Complete Poll

TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer men's soccer team is ranked 21st in the nation, according to the pre-season National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Adidas Division III Top 25. The Engineers concluded the 2009 regular season as the 13th-ranked team in the country and were 19th in the final D3Soccer.com poll.

RPI, which is led by ninth-year head coach Adam Clinton, went 14-3-2 overall last fall, including a 6-1-0 Liberty League record, earning the league's regular season title for the second straight season. The Engineers advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, before falling to eventual Final Four participant, Williams College.

Rensselaer finished 2009 ranked eighth nationally in team goals against average (0.51) and save percentage (.880). The Engineers led the Liberty League in fewest goals allowed (10), points allowed per game (1.37), shots allowed (168) and shutouts (11). On the attack, they were second in goals scored (41) and assists (30), third in goals per game (2.16), points (112) and shots (313).

The Engineers, who graduated their top four point-getters from a year ago, return seniors Blake Adams (Cedar Grove, NJ/Seton Hall Prepatory) and Bryce Hutchinson (Elverson, PA/Twin Valley), who each recorded seven points last season on three goals and one assist apiece. Juniors Brad #Shelofsky# (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena), Matt Koliopoulis (Franklin, PA/Franklin) and Alex Papageorgis (Montclair, NJ/Montclair) each delivered a goal and an assist in 2009.

Also returning is senior netminder Alex Penny (Northport, NY/Northport), who posted a 13-3-2 record in goal for Rensselaer, ranking 10th in the nation with 0.47 goals against average and 14th with an .887 save percentage. He led the Liberty League with 10 shutouts and was named to the All-Liberty League First Team, while earning Defensive Performer of the Week seven times.

Other notable members of the NSCAA/Adidas D-III pre-season poll include Rochester (No. 6), Stevens Tech (No. 15) & Montclair State (No.19). Messiah (Pa.) opens the 2010 season at No. 1 in the country, followed by Calvin (Mich.) and Williams (Mass.).

Rensselaer kicks off its 2010 campaign on September 3, when it takes on Worcester State in Schenectady at the Union Classic (6pm). The Engineers' first home match is set for September 24, when Liberty League and North Country-rival Clarkson visits Renwyck Field (4pm).