OMAHA, Neb. - The Creighton men's soccer team has been ranked 14th nationally in the preseason poll by College Soccer News. In addition, the same organization has deemed Creighton owns the nation's 20th-best recruiting class.

It's the second major poll to honor the Jays with preseason recognition, as last week the NSCAA tabbed Creighton third nationally in its preseason poll.

The Bluejays return seven letterwinners and four starters from the 2011 squad, led by Second Team All-MVC midfielders Jose Gomez and Bruno Castro.  The duo combined for 10 goals and 16 assists last season.

Creighton made a run into the College Cup in 2011, finishing the season 21-2-1. Last year College Soccer News ranked Creighton sixth in its preseason poll. The Jays would steadily improve that ranking, reaching as high as second, before finishing third in the year-end poll.

Creighton advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2011, marking the 19th time in the last 20 seasons, advancing to the College Cup for the first time in nine years.  The Bluejays won both the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season and Tournament titles, setting a school record with a 14-0-0 home record.  Creighton's defense set an NCAA record with a 0.20 goals against average, surrendering just five goals total on the season.

Creighton's schedule includes five games against teams ranked in CSN's top-30, including No. 5 Maryland, No. 6 Akron, No. 13 Old Dominion, No. 24 Saint Mary's and No. 26 Northern Illinois.

Fans can get their first look at the Jays on Sunday, Aug. 12, when the team plays a Blue-White Scrimmage at Morrison Stadium starting at 5:00 pm.