10-18-08: BETHANY @ STERLING

Here is Sterling's summary of the homecoming game against Bethany:

10/20/2008 - On Homecoming Saturday, the Sterling men's soccer team had plenty
of offensive punch, resulting in a 4-1 win. The Warriors spent much of the afternoon in the Bethany back third, tallying 35 shots total, with 20 on goal; however, Sterling wasn't able to break through until the 31st minute. Jorge Bueso got to the Bethany goal line and slotted a perfect ball to a charging Mladen Bjelica who blistered a shot into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. Bueso got into the scoring action himself moments later when he chipped a ball just under the Bethany cross-bar for the second goal of the match. Ivan Sanbria pinged a shot off the post for the third goal of the day just before the break, giving the Warriors a 3-0 lead. Early in the second half, Sterling GK Jordan Cabrera made his only mistake of the day, having played nearly perfect in the goal, when a Bethany shot slid between his hands and into the goal. The Warriors still held a firm grip on the match, eventually adding another goal in the 64th minute when Ryan Covey found the back of the net. The win moves Sterling to 9-4 on the seaon and 3-2 in the KCAC. Sterling will travel to Leavenworth, KS to
take on the University of St. Mary at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Here's how Bethany described their loss to Sterling:

The Bethany College men's soccer team looked for things to turn around as they entered week six of their season. The squad traveled to Central Christian on Monday before traveling to the University of Saint Mary on Friday and Sterling College on Saturday.

Aiming to bounce back after a tough loss the day before, the team came out with high hopes against Sterling Saturday afternoon. After being down 3-0 at the half, Bethany got on the board as junior Nnaemeka Obiagwu scored unassisted. Unfortunately, the Warriors added another goal less than ten minutes later and the Swedes fell 4-1.

This is the Scoring Summary:

Goal - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists
1. 30:50 - SC - BJELICA, Mladen - BUESO, Jorge
2. 39:09 - SC - BUESO, Jorge
3. 40:27 - SC - SANABRIA, Ivan - BJELICA, Mladen, BAKER, Aaron
4. 58:07 - BC - Obiagwu, Nnaemeka
5. 65:29 - SC - COVEY, Ryan - BUESO, Jorge

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10-17-08: OTTAWA @ STERLING

Sterling has not posted an article about the Ottawa game, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, October 15th, but was moved to Friday the 17th due to wet grounds. Here is Ottawa's summary of the game.

STERLING, Kan. - The OU men's soccer team defeated Sterling College, 2-0 on Friday afternoon for its third straight conference victory. It is also OU's third straight shutout.The first half was played to a 0-0 tie and it stayed that way just two minutes into the second half when OU's Colin Wylie scored a goal to put OU up 1-0. Not more than 30 seconds later, Sergio Alcala put another ball through the net for OU to take a 2-0 victory over Sterling.

Sterling was shut out for only the second time this season. Here is the scoring summary:

Goal - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists
1. 47:44 - OU - Wylie, Colin
2. 48:19 - OU - Alcala, Sergio

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PROFILE: JORGE BUESO

JORGE BUESO # 10

Position: Forward

Hometown: La Lima, Honduras

High School: E.I.S.

Coach's Comments: Jorge is a naturally gifted player, but he has worked hard in the off-season to increase his fitness level and strength. As a forward, he will prove to be a handful for any opposing defenders.

Major: Business

Class: Senior

KHC's Notes: Jorge has played both forward and midfield this season and of his 7 goals to date--3 have been "game-winners."

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PROFILE: SHAWN SAJJADI

SHAWN SAJJADI # 9

Position: Midfield

Hometown: Arlington TX

High School: Martin High School

Club Team: Dallas Texans

Coach's Comments: After sitting out the majority of the 2007 season with a knee injury, we are looking forward to the return of Sajjadi. Shawn will anchor our attack from the central midfield position with his outstanding touch and field vision. He earned All-KCAC honors as a freshman and sophomore. Sajjadi will serve as a captain this year, and has proven to be a great leader on and off the field.

Major: Business / Pre-Law

Class: Senior

KHC's Notes: Shawn's honors include 2005 KCAC 1st team All Conference, 2006 KCAC 1st team All Conference, 2006 NAIA Honorable Mention All American and 2007 NAIA Scholar Athlete.
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10-18-08: BETHANY @ STERLING

Homecoming/Senior Day in Sterling

Final Score:
Sterling 4
Bethany 1

Sterling goals by Mladen, Jorge, Ivan and Ryan

PROFILE: HENRY SANABRIA

HENRY SANABRIA # 7

Position: Defender

Hometown: Arlington TX

High School: Bowie High School

Club Team: Dallas Texans

Coach's Comments: After sitting out last year as a red-shirt, we are anticipating great things from Henry this year. He will see significant minutes as an outside back. He has great marking ability and has proven to be effective in joining our attack as well.

Major: Business

Class: Sophomore

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PROFILE: WES TOM

WES TOM # 6


Position: Defender

Hometown: Omaha NE

High School: Millard North High School

Club Team: NFC Blitzkrieg

Coach's Comments: Wes has found a home as a center back, and at 6'5 he will make any type of aerial attack a difficulty for any opponent. With his size, he is able to cover a lot of ground and has proven to be very comfortable with the ball at his feet as well as a capable distributor out of the back. As a freshman last year, Wes played in every match, starting in 16 games, and consequently plays with greater maturity than his years.

Major: Pre-Med

Class: Sophomore

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10-17-08: OTTAWA @ STERLING

Final Score:
Ottawa 2
Sterling 0

PROFILE: JORDAN CABRERA

JORDAN CABRERA # 4

Position: Goalkeeper

Hometown: Channanhon IL

High School: Manooka High School

Club Team: Juventus SC

Coach's Comments: As a high school senior, Jordan led Minooka High School to its best season, including an appearance in the super-sectional finals, as the starting goalkeeper. Jordan brings a tireless work rate and plays with great courage. He is an accomplished field player as well, making him useful to us both in the goal and on the field.

Class: freshman

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* GAMES DELAYED *

Sterling.edu today issued this notice:

SOCCER MATCH WITH OTTAWA MOVED TO FRIDAY

10/15/2008-The men's and women's soccer game versus Ottawa University that was supposed to take place today in Sterling has been postponed until Friday, Oct. 17th. Game times have changed to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Sterling will now play back-to-back games on homecoming weekend: Friday against Ottawa University and Saturday against Bethany. I plan to attend both games and should get some photos of Homecoming festivities and the soccer games.
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PROFILE: ZDRAVKO GERGANOFF

ZDRAVKO GERGANOFF # 3


Position: Midfield

Hometown: Westminster CO

School: Maranatha Christian Center

Club Team: Colorado Edge

Coach's Comments: Zdravko is another product of the Colorado Edge. He has outstanding talent and we anticipate that he will be a major contributor for us immediately as he begins his playing career at Sterling College. He is extremely versatile, making him a potential starter for a number of positions.

Class: freshman

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NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK ( ! ! )

Sterling College Warrior Ryan Covey was named the NAIA Men's Soccer National Offensive Player of the Week on October 14 !


Here's the NAIA press release on PoW, which included Ryan's photo:

GORDON AND COVEY NAMED MEN'S SOCCER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Oct. 14, 2008 - KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The NAIA Men's Soccer national weekly honors have been announced and Ross Gordon of King (Tenn.) was announced
as National Defensive Player of the Week while Ryan Covey of Sterling (Kan.) was
named National Offensive Player of the Week, for the week of Oct. 6-12.

Gordon, a 5-9 senior defender from Newcastle, England, led the team defensively in two wins against nationally ranked opponents last week. He helped the Tornado post a 2-1 win over No. 17 Lincoln Memorial (NCAA DII) at home and then knock off No. 14 Montreat (N.C.) 4-2 on the road.

Covey, a 6-2 forward from Edmond, Okla., scored six goals in two wins last week. In a home win against Southwestern (Kan.), the senior scored three goals and assisted on two more for eight points. He recorded his second hat trick on the week with three more goals in a road win against Bethel (Kan.). On the season Covey leads the team in goals and is tied for first in assists.

The KCAC Sports website included the following article about Ryan's accomplishment:

RYAN COVEY OF STERLING COLLEGE AWARDED NAIA MEN'S SOCCER PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 8:35 PM - KANSAS CITY, MO - The NAIA Men's Soccer national weekly honors have been announced. Ryan Covey of Sterling College was named National Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 6-12.

Covey, a 6-2 forward from Edmond, OK, scored six goals in two wins last week. In a home win against Southwestern College, the senior scored three goals and assisted on two more for eight points.

He recorded his second hat trick on the week with three more goals in a road win against Bethel College.

On the season, Covey leads the team in goals and is tied for first in assists.

"What a great week for Covey," said Sterling College Head Soccer Coach Dave
Underwood. "Ryan has been a big part of our offensive success this season, not only scoring but setting up goals as well. This is a great honor for him and our program."

The Warriors are currently 8-3 overall and 2-1 in the KCAC.

