Neil Raetz
Staff Writer
After a successful opening weekend of A-10 play, the VCU men’s soccer team has cracked the top 25 for the second season in a row.
After receiving votes for the top 25 for the past few weeks, the Rams finally broke into the rankings, coming in at 21st in the NCAA Coaches Poll.
“It’s nice to have that recognition but it really doesn’t mean too much because we are working for titles and championships, that’s what really matters,” freshman midfielder Devon Fisher said.
“It’s just a product of guys doing things well,” head coach Dave Giffard said about the recent recognition that his team has received.
The Rams fought into the national rankings after a successful opening weekend of conference play in the Atlantic 10.
Friday night was a big test for the Rams. Last year’s national runner-up Charlotte – currently ranked 13th in the nation – came into Sports Backers stadium, where VCU showed its dominance and picked up a 4-1 victory in front of a crowd of 1,836. VCU is currently third in home attendance in the A-10.
“(Crowd attendance) really helps out a lot and our crowds have been great throughout this season,” Giffard said.
The victory on Friday night was followed up with another one-sided performance Sunday. A 3-0 shutout of George Washington capped off a perfect opening A-10 weekend.
A spot in the top 25 for the Rams was not the only award that was given over the weekend, though. After picking up two goals and two assists during the two games, the Rams standout junior forward Jason Johnson was honored as National Player of the Week. He was also picked as the A-10 Player of the Week for the second time this season. Johnson is currently eighth in the nation in scoring, with eight goals on the season.
“He was a player we definitely expected a lot from when he came in with our first talented recruiting class in 2010,” Giffard said. “He is just starting to hit his stride now, but he definitely has a lot more potential in him.”
Devon Fisher also picked up a position on the College Soccer News National team of the week. Fisher picked up both game-winning goals in the games over the course of the weekend.
It will be no easy contest for the Rams this year though, as they now hit the road on a four-game stint of more A-10 play.
The team heads to St. Louis on Friday to take on the Billikens of St. Louis University, another talented A-10 opponent that has received votes in the national poll. The Rams will close out the weekend when they square off against Butler.
Last year, the Rams tasted the top 25 for a few weeks before losing a few matches and falling out of the rankings.
“This year’s group is a little bit more experienced and seasoned and knows what it means to be successful,” Giffard said. “We will look to see how the Rams respond to this success as they close out their regular season play in the next few weeks.”