NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. – Riding the momentum of a five-match win streak, Eastern Connecticut State University is ranked sixth in the latest edition of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III New England Men’s Soccer Poll. The Warriors are making their first appearance in the regional survey since last year’s final standings were released on Oct. 30, 2007, when Eastern Connecticut was “receiving votes.”

Under the direction of Head Coach Greg DeVito, Eastern Connecticut is enjoying the program’s best start in the past 30 years after seven matches since the 1978 squad posted a 7-0 mark. The Warriors raised their overall record to 6-1-0 last week, after defeating Kean University (3-1), Plymouth State University (1-0), and Husson University (8-1). The Cougars were sixth in the Metro Region rankings, marking the second-straight victory over a Metro-ranked opponent (Ramapo, 1-0). Junior striker Maxim Fantl (West Hartford, Conn.) led the charge for Eastern Connecticut with 12 points, including a pair of five-point matches. Fantl was honored as the Little East Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his performance on the pitch.

Freshman goalkeeper Carl Appel (West Windsor, N.J.) has backstopped a stifling Warriors defensive unit. Eastern Connecticut has surrendered one or fewer goals in six of their past seven games, including two shutouts. Appel sits atop the conference standings in goals against average (0.62) and save percentage (.852), while ranking third in shutouts (2).

Eastern Connecticut returns to conference action at 12 p.m. on Feb. 28, when the Warriors travel to intra-state rival Western Connecticut State University (4-5, 0-1).

 2008 Division III New England Men's Soccer Rankings