10-25-08: STERLING @ TABOR

Here is how Sterling described today's game at Tabor:

TABOR OUTLASTS WARRIORS FOR 1-0 WIN

10/26/2008 - The Sterling men's soccer team fell to the Tabor Bluejays 1-0 on a
penalty kick in the 69th minute. Both teams had ample opportunities for goals,
but due to poor finishing, combined with good goalkeeping from Sterling's Zach
Hallen and Tabor's Aaron Schmucker, the one goal was it, but that was all Tabor
needed. Tabor had 10 shots on goal to Sterling's 9, with both keepers recording
9 saves. The loss drops the Warriors to 10-5 on the season and 4-3 in conference
play. Sterling's next match is Wednesday at home vs. McPherson at 4 pm.

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* * * BREAKING NEWS * * *

My sources report that Sterling lost at Tabor 1-0 with the lone score coming on a penalty kick. Sterling was playing without center midfielder Shawn Sajjadi due to injury and early in the game Sterling defenders Pedraam Abrar and Wes Tom struck heads together, badly bruising Abrar and knocking Tom from the balance of the game. Sterling had chances to tie, but failed to convert, including a shot off the post. Sterling is now 5th in the conference standings at 4-3 and is facing a tough battle to qualify for the playoffs, with upcoming games at home against McPherson and on the road at Friends.

This is the second week in a row that Sterling has had to play back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday, due to weather conditions. Apparently, other schools that had weather-delayed games this week were able to move games either to Sunday or next week to avoid playing on consecutive days.
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PROFILE: JUSTIN MARTENS

JUSTIN MARTENS # 19

Position: Midfield

Hometown: Wichita, KS

High School: Campus High School

Club Team: Wichita Spirit

Coach's Comments: Justin earned valuable experience as asophomore, playing in 16 matches, including 6 starts. At 6'4" Martens is a formidable presence in the middle of the field. We anticipate that we will be able to move him forward in the attack and he has proven to have the ability to capitalize on his scoring chances.

Major: Athletic Training

Class: Junior

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10-24-08: STERLING @ ST. MARY

Kansascity.com, the online site of the "Kansas City Star" newspaper, had a brief summary of the game at St. Mary. I'm not sure of its accuracy since Wes Tom hasn't previously played GK this season, but here it is:

Sterling 3, Saint Mary 0. Sterling (Mladen Bjelica, Justin Martens, Ryan Covey;
shutout by Zach Hallen and Wes Tom).

[KHC: 10/25/08 - Sources report that Jordan Cabrera played a half
at GK, not Wes Tom as reported by the KC Star.]

And here is an article including photographs I found in the online site for the "Leavenworth Times":

SPIRE MEN SHUT OUT BY STERLING IN KCAC CONTEST

By Sara Mettlen -Leavenworth Times - Sat Oct 25, 2008, 12:09 AM CDT -
Leavenworth, Kan.

Although it was the Saint Mary men who started the game with the momentum, it swung Sterling’s way late in the first half and stayed there the rest of Friday’s game as the Spires fell 3-0 to the Warriors.

Nick Stevenson gave the Spires perhaps their best chance of the first half with 22 minutes remaining, crossing the ball to Alex Nowasell for a header just in front of the goal. Nowasell’s shot was tipped over the crossbar by the Sterling goalkeeper though, leaving the game knotted at 0. It wasn’t until there was just over 11 minutes to go in the first half when Sterling finally got on the board, Mladen Bjelica broke past the Saint Mary defense and put his shot into the far corner of the goal. That goal was all that would be scored in the entire first half, but it was enough, said Spire coach Derek Mazeitis, to shake the USM mens’ confidence.

“I felt like we came out for the first 25 or 30 minutes and dominated the game. We really took it to them and created chances and opportunities a lot, had them on their heels a bit,” Mazeitis said. “Then when they scored that goal it seemed like it put us on our heels and kind of changed the face of the game.”

In the second half the Spires were slow to start, but came alive with 20 minutes remaining in the game. In a four-minute span the Saint Mary men unloaded several shots on goal, including three off a corner kick with just under 18 minutes to play.

