The Valparaiso men’s soccer team is ranked ninth in this week’s RPI rankings. This is the highest the Crusaders have ever been ranked in the RPI. The Crusaders are also ranked 25^th in this week’s Top Drawer Soccer poll, the first top-25 ranking in program history in any poll.

Valpo’s tough non-league schedule has contributed to their high ranking, as their non-conference RPI was ranked third in the nation. The Crusaders are 4-1-2 in non-league games so far. Several opponents are in the top-50, including Davidson (third), Michigan State (14^th), Loyola (25^th) and Northwestern (28^th). Butler (54^th) and Western Illinois (68^th) are in the top-75.

The Crusaders record against top competition is impressive, as they have gone 2-0-1 against the top-25 and 4-1-1 against the top-100.

Valpo is the only Horizon League school to be ranked in the Top Drawer Soccer poll. Dayton, who the Crusaders battled to a scoreless double-overtime draw in their second game of the season, is ranked 18^th. 

The Brown and Gold face-off with two more top-75 teams this week as they take on Dayton (67^th) Monday night and then travel to Horizon League rival UIC (48^th) on Wednesday. Kickoffs are scheduled for 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm CT, respectively. Live stats will be available through ValpoAthletics.com; Monday’s match against Dayton will be broadcast on the Horizon League Network through HorizonLeague.com.

-Valpo Men’s Soccer-