Despite suffering its first loss of the season Sept. 14 at then-No. 11 Illinois, Kansas University’s soccer team held its position in the national polls.

The Jayhawks remained No. 8 in the country, according to the National Soccer Coaches Assn., which released its weekly rankings Tuesday. The Illini, who beat KU, 1-0, climbed a spot to No. 10.

Texas A&M (15th) and Texas (22nd) joined Kansas as the lone Big 12 Conference schools in the poll, while defending Big 12 champion Colorado received votes.

Kansas (8-1) will open Big 12 play at 5 p.m. Friday against Nebraska at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex before facing Colorado at 1 p.m. Sunday.