“The second half we came out a little flat. I think we certainly had two or three real good chances to score, especially on that flurry in front of the goal,” Mazeitis said. “That changes the face of the game if we poke one of those in.”

But the Spires couldn’t and the Warriors were right there to take advantage. Sterling had scored with 30 minutes left in the game on a penalty kick. The penalty was a questionable one and that goal, Mazeitis said, was a blow to his squad’s morale.

“That penalty kick really deflated us. It was not a very good call ... when you have the coach of the other team coming up telling you that was a bogus (you know it’s bad),” Mazeitis said. “That really took the wind out of our sails. If it’s 1-0 going into the second half of the second half, we were playing confident enough that we probably could have created more to get in there.”

Sterling tacked another goal on with nine minutes to play to bring the score to its final 3-0. Despite the loss, Mazeitis said his boys really didn’t play too bad for a large portion of Friday’s game.

“I think that game was much closer than the 3-0 score,” Mazeitis said.

The Spires get just one day’s rest before hitting the field again, playing McPherson on Sunday at 4 p.m.

All photographs by Sara Mettlen.

Saint Mary’s Nolan Bohannon, a sophomore from Lansing, advances the ball for the Spires near midfield in the first half of Friday’s game against Sterling.

Alex Perica heads the ball to gain control for the Spires in the first half of Friday's match up with Sterling. The Spires fell 3-0 in the game.

Lansing native Drew Reynolds moves the ball down the far sideline for Saint Mary in their conference loss to Sterling on Friday afternoon. The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed due to rain.

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PREVIEW: STERLING AT TABOR

Today, Sterling hits the road again for an important conference game against the Tabor Bluejays in Hillsboro KS. Tabor currently sits in second place in the conference at 3-1-1, while Sterling is tied for third (with Ottawa) at 4-2. Tabor has a game in hand as their game this week with Friends was rained out and rescheduled for November 5th. Sterling's game against St. Mary was also rained out, but was played yesterday.

Today's game could go a long way toward deciding conference position and therefore home field advantage and first round byes in the upcoming playoffs. Tabor still has to play K-Dub (6-0 in conference), Bethel (3-3) and Friends (2-3). Sterling faces McPherson (3-2-1) and Friends (2-3).

Tabor and Sterling have five common opponents to date and the scores have been very similar.

Central Christian College lost to Tabor 2-0 and to Sterling 3-0. Tabor beat St. Mary 7-3, Sterling won 3-0. Bethany was defeated 3-1 by Tabor, 4-1 by Sterling. Southwestern lost 5-2 to Tabor and 6-2 to Sterling. Tabor's lone conference loss to date was to Ottawa 2-1, while Sterling was defeated 2-0.

Last year, Sterling prevailed over Tabor when Ryan Covey scored at the 87 minute mark. In 2006, Covey notched a hat trick in Sterling's 3-0 victory and in 2005, Mark Palmer and Charlie Sewell scored as Sterling won 2-0.

Tabor's leading scorers this season are Andy Adrian (8 goals, 1 assist) and Silas Hibbs (7 goals, 4 assists).

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10-24-08: STERLING @ ST. MARY

WARRIORS TOP SPIRES 3-0

10/25/2008 - The Sterling men's soccer team traveled to the University of St. Mary on Friday and turned in a 3-0 win against the Spires, lifting the Warriors to 10-4 on the season and 4-2 in conference play. Sterling got on the board in the 34th minute when Godfrey Miheso slipped a header to Mladen Bjelica who burried a shot into the low left corner of the net. That proved to be the lone goal of the first half. Fifteen minutes into the second frame, the Warriors were awarded a PK that Justin Martens converted for a 2-0 lead. Ryan Covey rounded out the scoring when he found the back of the net in the 81st minute on an assist from Bjelica. The Warriors travel to Hillsboro, KS on Saturday to take on the Bluejays of Tabor College.

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* * * BREAKING NEWS * * *

KCACsports.com is reporting that Sterling defeated the University of St. Mary by a score of 3 - 0. I do not yet know who scored/assisted the goals or played keeper. Stay tuned for updates.

