DeKALB | An eight-game unbeaten streak has moved the NIU men’s soccer team into the national spotlight.

A 1-0 win on Saturday over Akron propelled NIU (11-3-1) to the No. 19 team in the nation in the NSCAA/Adidas poll.

The NSCAA/Adidas poll also ranks NIU as the No. 3 team in the Great Lakes region behind Notre Dame and Indiana. NIU played ND to a 0-0 double-overtime tie on September 20.

NIU coach Steve Simmons said the ranking is a great reward for the team, and is due to their strong training ethic. The fourth-year coach said his team remains grounded despite the horde of national attention.

“To have effective confidence you have to have a touch of humbleness,” NIU coach Steve Simmons said. “That will give you a chance in any match.”

Sophomore goal keeper Joe Zimka was named to the Soccer News National Team of the Week. Zimka turned away nine Akron shots on goal, and has posted seven straight shut outs.

The Algonquin native’s consecutive scoreless streak has tied the school mark set last year by Steve Goletz.

Zimka leads the MAC in save percentage, shut outs and goals against average.

“The things we do on the defensive side have been fantastic,” Simmons said. “Joe will tell you the award is symbolic of what the team has been doing, but kudos to him too, he’s been great.”

As a team, NIU tops the MAC with 10 shutouts, 74 points, and 24 goals. Also, NIU’s .67 shut out percentage ties for third best in the nation with consensus No. 1 Southern Methodist.

Offensively, junior forward transfer Marcus McCarty is the MAC’s No. 1 scorer with 20 points, eight goals, and five game-winning goals.

Friday, NIU travels to Buffalo and could clinch the MAC title with a win. It also hosts Wisconsin at Huskie Soccer Field on Sunday. Wisconsin is currently ranked No. 4 in the Great Lakes region.

Receiving honors this week was sophomore defender Drew Jesky, who was named MAC Player of the Week on Wednesday.

James Nokes is the NIU Men’s Soccer beat reporter for the Northern Star.