Sept. 9, 2002

Notre Dame, Ind. – The Notre Dame men’s soccer team has achieved its highest ranking in school as the Irish are ranked fifth in this week’s National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll.

The Irish, under second-year head coach Bobby Clark moved up seven spots this week in the ranking following their 4-0 victory over Seton Hall. Notre Dame’s previous best ranking was fifth during one week of the 1995 campaign in September.

Stanford tops this week’s poll, followed by Clemson, St. John’s and UCLA. Rounding out the top 10 are South Carolina, Connecticut, Loyola (Md.), Indiana and Maryland.

Three other BIG EAST teams are also ranked – Rutgers (14th), Boston College (19th) and Pittsburgh (20th).

Notre Dame is ranked 14th in this week’s Soccer America poll.