Central Michigan University Athletics
Photo by: Benjamin Suddendorf
Chippewas Win Streak Leads to Regional Ranking
9/24/2019 2:03:00 PM | Soccer
CMU is ranked No. 10 in the Midwest, No. 71 in the RPI
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Central Michigan's unbeaten start to the 2019 season has not gone unnoticed and now it has not gone without reward.
In the latest Midwest regional rankings (Sept. 24) released by the United Soccer Coaches, the Chippewas, who boast a 3-0-2 record, appear at No. 10. CMU is one of just two teams in the top 10 that have not suffered defeat. Top-ranked Oklahoma State (7-0-2) is the other.
Along with that, Central Michigan currently owns the Mid-American Conference's best RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) rating at No. 71. The RPI is a measure that ranks teams based upon its wins and losses in addition to its strength of schedule.
After beginning the season with two road draws, including a 1-1 tie with Big Ten foe Northwestern, the Chippewas have reeled off three-straight 2-1 victories. Highlighting that streak is last weekend's thrilling, last-second overtime win over SEC opponent Kentucky in Lexington.
"We've had a really good non-conference season," said first-year head coach Jeremy Groves. "We now need to build off of this as we start conference play. The players are finally seeing that if they invest in working hard, then they will start to see some rewards. The culture that we are trying to develop here is finally coming out. To go a goal down on the road to an SEC school and fight back is a testament to our players attitude and fight."
Central Michigan is set to open MAC play this Friday when it visits Ball State (4 p.m.). The Cardinals are ranked No. 8 in the region and No. 72 in the RPI, setting up a key early-conference season showdown. Ball State finished second in the MAC last season with a 9-2-1 mark (14-3-3 overall) and fell to Bowling Green in the tournament championship game on penalty kicks.
In the latest Midwest regional rankings (Sept. 24) released by the United Soccer Coaches, the Chippewas, who boast a 3-0-2 record, appear at No. 10. CMU is one of just two teams in the top 10 that have not suffered defeat. Top-ranked Oklahoma State (7-0-2) is the other.
Along with that, Central Michigan currently owns the Mid-American Conference's best RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) rating at No. 71. The RPI is a measure that ranks teams based upon its wins and losses in addition to its strength of schedule.
After beginning the season with two road draws, including a 1-1 tie with Big Ten foe Northwestern, the Chippewas have reeled off three-straight 2-1 victories. Highlighting that streak is last weekend's thrilling, last-second overtime win over SEC opponent Kentucky in Lexington.
"We've had a really good non-conference season," said first-year head coach Jeremy Groves. "We now need to build off of this as we start conference play. The players are finally seeing that if they invest in working hard, then they will start to see some rewards. The culture that we are trying to develop here is finally coming out. To go a goal down on the road to an SEC school and fight back is a testament to our players attitude and fight."
Central Michigan is set to open MAC play this Friday when it visits Ball State (4 p.m.). The Cardinals are ranked No. 8 in the region and No. 72 in the RPI, setting up a key early-conference season showdown. Ball State finished second in the MAC last season with a 9-2-1 mark (14-3-3 overall) and fell to Bowling Green in the tournament championship game on penalty kicks.
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