After a strong start this season, the Charlotte 49ers men’s soccer team (6-1-2) has been ranked in all the major college polls this week. The Niners were ranked in the National Soccer Coaches Association Poll (NSCAA) last week, but after road wins over No. 3 Wake Forest and Furman, the 49ers have jumped from #22 to #15 in the latest NSCAA poll. In the latest Soccer America poll, Charlotte is tied for 25th. The Niners are ranked #18 in the TopDrawersoccer.com, #20 in the College Soccer News and #23 in Soccer Times polls.
Since an opening-game loss on the road to SEC power South Carolina, the 49ers have gone unscathed; going 6-0-2. Since then, Charlotte has amassed wins over prominent NCAA Tournament team participants Furman, Wake Forest, and Winthrop.
Leading the way for the nationally ranked 49ers is sophomore forward Evan James. The reigning A-10 Player of the Week leads Charlotte in goals with four and points with 14. Senior midfielder Luke Exley and A-10 Rookie of the Week freshman forward Jennings Rex are tied for second on the teams with three goals apiece. James is tied with senior midfielder Adam Gross and junior forward Andres Cuero for the team-lead in assists with four each. Gross finds himself fourth on the squad with four goals.
Defensively, Charlotte has posted two shutouts and limited six teams to a goal or less this season. Behind the play of senior goalkeeper David Martin and senior defender Nathan Mathers, sophomores Isaac Cowles and Charles Rodriguez and freshman Justin Tucker have been strong this season.
Charlotte begins Atlantic 10 play at home this weekend when they take on George Washington and Richmond at Transamerica Field, October 9-11.
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