And, Sterling's website added this article:

RYAN COVEY TABBED NAIA MEN’S SOCCER “OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK”

10/15/2008-Sterling College senior Ryan Covey has been named NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), Men’s Soccer “Offensive Player of the Week” after his two stellar performances in Sterling’s victories last week.

Covey led Sterling to a 2-0 record last week, scoring six of his team’s ten goals last week and tallied 2 assists.

The forward from Edmond, Oklahoma, recorded a hat trick and two assists in
Sterling’s 6-2 victory over Southwestern College (Kan.) on Tuesday. Covey then again scored three goals in their 4-0 shutout over Bethel College on Saturday. He now has scored thriteen goals and has five assists so far this season.

“What a great week for Covey,” said Sterling College Head Soccer Coach Dave Underwood. “Ryan has been a big part of our offensive success this season, not only scoring but setting up goals as well. This is a great honor for him and our program.”

The Warriors current record is 8-3 overall and 2-1 in KCAC play.

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NATIONAL STATISTICAL RANKINGS

As of October 14th, Sterling players are included in the following national statistical rankings.

Ryan Covey Ranks Number 7 in Points per Game (2.820)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 8 in Goals per Game (1.180)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 11 in Shots on Goal per Game (2.640)
Mladen Bjelica Ranks Number 31 in Assists per Game (0.560)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 32 in Shots per Game (3.820)
Shawn Sajjadi Ranks Number 47 in Assists per Game (0.500)

As a team, Sterling has the following statistical rankings:

Ranks Number 12 in Assists per Game (2.450)
Ranks Number 16 in Goals per Game (3.000)
Ranks Number 37 in Shutouts per Game (0.180)

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KCAC STATISTICAL LEADERS

KCAC conference statistical leaders as of 10/14/08, include the following Sterling Warriors:



Points per game: 1st-Ryan Covey, 10th-Jorge Bueso, tied 11th-Justin Martens and Mladen Bjelica, 14th-Shawn Sajjadi

Goals per game: 1st-Ryan Covey, 6th-Jorge Bueso, 10th-Justin Martens

Assists per game: 2nd-Mladen Bjelica, 5th-Shawn Sajjadi, 6th-Ryan Covey, 7th-Jordan Miller, 9th-Aaron Baker

Game Winning Goals: tied 3rd-Jorge Bueso and Ryan Covey, tied 8th-Shawn Sajjadi

Saves Per Game: 7th-Zach Hallen

Goals Against Average: 5th-Zach Hallen

As a team, Sterling ranks 1st in the conference in goals and assists, 5th in shots, 3rd in shots on goal, 8th in goalkeeper saves, tied for 5th in fewest goals allowed and tied for 4th in most shutouts.
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NAIA TOP 25

The Top 25 rankings have been released by the NAIA for the week of October 14th. Here are the Top 10 teams:

1. University of Rio Grande (OH)
2. Lindsey Wilson College (KY)
3. Southern Nazarene University (OK)
4. Oklahoma City University
5. Azusa Pacific University (CA)
6. Hannibal-LaGrange College (MO)
7. Simon Fraser University (BC)
8. Belhaven College (MS)
9. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL)
10. University of Maine at Fort Kent

Rio Grande is undefeated (12-0-1) and is # 1 for the fourth consecutive week. No KCAC team received votes in the weekly poll.
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10-11-08: STERLING @ BETHEL

Here is an article from theKansan.com about Sterling's game at Bethel in North Newton.

THRESHER MEN FALL TO WARRIORS

Newton Kansan - Posted Oct 14, 2008 @ 11:48 AM - NORTH NEWTON

The Bethel College men’s soccer team fell to 0-10 for the season, falling to Sterling College 4-0 Saturday at Thresher Field.

Ryan Covey scored three goals for Sterling, 8-3, 2-1 in KCAC play. Bethel falls to 0-3 in the conference.

Bethel plays at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at McPherson.

Sterling 3 1 —4
Bethel 0 0 —0

1. SC Justin Martens (unassisted) 5:35
2. SC Ryan Covey (unassisted) 10:07
3. SC Covey (unassisted) 38:47
4. SC Covey (unassisted) 51:28

Shots — SC 7, BC 5. Shots on goal — SC 6, BC 2. Saves — SC: Zach
Hallen (W, 62:30) 2; Jordan Cabrera (26:33) 0. BC: Brady Coffman (L) 2. Corner
kicks — SC 3, BC 4. Fouls — SC 13, BC 10. Offsides — SC 0, BC 0. Cautions — SC:
Aaron Baker (44:39), Ivan Sanabria (56:50). BC: Aaron Hull (44:39), Barry
Harrison (47:24).

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STERLING'S COVEY NAMED KCAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Sterling's soccer news website included an article on Ryan Covey being named KCAC Offensive Player of the Week.

RYAN COVEY NAMED KCAC SOCCER “PLAYER OF THE WEEK”

10/13/2008 - STERLING, Kan., - Sterling College senior Ryan Covey has been named, KCAC (Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference) men’s soccer “Player of the Week” after two stellar performances in Sterling’s victories last week.

Covey led Sterling to a 2-0 record on the week, scoring 6 of his team’s 10 goals and tallied 2 assists on the week.

The forward from Edmond, Oklahoma, scored a hat trick (3 goals) and had two assist in Sterling’s 6-2 victory over Southwestern College on Tuesday. Covey then again scored another hat trick as Sterling beat Bethel College Saturday night in Newton.

“Ryan had a very impressive week,” said Sterling College Head Soccer Coach Dave Underwood. “Ryan has been a big part of our offensive success this season, not only scoring but setting up goals as well.”

The Warriors current record is 8-3 overall and 2-1 in KCAC play.

[Photograph Copyright 2008 Sterling College.]
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CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

The KCAC has announced the conference players of the week for games through October 11.

WEEK 5 - KCAC MEN'S SOCCER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 8:27 PM - WICHITA, KS

Ryan Covey of Sterling College and Chris Munoz of Ottawa University named KCAC Men's Soccer Players of the Week.

KCAC OFFENSIVE Men's Player-of-the-Week:

Ryan Covey, STERLING COLLEGE (KS), Forward, 6-2, Senior, Edmond, OK. He had 6 goals in two matches of the week: #1 vs. Southwestern College (KS), W-6-2, he had 3 goals and 2 assists. #2 at Bethel College (KS), W-4-0, he had 3 goals.
TEAM RECORDS: Week 2-0-0, Season overall 8-3-0.

KCAC DEFENSIVE Men's Player-of-the-Week (including Goalkeepers) :

Chris Munoz, OTTAWA UNIVERSITY (KS), Goalkeeper, 6-2, Senior, Woodland, CA. In two matches of the week, he had 12 saves with no shots on goal and allowed no goals in 180 minutes. Team matches of week: #1 vs. Bethany College (KS), W-3-0, he had 5 saves with no shots on goal and no goals allowed in 90 minutes; #2 at previously undefeated Friends University (KS), W-2-0, he had 7 saves with no shots on goal and no goals allowed in 90 minutes.
TEAM RECORDS: Week 2-0-0, Season overall 5-6-1.

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10-11-08: STERLING @ BETHEL

Sterling's summary of the game at Bethel on October 11, 2008.

WARRIORS WERE LIGHTS OUT IN 4-0 WIN AT BETHEL

10/13/2008 - The Sterling men's soccer team wasted no time getting on the scoreboard Saturday night at Bethel College, scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes of the match. Junior midfielder, Justin Martens, got the scoring started in the 6th minute when he slipped a header into the back corner of the net off of a Jordan Miller throw-in. The Warriors struck again just 4 minutes later when Mladen Bjelica took a ball from the right flank and dribbled back into the heart of the Thresher's midfield and slotted a perfect ball to Warrior forward Ryan Covey who was making a perfect run on the back side of the Bethel defense. Bjelica's ball found Covey running into space for a 1v1 with Bethel goalkeeper, Brady Coffman; Covey burried the shot into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead. Shortly after the second goal the lights went out at Goering Field, resulting in a 35 minute game delay as the teams waited in the dark. The Warriors picked back up where they left off, scoring one more time before the half ended when Ryan Covey scored in the 39th minute, giving the Warriors a comfortable 3-0 lead. Covey wasn't quite finished for the evening. Early in the second half, in the 52nd minute the Sterling forward got his third goal of the night on a rare assist from Warrior goalkeeper Zach Hallen. With the wind at his back, Hallen punted the ball just outside the Thresher's penalty box, where Covey challenged Bethel's Yenika Fon for the loose ball and Covey came away with another 1v1 with Coffman and put the finishing touch on the 4-0 win. "I was really pleased with the result," commented Warrior coach, David Underwood."We didn't have a ton of shots on goal, we were just scoring on almost everything we hit, it seemed. I was really happy with the shut-out. I know Bethel has struggled this year, but we knew they would put up a good fight all night as they have had some 1 goal losses to some of the best teams in the country this year."

The Warriors move to 8-3 on the season (2-1 KCAC) and will meet Ottawa University at home on Wednesday afternoon for what promises to be a great match. Ottawa is coming fresh off an upset of highly touted Friends University this past weekend.

