The University of Evansville men's soccer team has earned the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team Academic Award for the second year in a row after compiling the 12th best grade point average among the nation's 205 colleges that play Division I soccer.

Coach Mike Jacobs' squad had a team GPA of 3.20 for the most recent academic year. Only those at 3.0 or higher receive the NSCAA award.

In addition, the University of Evansville was one of only 12 men's soccer teams to earn the NSCAA Team Academic Award and also garnish a national ranking in the Soccer Times Top 25 Poll during the 2008 season, joining Akron, Brown, Creighton, Dartmouth, Drake, Loyola (Md.), New Mexico, Northwestern, Notre Dame, St. Johns and South Florida.

"The commitment to develop well-rounded student-athletes is part of the foundation of our program," said Jacobs, "and the recognition we received this past season is a testament to our return to national prominence as a soccer program, both on the field and in the classroom."

The 2008 Purple Aces produced their third straight winning season in the three years that Jacobs has been head coach. It's the first time since 1994 through 1996 that the Aces have finished above .500 for three straight years. Nine Aces were chosen for all-Missouri Valley Conference honors.