Photo by ISIPhoto.com
By IVES GALARCEP
The Maryland Terrapins are back, and after a slow start to the 2013 season that had the Terps looking like a very beatable side, the pre-season NCAA title favorites are now starting too look like a team worthy of high expectations.
Maryland is unbeaten in nine matches to help the powerhouse climb back into the SBI Top 25, checking in at No. 6 this week.
The top three spots remain unchanged from the last SBI rankings, with California continuing to be the class of the nation. The Golden Bears’ recent win vs. UCLA only solidified their place as the best team in the nation.
Akron and Louisville made major gains in the rankings, both reaching the Top Five. The Zips posted a mid-week victory vs. Wake Forest to propel them into the No. 4 spot this week.
Furman makes their debut in the Top Ten after pushing their unbeaten streak to 10 matches (a run that has seen the Paladins post eight shutouts). They’ll be putting that unbeaten streak on the line on Friday night against Elon.
Here is the SBI College Soccer Top 25 for Oct. 18th:
1- CALIFORNIA (9-0-2)
2- WASHINGTON (9-0-3)
3- NOTRE DAME (7-0-5)
4- AKRON (9-3)
5- LOUISVILLE (9-2-1)
6- MARYLAND (6-2-5)
7- COASTAL CAROLINA (10-2)
8- GEORGETOWN (9-3-1)
9- UAB (9-2-1)
10- FURMAN (9-1-2)
11- UCLA (7-3-1)
12- MICHIGAN STATE (8-1-2)
13- WAKE FOREST (6-3-4)
14- NEW MEXICO (7-3-2)
15- WISCONSIN (9-2-1)
16- UCONN (6-2-4)
17- NORTHWESTERN (8-3-2)
18- CAL-STATE NORTHRIDGE (11-2)
19- NORTH CAROLINA (4-2-5)
20- MILWAUKEE (10-2-1)
21- VIRGINIA (6-3-3)
22- CREIGHTON (6-4-2)
23- MARQUETTE (8-3-1)
24- WILLIAM & MARY (6-3-1)
25- DAYTON (10-0-2)
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HONORABLE MENTION
VCU (6-4-1), UCSB (9-4), Providence (8-2-2), Saint Louis (7-3-1), UMBC (11-1-1), Butler (9-3-1), Tulsa (7-4-1), Clemson (8-3-1), Elon (10-2-1), UC-Irvine (7-4-2)
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What do you think of this week’s rankings? Who do you see being ranked too highly? Who do you feel isn’t getting enough respect?
Share your thoughts below.