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PROFILE: THOMAS CALVERT

THOMAS CALVERT # 18

Position: Midfield

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

High School: Maize High School

Coach's Comments: A Maize High School product, Calvert has proven to have a great understanding of the game and a continued desire to learn. He should earn some valuable minutes this year as a freshman wich will enable him to continue to grow as a player and be a major contributor for years to come at Sterling.


Class: Freshman


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NATIONAL STATISTICS LEADERS

The following Sterling players are included in the NAIA national statistics, as of 10/22/08:

Ryan Covey Ranks Number 10 in Shots on Goal per Game (2.690)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 12 in Goals per Game (1.080)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 13 in Points per Game (2.540)
Mladen Bjelica Ranks Number 20 in Assists per Game (0.620)
Jorge Bueso Ranks Number 30 in Game Winning Goals per Game (0.230)
Ryan Covey Ranks Number 31 in Shots per Game (3.920)

In the team statistics, Sterling is ranked:

Number 10 in Assists per Game (2.620)
Number 20 in Goals per Game (2.850)

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CONFERENCE STATISTICS LEADERS

The KCAC individual statistical leaders as of 10/22/08, include the following Sterling Warriors:

Points per game: 1st-Ryan Covey, 5th-Jorge Bueso, 10th-Mladen Bjelica, 14th-Justin Martens, 16th-Shawn Sajjadi

Goals per game: 1st-Ryan Covey, 5th-Jorge Bueso, 11th-Justin Martens

Assists per game: 1st-Mladen Bjelica, 6th-Shawn Sajjadi, 8th-Ryan Covey, 9th-Jordan Miller, 12th-Aaron Baker, 14th-Jorge Bueso

Game Winning Goals: 2nd-Jorge Bueso, 5th-Ryan Covey, tied 10th-Shawn
Sajjadi

Saves Per Game: 7th-Zach Hallen

Goals Against Average: 6th-Zach Hallen

In the team statistics lists, Sterling ranks:

1st in the conference in goals
1st in assists
3rd in shots
3rd in shots on goal
7th in goalkeeper saves
6th in fewest goals allowed
8th in most shutouts

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PROFILE: IVAN SANABRIA

IVAN SANABRIA # 17

Position: Midfield

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

High School: Bowie High School

Club Team: Dallas Texans

Coach's Comments: Though smaller in stature, Ivan is not afraid to challenge any ball against any opponent. As a flank player in the midfield he will provide solid support in our attack. Ivan also possesses the ability to strike a great ball when given the chance.

Major: Business

Class: Sophomore
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STERLING @ ST. MARY

The University of St. Mary website page for their men's soccer schedule (http://www.gospires.com/soccer_men/schedules-scores.asp) indicates that the game postponed on 10/22 will be played Friday, October 24th at 3 pm.
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* * * BREAKING NEWS * * *

KCACsports.com reports that today's men's and women's games versus St. Mary's in Leavenworth KS were postponed, as were the Friends at Tabor games in Hillsboro KS. Women's games between KWU/Ottawa and Bethel/Bethany were played, so probably the men's games for those schools will also be played.

This may explain why the games in Leavenworth and Hillsboro were not played:

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED FLOOD WATCH NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL MO 402 PM CDT WED OCT 22 2008 . . . MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN POSSIBLE ACROSS EXTREME NORTHEASTERN KANSAS AND NORTHWESTERN MISSOURI TONIGHT .... A POWERFUL STORM SYSTEM HAS DEVELOPED ACROSS THE WESTERN PLAINS TODAY AND HAS SENT A COLD FRONT EAST WHICH STALLED ALONG THE KANSAS MISSOURI BORDER. ALONG THIS FRONT A LARGE AREA OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL HAS DEVELOPED. THESE STORMS WILL BE ORIENTED PARALLEL TO THE FRONT AND ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUALLY REGENERATE THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS. THIS IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE HEAVY RAIN AT TIMES WHICH MAY LEAD TO FLOODING ACROSS THE WATCH AREA.

* FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF KANSAS AND MISSOURI...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS ... IN KANSAS ... ATCHISON KS ... DONIPHAN ... JOHNSON KS ... LEAVENWORTH AND WYANDOTTE. IN MISSOURI ... BUCHANAN ... CLAY ... CLINTON ... JACKSON AND PLATTE.*
THROUGH LATE TONIGHT
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PREVIEW: STERLING @ ST MARY'S

Today, the Sterling College Warriors play the University of Saint Mary Spires in Leavenworth KS at 4 pm. Sterling currently stands at 9 wins, 4 losses overall with 3 wins, 2 losses in the conference. USM has 2 wins, 10 losses, 1 tie overall, but has 2 wins, 3 losses in the conference.

Last year, Sterling defeated USM 4-2 in Sterling with goals by Justin Martens, Mladen Bjelica (2) and Ryan Covey. In 2006, Sterling won 1-0 on a Charlie Sewell goal in the second overtime and in 2005, Sterling was awarded a 1-0 win when USM forfeited after the game was originally called due to lightning, then rescheduled to a later date.

Sterling and USM have two common non-conference opponents. Sterling defeated York NE 2-1, USM lost 0-1; Sterling beat Central Christian KS 3-0, USM lost 0-3. USM's two conference victories have been shutouts against teams that have scored on Sterling. Although USM had a rough non-conference stretch of games, both victories have been achieved in the conference at home.

It looks like weather could be a factor, at least at the time I am writing this, according to the weather map on the right side.

PROFILE: DARIO VILLATORO

DARIO VILLATORO # 13

Position: Midfield

Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Previous School: Universidad Francisco Marroquin

High School: American School of Guatemala

Club Team: Camp Elite

Coach's Comments: As an international student, Dario brings great passion for the game of soccer. Dario is working hard to understand the differences in the US style of play and improve himself as a player. He will be assigned to midfield duties this year. He is a second generation Sterling College student in his family, as his father ran track at Sterling in the 1960's.

Class: Sophomore
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NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK RYAN COVEY

I have found the following additional stories regarding Sterling forward Ryan Covey being named NAIA National Offensive Soccer Player of the Week on October 14th.


This article is from the "Victory Sports Network"
(http://soccer.victorysportsnetwork.com/article.php?articleID=7942):

THIS WEEK IN NAIA SOCCER BY JASON DANNELLY

The NAIA Men's Soccer national weekly honors were announced Tuesday 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.

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.

I found this on "Sunflower Slate-Sports at Kansas' Small Colleges"
(http://blogs.kansas.com/statecolleges/2008/10/15/braden-dragomir-and-ryan-covey/):

BRADEN DRAGOMIR AND RYAN COVEY

Big props to Bethel football player Braden Dragomir and Sterling soccer player Ryan Covey for their national awards this week — Dragomir was named the NAIA special teams player of the week and Covey was the NAIA men’s soccer player of the week. Not bad work, fellas.

Dragomir made one field-goal attempt (52 yards), made 5 of 5 PAT attempts, and had 6 kickoffs for 310 yards (long 70 yards). The 52-yard field goal set a new school record for the longest field goal made, breaking a nine-year-old record set back in 1999.

Covey recorded a hat trick and two assists in Sterling’s 6-2 victory over Southwestern on Tuesday. Covey then again scored three goals in their 4-0 shutout over Bethel on Saturday. He now has scored thirteen goals and has five assists so far this season.

I got an e-mail about Dragomir earlier this week and let me say this . . . dude is a mini-media mogul in the making. He interns at KWCH for their morning newscast and is the sports editor for the campus newspaper. Good stuff. I suppose we’ll have to flip it on him and have him on here to do a Q&A.

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PROFILE: JORDAN MILLER

JORDAN MILLER # 11

Position: Defender

Hometown: Hutchinson KS

High School: Buhler High School

Coach's Comments: Jordan has a great work-ethic and is a great athlete. He will provide much needed leadership on our back line as the lone senior. His athleticism and tenacity enables him to mark any player we will face. Miller is one of our three captains.

