EDMOND (Aug. 15) – Central Oklahoma will open the 2006 women's soccer season ranked 15th in the country, according to the NCAA Division II poll released Tuesday by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
The two-time defending Lone Star Conference champion Bronchos return eight starters from last year's 16-3-2 team that made its fourth national tournament appearance in six years.
“Preseason rankings don't mean a whole lot, but the recognition is always good for the program and shows that people respect what we've accomplished,” UCO coach Mike Cook said. “It's not where you start that counts but where you finish and our goal is obviously to finish higher than 15th.” Defending national champion Nebraska-Omaha, a team the Bronchos beat 3-2 last year, tops the top-25 poll with Seattle Pacific second and Franklin Pierce third. Two teams on UCO's schedule are also in the rankings -- No. 5 Metro State and No. 12 Regis, with those teams set to visit Edmond on Sept. 29 and Oct. 1, respectively.
To see the complete poll, click here http://www.nscaa.com/seniorRes.php?it=86.
The Bronchos, who began preseason drills last Saturday, open the season Aug. 25 at Dallas Baptist. UCO makes its home debut the next night, hosting St. Gregory's at 7 p.m. at Wantland Stadium in an attempt to break the NCAA Division II attendance record.
