BELTON (October 7, 2009)--The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor men’s soccer team is ranked in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Top 25 Poll for the first time in the program’s history in the latest NSCAA Poll.

The Cru is ranked 25th in the nation to move into the poll for the first time. UMHB is the only American Southwest Conference program ranked in this week’s top 25.

Defending national champion Messiah College is ranked #1 and Trinity University, a team the Cru beat 2-1 in the 2009 season opener, is ranked #12 in the country this week. UMHB is also ranked 3rd in the West Region this week by the NSCAA, behind only U.C.-Santa Cruz and Trinity University.

The Cru is off to the best start in the program’s history with an 8-1 record. UMHB is 6-0 in ASC play this season. The Cru will host a pair of key ASC matches this weekend. UMHB will host U.T.-Dallas for a 3:00 PM start on Friday before welcoming University of the Ozarks to the Cru Sports Plex for a 3:00 PM start on Saturday.