Major: Business

Class: Senior
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TOP 25

2008 NAIA MEN’S SOCCER TOP 25 COACHES POLL – OCT. 21

1. Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.)
2. Oklahoma City University
3. Azusa Pacific University (Calif.)
4. University of Rio Grande (Ohio)
5. Hannibal-LaGrange College (Mo.)
6. Belhaven College (Miss.)
7. Simon Fraser University (B.C.)
8. Southern Nazarene University (Okla.)
9. McKendree University (Ill.)
10. University of Maine at Fort Kent
11. Notre Dame College (Ohio)
12. William Carey University (Miss.)
13. Benedictine College (Kan.)
14. Vanguard University (Calif.)
15. Bellevue University (Neb.)
16. Park University (Mo.)
17. Shorter College (Ga.)
18. Warner Southern College (Fla.)
19. Concordia University (Calif.)
20. University of the Cumberlands (Ky.)
21. Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.)
22. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Fla.)
23. Hastings College (Neb.)
24. Concordia University (Ore.)
25. University of Mobile (Ala.)

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NATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

MENZIES AND EHMAN NAMED MEN'S SOCCER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Oct. 21, 2008 - KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The NAIA Men's Soccer national weekly honors have been announced and Brion Ehman of Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) was announced as National Defensive Player of the Week while Lyall Menzies of Grand View (Iowa) was named National Offensive Player of the Week, for the week of Oct. 13-19.

Ehman, a 6-0 junior goalkeeper from Salamanca, N.Y., had a big week in goal for Roberts Wesleyan. Against West Virginia Tech, he had two saves in a 3-1 victory. He followed that with a seven-save performance as the Raiders upset then-No. 1 Rio Grande (Ohio) 1-0. In the team's third and final game of the week, Ehman was in goal for 80 minutes of Roberts Wesleyan's 5-1 win over Shawnee State (Ohio). For the week, Ehman had nine saves in 260 minutes and his team went 3-0.

Menzies, a 5-11 forward from Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada, was a force for Grand View last week. The senior netted three goals and added an assist in the Vikings' 4-2 win over St. Ambrose (Iowa). The hat trick was his third of the season. Menzies added a goal and assist later in the week, as Grand View downed Mount Mercy (Iowa) 2-1. For the week, Menzies had four goals, two assists and ten total points.

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CONFERENCE RATINGS

The NAIA's ratings for the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference for October 20th:

1. Kansas Wesleyan University (5-0 / 7-6-1)
2. Ottawa University (Kan.) (4-1 / 7-6-1)
3. Tabor College (Kan.) (3-1-1 / 6-7-1)
4. Sterling College (Kan.) (3-2 / 9-4)
5. McPherson College (Kan.) (2-2-1 / 5-7-1)

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KCAC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

KCAC Players of the Week for Week 6 have been announced.

WEEK 6 - KCAC MEN'S SOCCER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 5:05 PM - WICHITA, KS - Jose Garay of Kansas Wesleyan University and Brady Coffman of Bethel College recognized as the Week 6 KCAC Men's Soccer Players of the Week.

KCAC Offensive Player of the Week: Jose Garay, KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Mid-Fielder, 5-10, Junior, Palmdale, CA. He had 3 goals in two matches of the week: #1 at Friends University (KS), W-1-0, he had 1 goal. #2 vs. University of Saint Mary (KS), W-10-0, he had 2 goals. TEAM RECORDS: Week 2-0-0, Season overall 7-6-1. NOTES: He scored the game-winner against Friends, and against USM he played only 34 minutes.

KCAC Defensive Player of the Week (including Goalkeepers): Brady Coffman, BETHEL COLLEGE (KS), Goalkeeper, 6-0, Sophomore, Newton, KS. In two matches of the week, he had 6 saves with no shots on goal and allowed no goals in 180 minutes. TEAM MATCHES of week: #1 at McPherson College (KS), W-1-0, he had 5 saves with no shots on goal and no goals allowed in 90 minutes; #2 at Southwestern College (KS), W-3-0, he had 1 save with no shots on goal and no goals allowed in 90 minutes. TEAM RECORDS: Week 2-0-0, Season overall 2-10-0. NOTES: He recorded his first two shutouts of the season, as the Bethel Threshers had their first winning streak of the season.

NOTE BY KHC: Brady Coffman is a worthy candidate to be conference defender of the week. He led his team to its first two victories of the season--both shutouts, one over perennial power McPherson and one over Southwestern. The point of this note is how do you make 1 save in a game and 5 saves in another, without a shot on goal in either game?

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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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