterwinners return from last year's double Big Ten championship squad. Included in the mix of returnees is First-Team All-Big Ten sophomore goalkeeper Tyler Miller along with Second-Team honorees senior midfielder Chris Ritter, junior midfielder Lepe Seetane and sophomore defender Nikko Boxall.
Tim Lenahan, the 2011 Big Ten Coach of the Year, is entering his 12th season at the helm and welcomes seven newcomers to the Northwestern squad.
Be sure to secure your seats for the 2012 nine-game homestand by purchasing season tickets! Fans can call 888-GO-PURPLE or purchase tickets online. Fans who purchase season tickets will receive a Northwestern Soccer Scarf.
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