The NIU soccer team, which has won six of its last seven matches, has received votes for the Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America’s Top-25 poll released Monday.

NIU coach Willy Roy showed concern over his squad’s inclusion in the “others receiving votes” category. “When you get this type of recognition, you have to prepare harder,” Roy said. “The other teams are going to shoot for you. I know we use it to motivate ourselves when we play a ranked team.”

The last time NIU received votes was in 1989.

NIU, 6-2-1, may still be a long way from actually cracking a Top-25 spot, but they will have plenty of opportunities. The Huskies, who are tied for No. 3 in the Midwest Regional Rankings, are heading toward the toughest part of their schedule, playing Akron Friday, No. 6 Saint Louis (Oct. 26) and Quincy (Oct. 28).

“The important thing is to be ranked at the end of the season,” Roy said. “If you’re ranked at the end of the year, you’re ranked until the next season starts. It doesn’t mean anything right now.”