Aug. 25, 2009

University of Memphis women’s soccer has cracked the top 25 nationally as announced Monday by Soccer America.

Memphis received the 25th ranking marking the first time the Lady Tigers have been ranked nationally since November of 2007.

Junior midfielder Vendula Strnadova received more recognition Tuesday for her performance against LSU August 21. Strnadova was named to the Soccer America Women’s Team of the Week after netting the game-winning goal for the Lady Tigers in the season opening 2-0 win at LSU.

Strnadova is only the fourth player in women’s soccer program history to receive the national honors. Senior midfielder Laura Laufenberg received the honors in November last season. The Lady Tigers have now had players recognized four consecutive seasons on the Soccer America Women’s National Team of the Week.

The Lady Tigers were ranked third in the Central Division of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) released on Tuesday. Memphis also received votes in the NSCAA national Top 25 with 32 votes, six spots out of the Top 25.

Memphis leads Conference USA in the Soccer America poll at third with UAB being ranked fifth after defeating Alabama and Ole Miss to start the season. UCF garnered the eighth spot after defeating Florida Gulf Coast. East Carolina received the 10th and final spot in the Central Region rounding out four C-USA schools in the central region top 10. The Lady Tigers also received votes for the Soccer Times Top 25.

The Lady Tigers return to action Friday against Sun-Belt Conference member Arkansas-Little Rock. Kick-off is set for 7 pm at Mike Rose Soccer Complex.