FGCU soccer gets national attention
n the first Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) poll to come this men's soccer season, FGCU (8-2-2, 4-0 Atlantic Sun Conference) is ranked No. 21.There are 204 schools that play Division I men's soccer.
While FGCU's RPI would be good enough to earn the Eagles an at-large bid, the Eagles aren't postseason eligible because they're in their last season of transition into being a full-fledged NCAA Division I member.
"I really was suprirsed," FGCU coach Bob Butehorn said. "I don't pay too much attention to the RPI because we aren't eligible to play in the postseason."
After the work he has done with the Everblades, Butehorn is featured in a story on ncaa.com while Top Draw Soccer also did an interview with him.
"They were pretty amazed what we have done," Butehorn said.
His team began the season by beating South Florida, then ranked No. 13 in the country after an exhibition win over Akron, ranked No. 1 in the RPI.
Later, in the school's biggest home game, the Eagles topped Ohio State, which is No. 4 in the RPI.
In A-Sun play, FGCU has beaten No. 51 East Tennessee State and No. 93 Lipscomb. If the Eagles can beat No. 68 Stetson, No. 77 Campbell and No. 78 Mercer, their RPI should remain relatively high.
"I'm pleased with the rest of our conference," Butehorn said. "Some other guys have to pick up their schedules a bit, but overall, they've done well."
While FGCU's RPI would be good enough to earn the Eagles an at-large bid, the Eagles aren't postseason eligible because they're in their last season of transition into being a full-fledged NCAA Division I member.
"I really was suprirsed," FGCU coach Bob Butehorn said. "I don't pay too much attention to the RPI because we aren't eligible to play in the postseason."
After the work he has done with the Everblades, Butehorn is featured in a story on ncaa.com while Top Draw Soccer also did an interview with him.
"They were pretty amazed what we have done," Butehorn said.
His team began the season by beating South Florida, then ranked No. 13 in the country after an exhibition win over Akron, ranked No. 1 in the RPI.
Later, in the school's biggest home game, the Eagles topped Ohio State, which is No. 4 in the RPI.
In A-Sun play, FGCU has beaten No. 51 East Tennessee State and No. 93 Lipscomb. If the Eagles can beat No. 68 Stetson, No. 77 Campbell and No. 78 Mercer, their RPI should remain relatively high.
"I'm pleased with the rest of our conference," Butehorn said. "Some other guys have to pick up their schedules a bit, but overall, they've done well."