KANSAS CITY, MO – The Francis Marion University men's soccer program leaped three spots to No. 7 in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Top 25 poll released on Tuesday (Oct. 13), a fourth-straight week in the national rankings.

The Patriots hold an impressive 11-2-1 overall record with a 7-1 mark in Conference Carolinas play. Francis Marion ranked third in the first NPI rankings released on Monday, which will determine the NCAA Tournament Field with Super Region 2 being a 10-bid league.

Francis Marion returns to Hartzler Field tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 14, to face rival Chowan University at 7 p.m. in conference divisional play before hosting Ferrum College on Saturday, Oct. 17, for Senior Day, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.

The Patriots rank fourth in NCAA Division II with 8.71 shots on goal per game, while sitting inside the top 15 nationally in total assists (30), team goals-against average (.643), shutout percentage (.500), and goal differential (+17).

Individually, junior forward Jose Coutinho is in a 14-way tie for first in NCAA Division II with four game-winning goals. He also holds the best shot accuracy in the nation (.771). Senior forward Volkan Celikkol sits 22nd in the nation and paces the Conference Carolinas with six assists. Graduate student goalkeeper Vicent Sanchis ranks 14th in the country with five shutouts while sitting third in the Conference Carolinas in save percentage (.795) and goals-against average (.727).