KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's soccer team moved into the United Soccer Coaches poll this week after a 5-0 start to the year. The Sailfish come in at No. 21 in the poll after besting West Alabama, Tusculum, Wingate, Lenoir-Rhyne, and Saint Leo.

PBA began their season with a home contest on Sept. 4 against West Alabama, where they dominated the Tigers 4-1. Juan Hermoso, Rufus Roth, Yassir Smlalli, and Veit Klement each netted a goal during the match. The Sailfish remained at home on Sept. 6 to face Tusculum, notching a 1-0 victory. Hermoso scored the lone goal in the 64^th minute off an assist across the box Marian Rutkowski. 

The 'Fish then hit the road to North Carolina for a pair of mid-week matchups against Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne. In the match against Wingate, D2CIDA National Player of the Week Tin Vastic recorded a hat trick to propel the 'Fish forward 3-0. PBA then faced Lenoir-Rhyne where they picked up a 2-1 win. Fabio Reck and Vastic both netted a goal apiece, seeing goalkeeper Flavio Giavannini with two clutch saves to secure the 2-1 win.

The Sailfish make a return to the national poll where they have been regulars over the past seasons. The Sailfish were ranked No. 2 in the country during week four of the poll in the 2022 and No. 25 in the 2023 season. PBA has been inside the top five during seven of the last 12 seasons. PBA is led by Vastic with six goals on the season, followed by Hermoso with two. A strong PBA defensive backline is holding opponents to 33 shots and 0.091 shot percentage so far this season. 

The Sailfish return to action on Saturday, September 27 where they travel to face No. 9 Tampa for another Sunshine State Conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. (EST).