Flagler College men’s soccer moved to No. 16 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II national poll released Tuesday. The Saints entered the final two matches at 9-1-4 overall and 9-0-1 in Peach Belt Conference play. The ranking announcement came as Flagler carried a six-game winning streak into the closing portion of the regular season.
The six victories represent Flagler College men’s soccer’s longest consecutive winning streak since 2013. The run is tied for the second-longest active winning streak in Division II men’s soccer, behind Cal State LA. During the streak, Flagler has outscored opponents 18-3 and averaged 3.0 goals per game.
Flagler ranks 16th nationally in scoring and 22nd nationally in goal differential. Senior Finn Weigelt leads the team with nine goals, tying him for 24th nationally. Weigelt is from Berlin, Germany.
Flagler’s attack and defense stand out
Senior Tim Wahlborg earned Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week honors after recording three goals and two assists during the previous week. Sophomore Filip Hornburg, the reigning Peach Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, has earned four conference Defensive Player of the Week honors this season. Hornburg also has assisted with five shutouts.
Flagler has received contributions from goalkeepers Xander LaBelle and Ryan Rivas. LaBelle has started seven of eight appearances and holds a 5-0-2 record with three clean sheets. Rivas earned Peach Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Week honors after recording his 22nd career shutout, breaking the school record.
Regular-season title secured
Flagler secured the Peach Belt Conference regular-season title with a 4-2 victory over USCA the previous week. It was the program’s third regular-season title since joining the Peach Belt Conference and its first since 2011. The championship also positioned Flagler to host the ASUN Tournament semifinals.
The ASUN Tournament semifinals were scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Flagler College. The time and opponent had not been determined in the announcement. The release stated that those details depended on the conclusion of the regular season and the quarterfinal results.
Schedule details
Flagler College men’s soccer was scheduled to play at Embry-Riddle on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. The match was listed for ERAU Soccer Stadium. It was scheduled to be broadcast on the Sunshine State Digital Network.
FSB Take
Flagler College men’s soccer’s move to No. 16 reflects a strong combination of current form and season-long production. The six-game winning streak, national scoring ranking and defensive contributions have accompanied a 9-1-4 overall record and a Peach Belt Conference regular-season title. The ranking gives the Saints a significant national marker as they move toward the ASUN Tournament semifinals, which Flagler is scheduled to host.
Source: Original report