[Please note that photograph is taken from http://www.sterling.edu/news/warriors-were-lights-out-4-0-win-bethel and is Copyright 2008 by Sterling College.]
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NAIA CONFERENCE RATINGS

The NAIA's ratings for each conference have been released for the week beginning October 13th. The KCAC's ratings are:

1. Kansas Wesleyan University (3-0 / 5-6-1)
2. Tabor College (Kan.) (2-0-1 / 5-6-1)
3. Friends University (Kan.) (2-1 / 7-4-1)
4. Sterling College (Kan.) (2-1 / 8-3)
5. McPherson College (Kan.) (1-1-1 / 4-6-1)

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PROFILE: PEDRAAM ABRAR

PEDRAAM ABRAR - # 2

Position: Defender

Hometown: Arlington TX

School: Lamar High School

Club Team: Texas Lightning

Coach's Comments: Pedraam will again contribute greatly to our defensive efforts. After seeing significant minutes as a freshman last year (starting in 15 games), he brings experience to our back line. His size and strength make him a tough defender to face.

Class: sophomore

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PROFILE: ZACH HALLEN

ZACH HALLEN # 1

Position: Goalkeeper

Hometown: Arvada, CO

High School: Arvada West High School

Club Team: Colorado Edge

Coach's Comments: Zach was a late signing for us this year, and we are thrilled to have him at Sterling. Though only a freshman, he possesses great technical ability as a goalkeeper and field leadership that extends beyond his years. He will be an outstanding college goalkeeper.

Class: Freshman

KHC: Zach currently has a 2.09 goals against average with 48 saves in 11 games. He has started every game as Sterling has compiled a record of 8 wins against only 3 losses.
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10-11-08: STERLING @ BETHEL

Scoring summary found on Bethel's website for 10-11-08 game:

Goal - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists

1. 05:35 - SC - Martens, Justin
2. 10:07 - SC - Covey, Ryan
3. 38:47 - SC - Covey, Ryan
4. 51:28 - SC - Covey, Ryan
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* * * BREAKING NEWS * * *

KCACsports.com reports that Sterling defeated Bethel 4 - 0.
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PROFILE: AARON LAWLESS

AARON LAWLESS # 0

Position: Goalkeeper

Hometown: Wichita, KS

High School: Southeast High School

Previous school: Coffeyville CC

Coach's Comments: We are pleased to have Aaron transfer to Sterling College. With the graduation of standout goalkeeper, Cory Speed, we were pleased to sign someone like Aaron who brings veteran leadership to this position.

Major: Business

Class: Junior


KHC: Aaron has seen action this year against Central Christian College (KS) and Southwestern College (KS), and has not allowed a goal to be scored against him in his 65 + minutes on the field.
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PROFILE: COACH UNDERWOOD

COACH DAVE UNDERWOOD

Sterling College Athletic Director Andy Lambert announced today that Dave Underwood has been named the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Sterling College. Underwood replaces Brandon Winn who resigned following the 2007 season.

“We are thrilled that Dave has decided to lead our men’s soccer program at Sterling College,” said Lambert. “Coach Underwood is an outstanding individual and is interested in using soccer as way to help young men develop spiritually and athletically here at Sterling College.”

Prior to coming to Sterling, Underwood has served as the head men’s and women’s soccer coach at Wheaton Academy in Chicago, Illinois Underwood has over fifteen years of experience at the high school, college and club levels.

In his time at Wheaton, Underwood guided the women’s team to their first IHSA state championship and has compiled a record of 59–24-13 in four seasons. The Warriors have won 4 conference championships and Underwood has been named PSL Coach of the Year three times.

“My wife and I instantly felt at ease and are looking forward to becoming a part of a very special community,” said Underwood. “Upon visiting the college, we were struck with the feeling that there is great momentum at Sterling. Some great things are happening and will continue to happen. I am looking forward to continuing the positive changes that have occurred at Sterling and leading the men’s soccer program to an elite level. Along the way, I am looking forward to establishing some great relationships with players. The people at Sterling have been wonderful and we want to be a part of God’s movement on the campus.”

Underwood has recently completed his Advanced NSCAA National Diploma, has attended coaching symposiums at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, and World Class Coaching.

Dave and his wife Jennifer have three children: Emily, Jacob and Madeleine.

Underwood holds a BS from Grace College Business Administration and Psychology, an MA from Grace Theological Seminary in Ministry, and is currently working on a Master’s in Athletic Coaching Education at West Virginia University that will be completed in 2009.

EDUCATION

HIGH SCHOOL:

Dayton Christian High School

COLLEGE:

Grace College - Winona Lake, IN Degree: B.A. - Business Admistration/Pychology

Grace Theological Seminary - Winona Lake, IN Degree: M A. Ministry

West Virgina University - Morgantown, WV Degree: M.A. Coaching Education ('09)

COLLEGIATE PLAYING EXPERIENCE

Grace College: Participated in Soccer

COACHING EXPERIENCE

2008 - Sterling College Head Men's Coach

6 Years - Wheaton Academy Head Soccer Coach

2 Years - Okinawa Christian School Head Men's Coach

2 Years - Warsaw High School Asst Coach-Lakeland High School Head Coach

1 Year - Grace College Assistant Soccer Coach

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NEW FEATURE ON BLOG

Today, I am beginning a new feature on the (unofficial) Sterling Soccer 2008 blog. Every day or two, I will include a "profile" of a Sterling men's soccer player or coach. The information and photograph will be taken straight from the official Sterling soccer website. If I have any additional information to add, I will try to do that. The official website has the players listed by uniform number, so after beginning with Coach Underwood, I will start with # 0 and work my way to the higher numbers.
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PREVIEW: STERLING @ BETHEL

Saturday evening, Sterling plays against the Bethel College Threshers in North Newton KS. Here is Bethel's preview of the 2008 season:

The Bethel men’s soccer team finished last season with its best record in recent memory, going 14-5-2 overall and finishing third in KCAC play with a record of 7-1-1. The team made the post season once again where it lost a close game in the NAIA Region IV quarterfinals.

With a large contingent of last year’s team not returning for the new campaign, this looks to be a rebuilding year for the Thresher men. The team will lean heavily on returning players for leadership on and off the field. One of these returning players is NAIA Regional All-American Brady Coffman who will provide a solid foundation as goalkeeper. Lone returning senior and team captain Yenikah Fon will be anchoring the back line with Will Nagengast. The midfield will again be led by returning midfielders Josh Laubenheimer and Barry Harrison, and Aaron Hull will led in attack. The few freshmen who are joining the returning players will be expected to step on the field and contribute right way. In the back Fon and Nagengast expect to be joined by Braden Eschete and Andre Hernandez. Assisting Hull in the attack will be Kevin Galo.

Coach Moore says that while this could be a rebuilding year, the team has a good mixture of talent and hard working players. “I think we’ll be able to surprise some teams in the KCAC,” said Moore. “We have brought in some new faces that will be able to contribute right away, and with the leadership we have returning [to help] those players mature on the field, I think this could be a good year for us.” The Bethel College men’s soccer team completed one of its most successful seasons in years. With nine new faces in the starting lineup, it seemed this would be rebuilding year, but the unique strategy and game play that each individual brought to the program made the team a contender for the KCAC crown. Bethel finished the season 14-5-2 overall with a 7-1-1 KCAC record and qualified for the NAIA Region IV Tournament for the first time since 1998.

The Threshers opened the season with a 6-0 victory over Central Christian College and had several key victories throughout the year, including a 1-0 victory over Bellevue University. Bethel was on a seven-game win streak heading into the KCAC Tournament semifinals but lost 1-0 to Friends University for the second time this year. Bethel had a shot at redemption, meeting Friends in the NAIA Region IV quarterfinals, but came up short again, 3-2.

Several players received KCAC honors during the season. Forward Jason Wood,
senior from Spanish Town, Jamaica, was named a KCAC Player of the Week for his
two-goal performance against Sterling College in Bethel’s first KCAC game of the
season. Goalkeeper Brady Coffman, freshman from Newton, was also named a
KCAC Player of the Week. The Threshers had five players named to All-KCAC Teams: Emanuel Batu, a junior midfielder from Porto Alegre, Brazil, was named to the 1st Team, with Romeo Ngati and Galidore Ngapeth, both sophomore defenders from Cameroon, Gareth Hamer, freshman from Shropshire, England, and Craig
Bonnyman, freshman from Glasgow, Scotland, named to the 2nd Team.

The team loses six seniors: four-year letter winners Wood, Franklin Ekue, a
defender from Beltsville, Md. (originally from Cameroon), Aaron Gaeddert, a
forward from Leawood, Jordan Penner, a midfielder from Reedley, Calif., and Jon
VanMaren, a midfielder from Bonner Springs, along with Braden Dragomir, a
forward and goalkeeper from Salt Spring Island, B.C., who transferred from the
University of Maine in 2006.

