“It’s neat to be recognized early on and for Top Drawer Soccer to recognize our potential to be in this group,” said UD Head Coach Mike Tucker.
The Flyers are coming off an undefeated spring season in which their defense only allowed one goal and the offense went off for 13 scores.
UD returns five seniors, including three-time First Team Atlantic 10 honoree and reigning Ohio Player of the Year Mandi Bäck, and First Team A-10 selection Colleen Gibson.
The Flyers are the highest ranked Atlantic 10 team in the poll. Auburn University is ranked two spots ahead of Dayton at No. 25. UD and the Tigers face off early in the season, in Auburn, Ala. on Friday, Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. ET.
“Interestingly enough Auburn is ranked two spots ahead of us and an early-season game like that will give us a good indicator of where we’re at,” said Tucker.
The Flyers open the 2009 season with an exhibition match against Louisville at Baujan Field this Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m.