KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the first time this year, the Concordia-St. Paul soccer team (6-0-1, 3-0-1 NSIC) has earned their highest regional ranking in team history. Coming in as the 4^th ranked team in the Central Region in the fourth United Soccer Coaches' Poll. Last years squad earned a spot on this ranking for the first time in program history, debuting at 10^th in the Central Region. 
 
Four total NSIC teams were ranked in the poll, with #4 Minnesota State earning the number one spot with an 6-1-0 record. Bemidji State and Augustana were also ranked in fifth and seventh spots, respectively.  
 
The Golden Bears' 6-0-1 start marks the best start to a season since 2001 and the best start in head coach Steve Bellis' nine years at Concordia. 
 
The Bears opened their season going 3-0 in non-conference play, with wins over Missouri-St. Louis, Parkside (Wis.), and Davenport (Mich.) The team then opened the conference season with a 0-0 tie against Upper Iowa and then defeated Winona State 4-2. This past weekend, the team beat both St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth in their home opener weekend to remain undefeated.
 
Vital to their success has been their tough defense, which has allowed only four goals through their first seven games. It also is the fourth lowest amount of goals given up by any NSIC team so far this season. In addition, the team ranks fourth in the conference in goals against average, with an impressive 0.57 average.
 
United Soccer Coaches was founded in 1941 and is the largest soccer coaches' association in the world, serving members at all levels. This region ranking is voted on by a committee of coaches and is distinct from NCAA rankings.
 
CSP plays this Friday, October 4th at Minot State. The game is set to kickoff at 7 p.m.