Our goal is always to be successful, but I feel with the group of guys we have coming together for this season the potential for success is unlimited, and that we are at the mercy of ourselves once game time rolls around. — Head Coach Steve Ralos

Bethel currently sits last in the KCAC with a conference record of 0-2-0 and 0-9-0 overall. Bethel has scored just 2 goals this season, while allowing 31. Earlier this season, Bethel lost 3 consecutive overtime games, including to current # 24 Baker KS (1-2) and # 44 University of Science & Arts of OK (1-2) , and have also lost to # 3 Hannibal-LeGrange College MO (0-1) and # 37 Rogers State OK (0-8). The Threshers are on a five game winless, scoreless streak.

Sterling stands at 1-1 in the conference and 7-3 overall, with a 6-2 victory against Southwestern in their most recent game.

In 2007, Bethel defeated Sterling 3-2 in 2 OTs (with a goal by Ryan Covey and a Bethel "own goal"), in 2006 Sterling won 2-0 (on goals by Ryan Covey and Jorge Bueso) and in 2005 Sterling won 3-2 (goals by Tyler Adam, DR Smith and Ryan Covey).

The year's game will be played in Thresher Stadium on Joe W. Goering Field in North Newton KS.

SOONER ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Sooner Athletic Conference players of the week announced:

FERNANDES, SURRIDGE TAKE SAC MEN'S SOCCER HONORS

Posted by Ray Fink - Mon, Oct 6, 2008

Oklahoma Christian University's Christian Fernandes and Rogers State University's Sean Surridge are Men's Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for the week of Sept. 29-Oct. 5. Fernandes, a 5-10 junior midfielder from Maringa, Brazil, had five goals for the week as OC went 1-0-1. All five goals came in a 6-1 win over Sterling College as Fernandes tied his own school record. Surridge, a 5-10 sophomore goalkeeper from Kent, England, had five saves in a 1-0 victory over St. Gregory's in SAC action. It was his fourth consecutive shutout.

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10-7-08: STERLING v SOUTHWESTERN

Sterling's summary of today's home game against Southwestern.

COVEY JINXES MOUNDBUILDERS

10/08/2008 - Sterling senior, Ryan Covey, led the way for the Warriors as he was involved in five of six Sterling goals for a 6-2 win. Covey scored three goals and added two assists. Southwestern struck first in the 11th minute when Jesse Welsh scored on a miscue between GK Zach Hallen and the Sterling backs, giving the Moundbuilders a 1-0 lead. The Warriors quickly responded when Covey got deep to the goal line and slotted a ball across for the charging Shawn Sajjadi. Warrior mid-fielder Mladen Bjelica scored the go ahead goal in the 22nd minute off of a Covey cross. Not to be outdone by his teammates, Covey scored two goals of his own before the intermission, giving the Warriors a 4-1 advantage. Charlie Oshner added another
goal for Southwestern in the 60th minute, but the Warriors were able to find the back of the net two more times on another goal by Covey and then Jorge Bueso. The win moves the Warriors to 7-3 on the season and 1-1 in the KCAC. Sterling will face Bethel College on Saturday night in North Newton, KS.

Although Southwestern's teams are known as the "Moundbuilders," their mascot is "Jinx" the black cat. Here is what Southwestern's website says under Campus Life / Traditions.

A unique tradition among colleges is Southwestern's story of the "Jinx." When old Fairmount College (modern day Wichita State University) was defeated in a football game 41 to 3, a Southwestern student prepared a tombstone with the figure of a black cat at the top and the score underneath. From then on, Fairmount couldn't defeat Southwestern! The black cat came to be called the "Jinx." With the Jinx on their side, Southwestern continued to beat Fairmount for the next 14 consecutive years.

10-7-08: STERLING v SOUTHWESTERN

My sources tell me that after falling behind 1-0, Sterling was able to get behind the Southwestern defense for several easy goals in the first half, which Sterling played with a strong north wind at their backs. In the second half, Sterling scored two against the wind and allowed another goal by Southwestern, for a final score of 6-2. Sterling was able to play all three goalkeepers in the game, with Jordan Cabrera seeing his first action of the season.

Sterling and Southwestern are now each 1-1 in KCAC play. Here is the Sterling scoring summary:

Goal - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists
1. 10:50 - SW - Welsh, Jesse
2. 13:32 - SC - SAJJADI, Shawn - COVEY, Ryan
3. 21:28 - SC - BJELICA, Mladen - COVEY, Ryan
4. 33:21 - SC - COVEY, Ryan - BUESO, Jorge
5. 36:15 - SC - COVEY, Ryan
6. 59:09 - SW - Ochsner, Charlie - Neises, Shane
7. 74:39 - SC - COVEY, Ryan - MILLER, Jordan, SAJJADI, Shawn
8. 76:27 - SC - BUESO, Jorge - MARTENS, Justin

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NAIA TOP 25

The NAIA has released the Top 25 rankings for the week of October 7th. Here is the Top 10. For the full list of teams receiving votes, click here.

1. University of Rio Grande (OH)
2. Lindsey Wilson College (KY)
3. Hannibal-LaGrange College (MO)
4. Southern Nazarene University (OK)
5. Oklahoma City University
6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL)
7. Park University (MO)
8. McKendree University (IL)
9. Azusa Pacific University (CA)
10. University of Maine at Fort Kent

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NATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

The NAIA's national players of the week have been announced:

2008 NAIA Men's Soccer Players of the Week

Oct. 7, 2008 - KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The NAIA Men's Soccer national weekly honors have been announced and Zack Schultze of Reinhardt (Ga.) was announced as National Defensive Player of the Week while Adam Worrall of Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio.) was named National Offensive Player of the Week, for the week of Sept. 29-Oct. 5.

Schultze, a 6-3 freshman goalkeeper from Newnan, Ga., was perfect in goal last week as Reinhardt went 3-0. Against Cincinnati Christian, Schultze recorded two saves in a 6-0 win. He followed that with an eight-save performance in a 1-0 upset of then-No. 16 Shorter (Ga.). Schultze finished the week with two more saves in the Eagles’ 5-0 win over Brewton-Parker (Ga.). For the week, he finished with 12 saves and no goals allowed.

Worrall, a 6-2 forward from Blacklick, Ohio, had a hand in every single goal Mount Vernon Nazarene scored last week. Against Houghton (N.Y.), the senior netted the game-winning goal in the 85th minute as the Cougars won 1-0. He scored another goal and added two assists in the Cougars’ 3-1 victory over then-No. 20 Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.). For the week, Worrall had two goals, two assists and six total points. He leads the Cougars in scoring with 12 goals on the season and is now tied for sixth in school history with 34 career goals.

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PREVIEW: STERLING v SOUTHWESTERN

Today, Sterling hosts the Southwestern College Moundbuilders in the second conference match of the 2008 season. Sterling comes in at 0-1 in the conference, while Southwestern is 1-0 following their 3-2 win at Bethany. Southwestern is currently 3-4-1 overall, Sterling stands 6-3.

The teams have three common opponents. SWC beat SW Assemblies of God 2-1 in Waxahachie; Sterling won 6-1 at home. SWC lost to Mid America Christian 2-3 in Oklahoma City; Sterling lost 2-5 in OKC but won 5-2 at home. SWC tied Central Christian College at home; Sterling won at CCC 3-0.

SWC currently ranks number 27 in the NAIA in shutouts per game (0.220) and ranks number 31 in saves per game (7.560).

SWC's leading scorer is Leighton Schmidt (#11, a 6'00" senior defender/midfielder) with 3 goals in 8 games, followed by Jason Bond and Shane Neises with 2 each.

Sterling's current players have never lost to Southwestern. Sterling scored at 3-2 victory on a golden goal (by Justin Martens) at SWC in 2007 in the 2nd overtime, won 4-0 in 2006 in Sterling and prevailed 2-1 in 2005 in Winfield.

For their Sterling careers against SWC, Ryan Covey has 5 goals, 1 assist; Shawn Sajjadi 1 goal, 3 assists; Jorge Bueso 1 goal, 3 assists; Justin Martens 1 goal; and Jordan Miller 1 assist.
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NATIONAL STATISTICS AS OF 10/6/08

The NAIA's statistics, as of 10-6-08, include the following national rankings for Sterling's team and individual players:

TEAM RANKINGS

Ranks Number 18 in Assists per Game (2.220)
Ranks Number 33 in Goals per Game (2.560)
Ranks Number 45 in Goals Allowed per Game (2.220)
Ranks Number 50 in Shutouts per Game (0.110)


INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

Mladen Bjelica Ranks Number 11 in Assists per Game (0.710)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 30 in Shots on Goal per Game (2.330)
Shawn Sajjadi Ranks Number 46 in Assists per Game (0.500)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 46 in Points per Game (1.890)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 49 in Shots per Game (3.780)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 49 in Goals per Game (0.780)
Jorge Bueso Ranks Number 49 in Game Winning Goals per Game (0.220)
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CONFERENCE STATISTICS UPDATE

The KCAC statistical leaders as of 9/28/08 include the following Sterling players:

Points per game: 2nd-Ryan Covey, tied 8th-Justin Martens and Jorge Bueso, 10th-Mladen Bjelica, 15th-Shawn Sajjadi, tied 18th-Aaron Baker

Goals per game: 2nd-Ryan Covey, tied 3rd-Justin Martens and Jorge Bueso

Assists per game: 1st-Mladen Bjelica, tied 3rd-Shawn Sajjadi, 5th-Aaron Baker, 6th-Ryan Covey, tied 11th-Jordan Miller

Game Winning Goals: tied 3rd-Jorge Bueso, tied 5th-Shawn Sajjadi, tied 8th Ryan Covey

Saves Per Game: tied 6th-Zach Hallen

Goals Against Average: 7th-Zach Hallen

As a team, Sterling ranks 1st in the conference in goals and assists, 3rd in shots and shots on goal, 7th in goalkeeper saves and 7th in fewest goals allowed.
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NAIA'S CONFERENCE RATINGS

Sterling dropped out of the NAIA's conference ratings for Week 5 - October 6, 2008.

