NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The fifth ranked Christopher Newport University Captains, under the direction of 15-year Head Coach Steve Shaw, were picked to win the USA South Athletic Conference men's soccer title again in 2010. CNU has made back-to-back trips to the NCAA National Quarterfinals and last season became the first ever Captains program to reach a number one national ranking.

CNU received all six possible first place votes (36 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting. Five-time USA South Regular Season Champions, N.C. Wesleyan, ranks second in the balloting with 31 points and the final first place vote.

Shaw's team was ranked number five in the country heading into the season according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Preseason Poll released last week. In 2009, the Captains went 18-2-4 en route to the Elite Eight appearance. Winston Mathieson earned Second Team All-American honors and was named the USA South Player of the Year.

The Captains kick off their regular season vs. Randolph-Macon College at Captains Field on Wednesday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. They will then host Haverford and Stockton in the 2010 Alumni Classic on Saturday, September 4 and Sunday, September 5.

The USA South Athletic Conference Tournament will once again be held in Martinsville, Va. as the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority will host the 2010 Men's and Women's Soccer semifinals and finals. The contests will be held at the Smith River Sports Complex in Martinsville on November 5 and 6. This will be the second of a two-year commitment. The first round games of the tournament will continue to be held on the campuses of the higher seeded team.