HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College men's soccer team (5-1-2, 2-0 CC) is unbeaten in its last six matches. This stretch includes three straight one goal victories which have helped the Fords make the biggest jump in this week's National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Poll. The Fords are now No. 8 in poll, up 14 spots from a week ago.
The Fords are coming off a week in which they prevailed during a pair of 1-0 thrillers on the road. In the non-conference portion of the week, Haverford got a goal from Ben Field with just 1:15 to play in the second overtime session against Stockton. The Fords moved to 2-0 in the Centennial Conference as Michael Carr scored with 7:34 remaining in regulation time against McDaniel.
Haverford has not allowed a goal in 230:40 of playing time. For the defense's efforts, Maclyn Willigan was honored as the Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Despite playing on a defense that was missing three of its four regular starters, the Fords allowed just five shots on goal last week. For the limited opportunities that did get through, Sam Miller was in position for two more shutouts. Miller's 0.62 GAA and .853 save percentage are both the top marks in the Centennial Conference. Ben Field is currently second in the conference with four goals while Russell Nicholson's three assists are also the second best mark.
With its rise in the rankings, Haverford also took over the top spot in the Mid-Atlantic regional rankings. The Fords climbed from third in that poll to overtake Franklin & Marshall for the top spot. The Diplomats are now second in the regional rankings and 14th in the national poll. In the D3Soccer.com Poll, Haverford climbed from 21st to 15th.
Haverford is one of just two teams that hold 2-0 Centennial records through the first two weekends of conference play. Washington College, a team that is coming off a tie with Franklin & Marshall, brings a 1-0-1 Centennial record to Haverford this Wednesday for a 4 p.m. start. Gettysburg, the other 2-0 team in the conference standings, will visit Walton Field this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Saturday's game, a doubleheader with the women who play at 1 p.m., will also be Senior Day for the men's soccer program.