KANSAS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

1. Friends University (Kan.) (1-0 / 6-3-1)
2. Kansas Wesleyan University (1-0 / 3-6-1)
3. McPherson College (Kan.) (1-0 / 4-5)
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KCAC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Conference Players of the Week for Week # 4 - September 28th to October 4th

WICHITA, KS - The KCAC announced Armando Rodriguez of McPherson College and Jose Garay of Kansas Wesleyan University as Co-Offensive Players of the Week.
Robert Carrillo of Kansas Weselyan University was also recognized as the KCAC
Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week.

KCAC OFFENSIVE Men's Co-Players-of-the-Week:

(1.) Armando Rodriguez, McPHERSON COLLEGE, Forward, 5-9, Junior, Dallas, TX. He had one goal in the one match of the week: #1 vs. Ottawa University (KS), W-3-0, he had 1 goal and 1 assist. TEAM RECORDS: Week 1-0-0, Season overall 4-5-0.
(2.) Jose Garay, KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Midfielder, 5-10, Junior, Palmdale, CA. He had 2 goals and 2 assists in two matches of the week: #1 at #9 ranked non-conference Park University (MO), L-1-4, he had 1 assist, and #2 at Sterling College (KS), W-3-0, he had 2 goals and 1 assist. TEAM RECORDS: Week 1-1-0, Season overall 3-6-1.

KCAC DEFENSIVE (including Goalkeepers) Men's Player-of-the-Week:

Robert Carrillo, KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Goalkeeper, 5-10, Senior, Los Angeles, CA. In two matches of the week, he had 3 saves with no shot on goal and allowed 4 goals in 180 minutes. TEAM MATCHES of week: #1 at #9 ranked non-conference Park University (MO), L-1-4, he had 2 saves with no shots on goal and 4 goals allowed in 90 minutes; #2 at Sterling College (KS), W-3-0, he had 1 save with no shots on goal and no goals allowed in 90 minutes. TEAM RECORDS: Week 1-1-0,
Season overall 3-6-1.

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10-4-08: STERLING v KWU

Kansas Wesleyan has posted its review of the victory over Sterling here:

BATTLE TESTED COYOTES OPEN KCAC PLAY WITH SWEEP OF STERLING
By: David Toelle, KWU Sports Information

Kansas Wesleyan’s soccer teams opened KCAC play with a pair of wins over Sterling College on Saturday in Sterling. The women posted a 5-0 win, while the men came away with a 3-0 decision over the Warriors.

Wesleyan’s teams wrapped up one of the most difficult non-conference slates of any school in the conference on Wednesday at nationally ranked Park. The Coyote women faced five teams that were ranked inside the NAIA Top 25 at one point during the year, and the men have faced several teams that have also been ranked at one point or another, including the 2006 national champions in Graceland University.

“Our very, very difficult non-conference schedule has gotten us prepared for the conference,” head coach Mike Dibbini. “We are a stronger team after facing this incredible competition.”

Jose Garay scored twice and assisted on KWU’s other goal as the men picked up the 3-0 win over Sterling. Wesleyan controlled the match offensively, outshooting the Warriors 25-8 in the match. Garay’s first score came at the 21-minute mark when he took a feed from Mario Rodriguez and found the net. Garay got goal number two in the 41st minute and then assisted on Marlon Beach’s score in the 48th minute.

“It was a good start to our conference season,” Dibbini said. “Both teams played well today, and I hope the trend continues the rest of the season.”

-- KWU SI --
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10-4-08: STERLING v KWU

Sterling's summary of the home conference game against Kansas Wesleyan:

LACKLUSTER PERFORMANCE LEADS TO KCAC LOSS

10/05/2008 - The Sterling College men's soccer team opened conference play against Kansas Wesleyan University, the defending KCAC champs, with a very uninspired performance. KWU dispatched the Warriors 3-0, handing the Warriors their second loss of the week, and first conference loss. The Coyote's Jose Garay led the way for KWU with a goal in the 21st and 40th minutes, giving them a comfortable 2-0 lead at the half. Wesleyan's Marlon Beach added a third goal in the 47th minute on a throw-in by Garay, and that is all that was needed as the Warriors were unable to generate any sort of dangerous attack. Sterling managed only one shot on goal that came early when Jorge Bueso got behind the KWU defenders in the penalty box only to have his shot saved by Coyote GK Robert Carillo. "I was very disappointed with our performance against Kansas Wesleyan.

They are a great team, and we knew that the best chance we would have to beat them would be to play more aggressively and outwork them, and we simply did not do that; therefore the result isn't surprising at all," noted Warrior coach, David Underwood.

The Warriors will try to quickly rebound from the loss as they host Southwestern College on Tuesday afternoon in Sterling at 4 p.m. The Sterling men's soccer team is 6-3 on the season.

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SCORING SUMMARY: SC v KWU

Scoring Summary from Sterling's website:

Goal - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists
1. 21:00 - KWU - Garay, Jose - Rodriguez, Mario
2. 40:19 - KWU - Garay, Jose
3. 47:23 - KWU - Beach, Marlon - Garay, Jose

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FINAL SCORE

The KCAC has posted the score of today's first conference game as Kansas Wesleyan 3 - Sterling 0, continuing the trend of Sterling not having scored on KW since its victory in the 2004 season. Friends, Southwestern and Tabor also won today, with Ottawa playing at McPherson tonight.
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PREVIEW: STERLING v KWU

Sterling hosts the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes today at 3:00 pm in the first conference match for both sides. Sterling comes in at 6-2, with both losses by big scores on the road at middle-of-the-table Sooner Athletic Conference teams. KW sits at a deceptive 2-6-1 with losses to current national # 9 Park (MO) and "also receiving votes" Baker (KS) and Graceland (IA), and two road losses in California.

Sterling and KW have two common opponents: Both schools have defeated Concordia University in Seward NE, Sterling 2-1, KW 4-1. And each has played Oklahoma Christian. KW handled OC in Salina KS 3-1, Sterling followed that game with a 1-6 loss at OC's home.

KW is defending KCAC regular season champs and has lead the season standings 2 of the last 3 years. Sterling has finished 4th all three years of the senior's careers. During that time, KW's conference record is 23-3-1, while Sterling's record is 17-9-1. KW has won the last three pairings 3-0 in 2007 at Salina, 1-0 in 2006 in Sterling and 4-0 in 2005 in Salina. However, Sterling notched a 3-1 win in Sterling in 2004, a season in which Sterling won 2 league games and KW none, and a 2-1 non-conference win in Sterling early in the '05 season.

This season, KW's leading shooter and scorer is Mario Rodriquez with 5 goals on 11 shots on goal. Goalkeeper Robert Carillo has allowed 16 goals in 9 games while making 41 saves. KW players Carillo and Arturo Guizar swept conference player of week honors last week.
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9-30-08: STERLING @ OK CHRISTIAN

Sterling has posted its review of the 9-30-08 game at Oklahoma Christian here.

Sterling Stunned in Oklahoma City

10/01/2008 - The Sterling men's soccer team took their 6-1 record on the road to Oklahoma Christian University Tuesday night and were dealt a stunning defeat, losing to the Eagles 6-1. What started out as a great match quickly turned into a nightmare for the Warriors. In the 21st minute the Eagles struck first when Matt Lambert hammered a shot into the back of the net.

Sterling responded two minutes later when Godfrey Miheso placed an easy header
into the OCU goal off of a rebound in the box, tieing the game at one goal apiece. The final 20 minutes of the first half were all Christian--Cristian Fernandes that is. Eagle forward Christian Fernandes went on a torrid scoring binge that began in the 27th minute, scoring four times in 13 minutes, to give the Eagles a 5-1 half-time lead.

After regrouping, the Warriors were able to create some good opportunities in the second half, but were unable to mount any sort of comeback. Unfortunatley, Fernandes wasn't quite finished, offering up another goal for the Warriors to chew on, resulting in a 6-1 final.

"I was absolutely astonished," Warrior coach Dave Underwood said of the result. "I'm not sure I have ever seen such an incredible individual performance as I saw from Fernandes. Everything he did was pretty much perfect. He was definitely
in the zone."

The Warriors will have to quickly put Tuesday night behind them as they open up conference play on Saturday at home with a very talented Kansas Wesleyan team.
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NATIONAL STATISTICS: 9-29-08

Here are the Sterling team and individual statistical rankings found on the NAIA's national statistical leaders lists as of 9-29-08 (does not include the OC game on 9-30-08).

