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American Men’s Soccer Finishes No. 14 in National Coaches’ Poll
Eagles earn Top 15 slot in NSCAA/Adidas Division I Men’s rankings

Dec. 19, 2001

Senior Bobby Brennan and the men's soccer team finish the 2001 season at No. 14 in the country as selected by the NSCAA and adidas.

WASHINGTON -- The American men’s soccer team earned a No. 14 national ranking in the season-ending Division I men’s rankings conducted by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Adidas. The Eagles advanced to the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA tournament this year before falling to eventual NCAA champion, and No. 1-ranked, North Carolina, 1-0 in overtime.

American finished the 2001 season with a 13-8-2 overall record, earning the Patriot League Championship title with a defeat of Holy Cross by penalty kicks (5-3) on Nov. 18. Earning the league’s automatic berth into the NCAA tournament, the Eagles began their magical run by defeating Ohio State, 2-1, on Nov. 23 and then earning a 3-0 decision over Wake Forest on Nov. 25 to move into the Sweet Sixteen round against North Carolina. The Tar Heels edged out American and marched on to a 2-0 win over Indiana in the championship game. North Carolina earned a No. 1 ranking in the NSCAA/adidas poll while Indiana came in at No. 2.

Head Coach Todd West was excited to be included among some of the premier collegiate programs in the country in the final season standings. “We’re thrilled to be ranked with some of the elite programs in Division I and to be ranked ahead of some of the strongest teams this year,” said West.

American University, which is in its inaugural year as a member of the Patriot League, officially joined the conference on July 1. The University, founded in 1893, fields a 19-sport Division I athletics program, featuring 10 women’s sports and nine for men.