The Fresno City College men’s soccer team, currently holding a 7-5-1 record, has started the season off strong in non-conference play.

The Rams are currently ranked No. 5 in the California Community College Athletic Association state poll after a five-game winning streak,  including a 1-0 win over 2012 CCCAA state championship finalist City College of San Francisco on Sept. 1.

Their winning streak, in which the Rams scored 12 goals, was snapped by West Valley in a 4-3 loss on Sept. 14.

FCC also crept into the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s national poll, ranking at No. 20 in the junior college division III poll.

The Rams’ strong play has been an encouraging response to a sudden end of last season’s quest for a state championship.

After a 14-6-2 record and a No. 18 NSCAA ranking last season, the fifth-seeded Rams were upset by thirteenth-seeded Cabrillo College 2-1 in last year’s CCCAA state playoffs.

FCC opened Central Valley Conference play at home against College of the Sequoias with a 3-0 win on Sept. 27. The victory put the Rams back on track after back-to-back losses.

After a 1-0 loss against Canada College on Sept. 21, the Rams lost 1-0 on Sept. 24 to Evergreen Valley College, which is ranked No. 7 in the CCCAA poll and No. 8 in the NSCAA poll.

In addition to conference play, FCC’s remaining non-conference schedule could be a  major challenge. Three of the four remaining opponents are ranked in the top 15 of the CCCAA poll.

The biggest challenge will come in an Oct. 8 showdown at home against Modesto Junior College, ranked No. 2 in the CCCAA poll and No. 9 in the NSCAA poll.

The Rams also go on the road to take on No. 10 Consumnes River College on Oct. 15, followed by a home game against No. 12 American River College on Oct. 18.

Through the 12 non-conference games, Josh Alvarez led the Rams with 10 points on four goals and two assists. Lucas Silva led the team with five assists.

FCC continues conference play with an away game against Taft on Oct. 4.