TEAM RANKINGS

Number 19 in Assists per Game (2.380)
Number 22 in Goals per Game (2.880)
Number 40 in Shots on Goal per Game (8.500)
Number 47 in Shutouts per Game (0.130)

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

Ryan Covey Ranks Number 6 in Shots on Goal per Game (3.000)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 19 in Goals per Game (1.000)
Mladen Bjelica Ranks Number 20 in Assists per Game (0.710)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 23 in Points per Game (2.430)
Jorge Bueso Ranks Number 26 in Game Winning Goals per Game (0.290)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 34 in Shots per Game (4.140)
Shawn Sajjadi Ranks Number 38 in Assists per Game (0.570)
Jorge Bueso Ranks Number 46 in Shots on Goal per Game (2.140)

Goalkeeper Zach Hallen's saves per game average of 4.14 places him in a tie for 89th for fewest saves per game nationally.
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NATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

The NAIA Men's Soccer Players of the Week

Sept. 30, 2008 - KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The NAIA Men's Soccer national weekly honors have been announced and Jeff Jelinek of Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) was announced as National Defensive Player of the Week while Tazou Ali Tagba of Park (Mo.) was named National Offensive Player of the Week, for the week of Sept. 22-28.

Jelinek, a 6-3 sophomore goalkeeper from Merrillville, Ind., has been downright impossible to score on this year. Over the past week, Jelinek saved two shots in a 1-0 win over Bethel (Kan.). He followed that with a four-save shutout performance against McPherson (Kan.). That’s now ten consecutive shutouts to begin the season. He has a total of 24 saves on the year as the Trojans have started 10-0-0.Ali Tagba, a 5-8 forward from Lome, Togo, was the difference maker for Park last week, scoring the game-winners in both Pirate victories. Against then-No. 25 Graceland (Iowa), the junior scored two goals in a 4-2 win. Against Grand View (Iowa), he netted another goal in a 2-1 win. For the week, Ali Tagba had three goals and six total points. He leads all Pirates with five goals this season.
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NAIA TOP 10

The NAIA Top 25 can be found here. The NAIA's top 10 ranked teams as of 9-30-08 are:

1. University of Rio Grande (OH)
2. Fresno Pacific University (CA)
3. Lindsey Wilson College (KY)
4. McKendree University (IL)
5. Southern Nazarene University (OK)
6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL)
7. Oklahoma City University
8. Hannibal-LaGrange College (MO)
9. Park University (MO)
10. University of Maine at Fort Kent
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9-30-08: STERLING @ OK CHRISTIAN

Last night, Sterling played at OK Christian in the final non-conference game of the season. Center-midfielder and team playmaker Shawn Sajjadi was unable to play, so Godfrey Soheso got his first start of season (at forward) and Jorge Bueso dropped back into midfield. However, it is unlikely any lineup change was responsible for the 6-1 defeat OC pinned on Sterling.

OC scored first followed shortly by Godfrey's first goal of the season. OC then scored a quick succession of goals for a 5-1 halftime lead, adding a goal in the second half for the final score. OC was once again by Cristian Fernandes who scored five goals in the game, tying the OC school record for goals in a game.

Here's how OC described the game:

SOCCER TEAMS BLITZ STERLING

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Sept. 30, 2008) – Oklahoma Christian University posted 12 goals in a men’s-women’s doubleheader sweep of Sterling College (Kan.) on Tuesday night.
The Lady Eagles took a 6-0 shutout, while the Eagles tallied a 6-1 victory. The win was the third straight for the women’s squad who improved to 4-3-1. The Eagles returned to .500 at 3-3-2.
In the men’s game, Cristian Fernandes scored five times to tie his own school record for goals in a single game. He also scored five goals in a 6-1 throttling of St. Gregory’s
(Okla.) last season. The record also belongs to Magness Karlsson (1989) and Trey Truesdell (1998).
The Eagles got the scoring going Tuesday night with a rocket-shot goal from Matt Lambert from 30 yards out at the 20:03 point.
Sterling (6-2) answered just 2:52 later when Godfrey Miheso headed in a shot in the box to tie it at 1-1.
But Fernandes took over from there. The Maringa, Brazil, native scored at 26:53 with help from Trey Boykin to untie the game. He then made it 3-1 in the 30th minute when he scored on a penalty kick.
Fernandes and Boykin teamed up again at the 33:31 point to up the lead to 4-1. More insurance came at the 39:09 juncture when Neil Hilton found Fernandes for his fourth first-half goal.
The score was 5-1 at halftime.
Fernandes completed his eye-opening night by scoring off a pass from Andy Lopez in the game’s 70th minute to up the edge to 6-1.
The scores ran Fernandes’ Sooner Athletic Conference-leading total to 11. He led OC with 18 goals in 2007.
The lopsided win saw OC outshoot Sterling 19 to 9. The Eagles’ six goals came from 14 total shots on goal. The Warriors put the ball on frame just three times.

Here is OC's scoring summary for the game. It will be interesting to read Sterling's summary as I thought Sterling had assists on its lone goal.

GOAL - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists -Description
1. 20:03 - OC - Matt Lambert (2) - (unassisted) -Off rebound, line shot from 30 yds.
2. 22:55 - STERLING - Godfrey Miheso - (unassisted) - Header off rebound in box.
3. 26:53 - OC - Cristian Fernandes (7) - Trey Boykin
4. 30:18 - OC - Cristian Fernandes (8) - (unassisted) - Penalty kick.
5. 33:31 - OC - Cristian Fernandes (9) - Trey Boykin
6. 39:09 - OC - Cristian Fernandes (10) - Neil Hilton
7. 70:47 - OC - Cristian Fernandes (11) - Andy Lopez - Ties school record with 5th score

OC has posted a page that includes brief highlights of their six goals - click here.

Although the final score was not what Sterling fans hoped for, it was fun to have a "home game" for the Oklahoma (and beyond) Sterling fans. I want to thank G-ma, Aunt Janice, KAN, Gregg S, Brent R, Mike C, Lisa C and Mike T for coming to the game to watch Ryan and Sterling. Also, I know that former Sterling player Charlie Sewell was in attendance.
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CONFERENCE RATINGS

NAIA conference ratings were released today and can be found here.

Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference

1. Friends University (Kan.) (0-0 / 5-3-1)
2. Sterling College (Kan.) (0-0 / 6-1)
3. Kansas Wesleyan University (0-0 / 2-5-1)

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CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

The KCAC has announced the conference players of the week for the week ending 9-28-08.

Arturo Guizar and Robert Carrillo, both representing Kansas Wesleyan University, sweep the player of the week awards for KCAC Men's Soccer.

KCAC OFFENSIVE Men's Player-of-the-Week:

Arturo Guizar, KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Forward, 5-10, Junior, Bellflower, CA. He had one goal in the one match of the week: #1 vs. Oklahoma Christian University, W-3-1, he had 1 goal. TEAM RECORDS: Week 1-0-0, Season overall 2-5-0. NOTES: He scored what turned out to be the match winner.

KCAC DEFENSIVE (including Goalkeepers) Men's Player-of-the-Week:

Robert Carrillo, KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Goalkeeper, 5-10, Senior, Los Angeles, CA. In one match of the week, he had 3 saves with no shot on goal and allowed only one goal in 90 minutes. His record in the week: #1 vs. Oklahoma Christian University, W-3-1, he had 3 saves with no shots on goal and 1 goal allowed in 90 minutes. TEAM RECORDS: 1-0-0 Week, 2-5-0 overall.
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PREVIEW: STERLING @ OK CHRISTIAN

Sterling plays at Oklahoma Christian University Tuesday night. Sterling currently leads the KCAC non-conference standings with a record of 6 wins against 1 loss. OK Christian has won 2, lost 3 and tied 2, following a 3-1 loss at Kansas Wesleyan on 9/27/08, which won only its second game of the year in a tough non-conference schedule.


Here's how OK Christian described the game:

The Eagles dropped a tough 3-1 decision to the Coyotes in the [men's game]. KWU
was up 2-0 by the 23rd minute after scores from Juan Mundo and Arturo Guizar. OC stiffened its defense and held the deficit at 2-0 through halftime and into the
second stanza. In the 49th minute, freshman Matt Lambert netted his first-career
collegiate goal. The Little Rock, Ark., native headed in a free-kick pass from
fellow freshman Will Binder to cut the deficit to 2-1. But the Coyotes sealed it
with an 85th-minute strike from Derek Dodrill. OC falls to 2-3-2 with the
setback. The series is now tied at 1-1 between OC and KWU.

Kansas Wesleyan filed this report about the game:

The men’s match was a complete reversal of fortune for the Coyotes, who had lost
their last four matches before tying with William Jewell a week ago. The Coyotes
got three goals from three different players and used a strong defensive effort to come away with a 3-1 win over the Eagles.

Juan Mundo got the first goal of the night for the Coyotes in the 14th minute on a wild play. After a foul was called on Oklahoma Christian, Mundo took the direct kick and fired it directly into the two players blocking the goal. The ball came back out to Mundo, who then fired it back into the goal for the score.

