Duquesne’s historic start earns national ranking

For the first time since 2005, the Duquesne Men’s Soccer Team will have a number beside its name as it tied for 25th in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25.

Duquesne had received votes in the previous two polls, but now joins Louisville with that 25th ranking, each having earned 15 points. The Nov. 8, 2005 poll was the last time the Dukes were ranked, as they were placed 24th at that time.

“When we set out this season, we did so with high aspirations and goals, which ultimately that’s what drives us,” Duquesne coach Chase Brooks said. “The ranking is a nice thing to achieve but it’s not our end game. This is a good group that has a professional mindset. There won’t be a need to address it too much but if so, we will tell them there is something bigger we’re going to achieve. We’ll enjoy it and move on.”

This ranking also coincides with Duquesne moving up two spots to third in the Southeast Region behind Marshall and Kentucky.

Duquesne joins Dayton which is a spot ahead at 24th, making it two Atlantic 10 programs in the poll.

“Certainly, I think that’s the goal,” said Brooks. “It’s things like that which could help us as we close the season as a conference. Our goal as a conference is to get multiple bids to the NCAA Tournament. We have to have that reputation and set high standards as programs to pursue goals like that.”

While Brooks is looking at the ranking as an accomplishment but not a finality, he was understanding of what implications could be for the future whether it be scheduling or gaining respect that it has strived to earn.

“It shows the trajectory of our program and where we’re at,” he said. “Everyone associated with the program can certainly take it as a positive. Recruits will notice this, and parents will have something to feel proud of for their kids. It’s all positive things and that’s wonderful. Our job now as a program is to enjoy that moment but strive for those bigger desires.”

Most recently, Duquesne was able to best Loyola Chicago 2-1 in its Atlantic 10 Conference opener allowing it to be tied for most games without a loss with both the 2002 and 2019 programs.

Currently, Duquesne sits with a 6-0-1 record and awaits a road contest at UMass Saturday.

“We are happy with the ranking,” Duquesne captain Domenic Nascimben said. “It is another step in the right direction. We will take this into UMass Saturday and keep working together to accomplish our goals one game at a time.”