We've all heard about Air Jordan, but what about Air Booters. That's right -- Air Booters.

In their first seven games, and especially the last two, the Lions (5-2) have been quietly firing bullets not only with their feet but with their heads. So far this season, the Lions have registered five headball goals out of their 14 and have used their jumping ability to frustrate opposing defenses.

"We'd rather play on the ground, but we don't feel many teams can beat us in the air," forward Chris Kelly said.

Being a head above the rest, the Lions are using the headball to their advantage by redirecting corner kicks, stopping opponent's offensive attacks, passing to their teammates and, most importantly, scoring goals.

"We work a lot on high balls into the penalty box and we're having a bit of success," Stuart Reid said.

Reid, the Lions' leading scorer with five goals, has managed four of his goals with headballs and feels it is a vital part of his game.

"It is important to me since I'm tall to win all the headballs I can," Reid said.

In the Lions' last two victories, shutouts against Rutgers and Lafayette, Reid's uncanny scoring ability provided the Lions with two game-winning goals off headballs.

On the defensive side of the field, the Lions have controlled the air by stopping teams from penetrating midfield. By redirecting opponent's passing attempts through the air, the Lions have been able to quickly get back on offense and keep the pressure on the opposing defense.

"If we can control the midfield, we can gain a lot of momentum," Kelly said. "And if we're winning headballs then we're gaining control of the game."

With their heads-up play, the Lions have managed to overcome their early losses and soar into the top 20. The Lions, heading into this weekend, are currently ranked No. 14 in Soccer America and No. 13 in the Coaches' Poll.

Coach Barry Gorman said the team is delighted to be in the top 20 and has persevered through the tough games. Gorman said a lot of the players, especially the seniors, have worked very hard over the last four years and are looking to go out in a flurry.

At 7:15 tonight at Jeffrey Field, the Lions will be looking to break a seven-year winless streak against Philadelphia Textile. Philadelphia Textile (3-3-1), a Division II school playing Division I soccer, leads the all-time series 8-3-2 and defeated the Lions 3-2 last season.

The Lions then have a day of rest before facing Temple at 1 p.m. on Sunday in Philadelphia.