Almost exactly ten minutes later the Coyotes hit paydirt again. Art Guizar first a shot that was blocked by a OC defender that rebounded right back out to him, and he was able to convert the second try for the score to put the Coyotes up 2-0 in the 24th minute.

The rest of the first half was played in the middle of the field, as only two more shots, one by each team, were taken in the remainder of the time. Oklahoma Christian got its lone goal in the 50th minute on an odd play. After a Wesleyan foul, Will Binder took the direct kick that bounced once and was headed in by the Eagles’ Matt Lambert for the score. Wesleyan had several other chances to pull away, and finally got the icer in the 86th minute off a beautifully placed corner kick from Jose Garay to Derek Dodrill. After Mario Rodriguez’ shot was saved off the goal line by OC keeper Bryan Cochrum, Garay played in a corner kick from the left side right to Dodrill, who headed the ball home for the score to put the Coyotes up 3-1.

OC had a couple of late chances, but could not convert as the Coyotes won for the first time since the season opener on September 1. Wesleyan (2-5-1) outshot the Eagles 22-8, led by Guizar with eight shots, three on goal and one in net. Carillo gave up just one goal in net for the Coyotes, while recording three saves. Lambert had two shots as did Neil Hilton to lead Oklahoma Christian. Cochrum gave up three goals and recorded five saves on the night.

OK Christian's leading scorers this season are Christian Fernandes (6 goals, 13 points), Trey Boykin (3, 6) and Neil Hilton (2, 6). Goalkeeper Bryan Cochrum has given up 12 goals in 7 games while notching 1 shutout. OC's signature results to date are ties at Park University (MO) (currently ranked # 11) and against Bellevue (NE) at So. Nazarene in Bethany OK.

It can be difficult to compare scores in NAIA soccer, but it is interesting to note that 6-1 Sterling's opponents records total to 22 W, 38 L, 1 T, while OC's opponents records total 26 W, 26 L, 5 T.

The last meeting between Sterling and OK Christian was September 24, 2005, at OC. Sterling lost 3-2 after first falling behind 0-1, then grabbing a 2-1 lead, and finally allowing two quick goals midway through the second half. Sterling goals were netted by freshmen Charlie Sewell and Jorge Bueso (on an assist from Shawn Sajjadi). OC has not archived the game, but I recall that Chris Mooney scored one of OC's goals. Sterling players Sewell and Ryan Covey and OC's Mooney were club ball teammates in OKC/Edmond. Sterling finished the 2005 season at 12-7-1 overall and 6-3 in the KCAC; OC was 6-9-2 overall and 1-4-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
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NATIONAL STATISTICS : 9-29-08

The NAIA's statistics, as of 9-28-08, include the following national rankings for Sterling's team and individual players:

TEAM RANKINGS

Ranks Number 8 in Assists per Game (2.710)
Ranks Number 14 in Goals per Game (3.140)
Ranks Number 30 in Shots on Goal per Game (9.290)
Ranks Number 39 in Shutouts per Game (0.140)
Ranks Number 44 in Shots per Game (16.430)

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

Ryan Covey Ranks Number 5 in Shots on Goal per Game (3.000)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 17 in Goals per Game (1.000)
Mladen Bjelica Ranks Number 18 in Assists per Game (0.710)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 18 in Points per Game (2.430)
Jorge Bueso Ranks Number 28 in Game Winning Goals per Game (0.290)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 32 in Shots per Game (4.140)
Shawn Sajjadi Ranks Number 37 in Assists per Game (0.570)
Jorge Bueso Ranks Number 46 in Shots on Goal per Game (2.140)

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CONFERENCE STATISTICS THRU 9/28

The KCAC statistical leaders lists as of 9/28 include the following Sterling players:

Points per game: 1st-Ryan Covey, tied 3rd-Justin Martens and Jorge Bueso, tied 8th-Mladen Bjelica, 12th-Shawn Sajjadi, tied 14th-Aaron Baker

Goals per game: 1st-Ryan Covey, tied 3rd-Justin Martens and Jorge Bueso

Assists per game: 1st-Mladen Bjelica, 3rd-Shawn Sajjadi, 4th-Ryan Covey, tied 5th-Aaron Baker, tied 8th-Jordan Miller

Game Winning Goals: tied 1st-Jorge Bueso, tied 5th-Shawn Sajjadi and Ryan Covey

Saves Per Game: 9th-Zach Hallen (if Ottawa's two keepers statistics were combined, Zach would be 10th)

Goals Against Average: 6th-Zach Hallen

As a team, Sterling ranks 1st in the conference in goals, assists, shots, shots on goal, 9th in goalkeeper saves and is tied for 3rd in fewest goals allowed.

NAIA CONFERENCE RATINGS

The NAIA has released its ratings for each conference for Week 4 / September 29, 2008. The ratings for the KCAC are shown below, with conference record / overall record.

1. Friends University (KS) (0-0 / 5-3-1)
2. Sterling College (KS) (0-0 / 6-1)
3. Kansas Wesleyan University (0-0 / 2-5-1)

Tomorrow, Sterling plays at Oklahoma Christian, which was not rated in the top 5 of the Sooner Athletic Conference.

1. Southern Nazarene University (OK) (1-0-0 / 5-1-1)
2. Oklahoma City University (0-0-0 / 8-1)
3. Rogers State University (OK) (0-0-0 / 6-1-1)
4. Univ of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-0-0 / 7-0)
5. Oklahoma Baptist University (1-0-0 / 7-2)

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ATTENTION STERLING FANS IN OKLAHOMA

This is a reminder that the Sterling College soccer teams play at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond OK on Tuesday, September 30th at 5:00 pm for the women's game and 7:00 pm for the men's game.

The soccer field is at the back or north side of the Oklahoma Christian campus.


Oklahoma Christian's website has the following directions to the campus:

Oklahoma Christian University is easy to find. OC is located on Memorial Road just one mile east of the Broadway Extension and two miles west of I-35.

From Wichita, KS: Follow I-35 South to Edmond. Exit and turn west on Memorial Road.

From Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX: Follow I-35 North to Oklahoma City. Take the Broadway Extension (also called I-235 and Highway 77) to Edmond. Exit and turn east on Memorial Road.

From Amarillo, TX: Follow I-40 West to Oklahoma City. Take the Broadway Extension (also called I-235 and Highway 77) to Edmond. Exit and turn east on Memorial Road.

From Little Rock, AR: Follow I-40 West to Oklahoma City. Take I-35 North to Edmond. Exit and turn west on Memorial Road.

From Will Rogers World Airport: Follow Airport Road to I-44. Travel north and east on I-44 to the Broadway Extension (also called I-235 and Highway 77). Continue north to Edmond. Exit and turn east on Memorial Road.

From Tulsa/Springfield, MO: Continue on the Kilpatrick Turnpike when the H.E. Bailey Turnpike ends (The Kilpatrick Turnpike costs $1). Exit on Eastern. Turn right on Eastern (north). Turn Right on Memorial Road, which is the first light. Oklahoma Christian will be on your left.

From the Kilpatrick Turnpike: Exit on Eastern. Turn North. Turn Right on Memorial Road, which is the first light. Oklahoma Christian will be on your left.

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WARRIOR FEST

No soccer game this weekend, but it is time for Warrior Fest! which sterling.edu describes as:

WARRIOR FEST!!

9:30am to 1:30pm: Downtown Sterling

Variety of items & activities available for SC Fans

Photos and Autographs of Football Players

Meet the Soccer & Volleyball teams

SC apparel

Other crafts and games throughout the morning

11:00 to 1:00pm: Main Street

Sterling's Fire & Smoke BBQ Cook off.

5:00 to 6:30 pm: Tailgate Cookout-Warrior Athletic Complex.

Meal sponsored by Sterling College and First Bank.

7:00pm: Warrior Football vs. Bethel College

9-23-08: YORK @ STERLING

Here is an article about the York game, which I found at "The Stir" or the "Sterling Bulletin" and which is written by soccer player Godfrey Miheso:

WARRIORS SOCCER SCRAPES WIN AGAINST YORK

A late goal helped the men’s soccer team advance to a 6-1 record after winning over visiting York College, 2-1. Coach Dave Underwood said he was less than satisfied with the win.

“Obviously, I was very happy with the win and improving our season record to 6-1,” Underwood said. “However, we were a little sloppy in our attack, mishandling a lot of good scoring opportunities.”

The Warriors created plenty of opportunities to win the tightly contested game. The team took 18 shots at the goal.

“We started on a low note, but came back to grab the win we deserved,” senior Shawn Sajjadi said.

Sterling finally got on the board when senior Jorge Bueso received a pass from sophomore Sheriff Sanusi at the back right, and drove the ball into the back of net.

The score was 1-1 midway through the second period.

Senior Ryan Covey was able to finally break the dead-lock with two minutes left when he drove past York’s defense, scoring the winning goal with ease.

The Warriors also won against Central Christian College a week earlier 3-0, with all three goals scored in the second half. Bueso and Covey scored with ten minutes left.

Warriors next face Oklahoma Christian in Oklahoma City.

