Men's Soccer Climb to No. 18 in NAIA Top-25 Coaches' Poll

LEBANON, Tenn. - - A white-hot start to the season has helped jump the Phoenix from receiving votes in the first poll to No. 18, as was announced by the league office this morning.

The Phoenix laid down a marker for the season with a 4-0 triumph in their season opener, taking down the No. 6 ranked Mobile Rams. In that game Philipp Schmidtke scored a goal and added a pair of assists, helping to push him towards his eventual MSC Offensive Player of the Week.

Cumberland had two very real tests in their following two matchups as they squared off with a strong Faulkner University and No. 11 Bethel University. In a back-and-forth battle with the Eagles, Cumberland eventually pulled ahead 4-3 after trailing 2-0 at the half, leading into their toughest matchup of the season so far.

With the Bethel Pilots in front of them, the Phoenix stepped up to the challenge and delivered a magnificent game. Schmidtke kept his hot streak going with another brace, pushing CU to a 3-3 draw with one of the nationals best.

Finally, in the last game that will be reflected on this poll, Cumberland took down Grace College in a 3-1 game to wrap up their road stand. The Phoenix actually trailed in that game but a brace from Pau Ortega kept Cumberland on track.

There was only a single team in this week's poll that remains unchanged, No. 1 Dalton State. Cumberland is just one of three MSC teams ranked inside the Top-25 as Cumberlands sits at No. 2 and Lindsey Wilson trails just behind at No. 7.

Cumberland will play in their home opener this Friday, taking on former Mid-South foes UT Southern.

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Players Mentioned

#9 Philipp Schmidtke: F; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#14 Pau Ortega: MF; 5' 10"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#9 Philipp Schmidtke
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: F

#14 Pau Ortega
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: MF

Players Mentioned

#9 Philipp Schmidtke

#14 Pau Ortega

Players Mentioned

#9 Philipp Schmidtke

#14 Pau Ortega