SALISBURY, Md. -- In this week's United Soccer Coaches Top 25, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team slid back into the poll at No. 25. The Captains (9-1-2) will take their new billing on the road Wednesday for a 3:00 p.m. kickoff at Salisbury University for their next game.
Christopher Newport was last ranked No. 14 in the United Soccer Coaches national rankings on September 17 when a tie against William Peace bumped them out of the poll entirely. Ironically, it was a draw this week that vaulted CNU back in after the Captains earned a hard-fought 1-1 tie with second-ranked Mary Washington. The Eagles held their position at No. 2 after the tie while Messiah held onto the No. 1 billing.
CNU is making a return trip to Salisbury after the Sea Gulls traveled to Newport News for the front end of the home-and-home series on October 7. The Captains picked up a 3-0 win in that matchup, taking a one-game edge in the all-time series, 20-19-5, dating back to 1977.
The Captains have put together a five-game unbeaten streak while improving to 9-1-2 on the season. The offense has kicked into gear, scoring multiple goals in a game during six of the last seven games. Senior midfielder
Mason Field is leading the way with 16 points on eight goals, including three gamewinners, and rookie
Drew McWhinney is not far behind with 14 points on six goals and two helpers.
Against the Gulls, McWhinney notched a gamewinner while
Jonathon Leiding and
Caleb Jones each connected on scores as well.
Barry Jones had a pair of assists while rookie
Manzi Siibo added an assist as well.
Salisbury managed just three shots on-goal against the CNU defense the first time around but will be playing at home where they managed a 1-1 draw against top-ranked Messiah and a one-goal loss to Mary Washington earlier this year. The offense has been led by Brady Young with nine points on four goals and one assist.
Live stats and a live video webcast will be available, courtesy of Salisbury University. Links to both can be found on the men's soccer schedule at CNUsports.com.
Following the mid-week trip, the Captains will travel to Washington and Lee on Saturday for the penultimate game of the regular season.
