Men's Soccer Climbs to Highest Ranking since 2015

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland men's soccer continues to climb, jumping to No. 9 in the latest NAIA Men's Soccer Netting Professionals Top 25 Coaches' Poll, marking the program's first appearance inside the Top 10 since 2015 when the Phoenix climbed as high as No. 6.

The Phoenix (13-3-3, 4-2-1 MSC) surged in the rankings after a strong run through the Mid-South Conference Tournament, where they advanced to the championship match. Cumberland shut out both of its first two tournament opponents defeating Campbellsville 2-0 in the quarterfinals and No. 6 Cumberlands 2-0 in the semifinals before falling 2-0 in the finals to Bethel (Tenn.), who now sits at No. 10 in the national poll.

Led by one of the most dynamic offenses in the country, Cumberland ranks sixth nationally in goals scored (66) and fourth in total assists (66) while boasting eight shutouts on the year. The Phoenix have outscored opponents 66-26, averaging 3.47 goals per match, and hold an impressive 7-1-1 record at home this season.

The latest NAIA Men's Soccer Top 10 features a mix of familiar powerhouses and red-hot contenders as the postseason heats up. Oklahoma Wesleyan remains the nation's top team, holding firm at No. 1 after advancing to the KCAC Championship, followed closely by MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.), Keiser (Fla.), and Bethel (Ind.), who all maintained their positions in the top four.

Life (Ga.) made a major leap to No. 5 after capturing the SSAC title, while Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) and LSU Shreveport (La.) checked in at No. 6 and No. 7. Cumberlands (Ky.) slipped to No. 8 following its semifinal loss to Cumberland, while the Phoenix's postseason surge lifted them to No. 9, marking their first Top 10 appearance in a decade. Bethel (Tenn.), fresh off its Mid-South Conference Championship victory, cracked the Top 10 for the first time this season at No. 10.

Four Mid-South Conference teams highlight the Top 10 rankings in the final regular season poll of the season.

Cumberland looks poised to earn an at-large bid to the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship, with the field set to be announced during the Selection Show on Friday, November 14, at 5 p.m. CT on the NAIA YouTube channel.

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