Dayton Flyers

DAYTON - The Flyer men's soccer team recently received its third form of preseason recognition. The University of Dayton is ranked No. 19 in the Top Drawer Soccer 2009 Men's Tournament 48 Ranking.

The Tournament 48 rankings are a running attempt to project the postseason college soccer tournament qualifiers, including every automatic conference berth with updated rankings released every Monday.

Dayton, chose No. 1 in the Atlantic 10 Preseason Coaches Poll, is picked No. 18 by the College Soccer News preseason rankings.

The Flyers, coming off a season that saw them earn an NCAA berth and win the 2008 Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship, is the top-ranked team from the Conference in both the College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer polls.

Dayton returns 68 percent of its offense from last season, led by senior Alex Torda, who was considered for the 2008 Hermann Trophy. UD tied a school record with 46 goals, leading the Atlantic 10 in points (139), goals and assists (47).

UD also got it done on defense and all five Flyers who earned starts on the back line return for 2009. Dayton was tied for third in the A-10 in shutouts.

The Flyers open the 2009 regular season with a non-conference match against the Big East conference's Cincinnati at Baujan Field on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET.

The Flyers have two exhibition matches leading up to their regular season opener; at Butler on Aug. 19 and at Kentucky on Aug. 24.

The UD men's soccer team reports for camp Saturday, Aug. 15.