-Godfrey Miheso, Staff Writer

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9-23-08: YORK @ STERLING

Here is Sterling's summary of today's home game against York College:

Warriors Move to 6-1 With Win Over York

09/24/2008 - The Sterling Men's soccer team moves to 6-1 on the season after defeating York College 2-1 in Sterling Tuesday night. The Warriors had plenty of opportunities to score, tallying 18 shots on frame, but York GK Keith Manley proved to be stingy for much of the night. Sterling finally got on the board when Jorge Bueso received a ball from Sheriff Sanusi at the top of the box, and after a brilliant turn, hammered it into the upper corner of the net. The score stood at 1-0 at the break. York equalized in the 51st minute when Jorge Lama nudged a header just over Sterling Keeper, Zach Hallen off of a Joe Leinen throw-in. After several more brilliant saves by Manley, Sterling senior Ryan Covey was able to finally break the dead-lock in the 88th minute when he gathered up a ball in the box and was able to dribble through several York defenders and score from inside the six yard box.

The Warriors will take a week off and then play highly-touted Oklahoma Christian in Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, September 30.

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BOX SCORE: YORK @ STERLING

The Sterling website has posted the box score for today's game here.

Scoring Summary:

Goal - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists
1. 34:33 - SC - BUESO, Jorge - SANUSI, Sheriff
2. 50:12 - York - LAMA, Jorge - Leinen, Joe
3. 88:48 - SC - COVEY, Ryan
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* * * BREAKING NEWS * * *

KCACsports.com has reported the score of today's game as:

Sterling 2
York 1

No other information is available at this time.
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NAIA TOP 25

The NAIA Top 25 for September 23 can be found here. The top 5 teams this week are:

1 University of Rio Grande (Ohio)
2 Fresno Pacific University (Calif.)
3 Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.)
4 McKendree University (Ill.)
5 Southern Nazarene University (Okla.)

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NAIA NATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

The national Players of the Week for Week 3 are:

Offense: Joel Trainer (Indiana Wesleyan) – Senior, Forward
Defense: Alex Stout (Mount Vernon Nazarene) – Junior, Goalkeeper

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NATIONAL STATISTICS: 9-22-08

Here are the Sterling team and individual statistical rankings found on the NAIA's national statistical leaders lists as of 9-22-08.

2008 TEAM RANKINGS

Sterling ranks Number 5 in Assists per Game (3.170)
Sterling ranks Number 16 in Goals per Game (3.330)

2008 INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

Ryan Covey Ranks Number 11 in Shots on Goal per Game (2.830)
Jorge Bueso Ranks Number 14 in Game Winning Goals per Game (0.330)
Shawn Sajjadi Ranks Number 15 in Assists per Game (0.830)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 17 in Points per Game (2.670)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 18 in Goals per Game (1.000)
Mladen Bjelica Ranks Number 20 in Assists per Game (0.800)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 27 in Assists per Game (0.670)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 42 in Shots per Game (3.830)

Probably a good "non statistic" is that keeper Zach Hallen is NOT found on the list of average saves per game (meaning Sterling doesn't give up very many shots per game?)
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PREVIEW: STERLING v YORK COLLEGE

This afternoon, Sterling hosts the York College Panthers of York NE. York's team record stands at 1 win and 5 losses, with the lone victory on the road at Bethany (3-0) of the KCAC and the losses to Dakota Wesleyan (2-4), Dana College (0-2), Midland Lutheran (0-1), Dordt College (0-2) and Briar Cliff University (1-4).

York has been shut out in three of their losses and has tallied a total of 6 goals for against 13 goals allowed. York has spread out its scoring with four players scoring a goal each and # 8 Jorge Lara netting two goals.

Sterling and York have not played each other during the careers of the current players.

Here is a link to a preview of York's team, found on the Panther Press, York's online newspaper (scroll down several stories).

CONFERENCE STATISTICS THRU 9/22

The KCAC individual statistical leaders lists updated on 9/22 include the following Sterling players:

Points per game: 1st-Ryan Covey, 4th-Justin Martens, 8th-Jorge Bueso, tied 10th-Mladen Bjelica, 12th-Shawn Sajjadi

Goals per game: 1st-Ryan Covey, tied 2nd-Justin Martens, tied 5th-Jorge Bueso

Assists per game: 1st-Shawn Sajjadi, 2nd-Mladen Bjelica, 4th-Ryan Covey, tied 9th-Jordan Miller, tied 14th-Aaron Baker

Game Winning Goals: tied 1st-Jorge Bueso, tied 7th-Shawn Sajjadi

Goals Against Average: 4th-Zach Hallen

As a team, Sterling ranks 1st in the conference in goals and assists, 2nd in shots, 3rd in shots on goal, 10th in goalkeeper saves and 3rd in fewest goals allowed.
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KCAC CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Here is the KCAC's press release for conference players of the week:

WEEK 2 - KCAC Men's Soccer Players of the Week

Mon, Sep 22, 2008 - WICHITA, KS - Marvin Graham of Ottawa University and Michael Mesle of Ottawa University [were] honored as KCAC Men's Soccer Players of the Week.

KCAC OFFENSIVE Men's Player-of-the-Week: Marvin Graham, OTTAWA UNIVERSITY, Midfielder, 6-0, Sophomore, Amarillo, TX. He had 2 goals in two matches of the week: #1 vs. Avila U. (MO), W-4-3, he had 2 goals; #2 at Southwestern Assemblies of God U. (TX), W-4-0, he had no goals. TEAM RECORDS: Week 2-0-0, Season overall 3-3-0.

KCAC DEFENSIVE Men's Player-of-the-Week: Michael Mesle, OTTAWA UNIVERSITY, Defender, 6-2, Freshman, St.Charles, MO. In two matches of the week, he scored one goal while he contributed to the second shutout for OU in the match at SWAGU in Texas. TEAM RECORDS: Week 2-0-0, Season overall 3-3-0. NOTES: OU played Northwood but stats have not been reported yet.
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NAIA CONFERENCE RATING

The NAIA's ratings for the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference for 9/22/08 are:

1. Friends University (5-2)
2. Sterling College (5-1)
3. McPherson College (3-3)

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BOX SCORE: STERLING @ CCC

Sterling's box score differs somewhat from box score posted by Central Christian. For what it's worth, it more closely matches what my "inside sources" told me about the game.

Sterling's Scoring Summary:

Goal - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists
1. 67:53 - SC - Bueso, Jorge - Sajjadi, Shawn; Covey, Ryan
2. 76:08 - SC - Tom, Wes - Covey, Ryan
3. 79:32 - SC - Covey, Ryan - Bjelica, Mladen

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BOX SCORE: STERLING @ CCC

This link is to the box score of the Sterling @ CCC game, taken from CCC's website.

Scoring Summary:
Goal - Time - Team - Goal Scorer - Assists
1. 67:53 - SC - Bueso, Jorge - Baker, Aaron
2. 76:08 - SC - Tom, Wes - Covey, Ryan
3. 79:32 - SC - Covey, Ryan - Bjelica, Mladen

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9-20-08: STERLING 3 - CCC 0

Here is Sterling's summary of the victory over Central Christian College on 9-20-08:

Big Second Half Lifts Warriors

09/20/2008 - The Sterling College men's soccer team got three goals in the second half to upend the Tigers of Central Christian College 3-0. After 45 minutes of soccer, Sterling and CCC were knotted up at 0-0. Both teams had some chances, but were unable to capitalize. "I thought Central Christian had the run of play in the first half and we were lucky to not be down at the break. We were lethargic and not very creative in the final third,"Coach Underwood said of the Warriors first half.

The second half belonged to the Warriors. Playing with greater energy and creativity paid off. "We were immediately more effective because we played the ball to the width and we were able to get pretty deep into our attacking third," commented Underwood. The Warriors finally broke the dead-lock in the 68th minute when Aaron Baker went over the top of the Tiger's back line leaving Jorge Bueso alone with the goalkeeper and giving Sterling a 1-0 lead. Wes Tom scored on a header 9 minutes later, and finally Ryan Covey slotted a perfect shot under CCC goalkeeper Andrew Stauffer off of a Mladen Bjelica cross.

Sterling College is 5-1 on the season and will play York College (NE) on Tuesday afternoon at home.

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"KNOW YOUR ENEMY - STERLING COLLEGE"

Here's an interesting post on the Manhattan Christian College Sports Radio blog (mccsportsradio.wordpress.com) titled "Know Your Enemy - Sterling College" that apparently is a preview of MCC's big game against Sterling on 9-18-08. The game is described as "The Battle of Sterling."

For your information, MCC is defending National Christian College Athletic Association soccer national champions, although they have now lost to Sterling three of the last four years. They lost only three games all of last year, but have lost four to date this year.

Here is a list of predictions by "Cole" of MCC Sports Radio:

BOLD PREDICTION:
Manhattan Christian College 3 - Sterling College 1

REALISTIC PREDICTION:
Manhattan Christian College 1 - Sterling College 2

PESSIMISTIC PREDICTION:
Manhattan Christian College 0 - Sterling College 4

It should be noted that Cole's "realistic prediction" was accurate in that Sterling prevailed 2 - 1 in double overtime.
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