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Cougars Land All-State Goalkeeper from Michigan
written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's soccer has landed a key recruit for the 2003 season with the addition of Jordan Knight.

Knight, a goalkeeper from Kentwood, Michigan, has decided to further his education and continue his soccer career at MVNU following a stellar career at East Kentwood High School. As a senior, Knight set state records for most shutouts in a season with 16 in 23 matches and a .286 goals against average. For his efforts, he was selected to the All-Conference, All-District, and All-Region First Teams and the All-State Second Team.

"To say that signing Jordan is big is almost an understatement," said MVNU head coach Paul Furey. "Goalkeeping is such a critical position for a soccer team, and it is a good feeling to know that you have a quality individual to step in and fill some big shoes (left by Trevor Knowles, a graduating All-American). It is no doubt a challenge for any player to come in and replace a graduating All-American, but I believe Jordan has the ability, determination, and character to step in and be a great asset to our program."

"Ideally, as I have searched for a goalkeeper over the past year and a half, I looked for a technically sound player who has proven himself in stiff competition," Furey added. "Equally important, though, was to bring in an individual who is a quality person from a solid Christian upbringing who embraced the standards and values of Christian higher education and would fit in well on our team and in our campus environment. Jordan was unquestionably that goalkeeper, and we are thrilled to have him next fall."

In addition to his achievements on the soccer field, Knight has also been active in his local church youth group.

"There are three main reasons why I chose MVNU," said Knight of his college choice. "The Christian atmosphere of the school was the top reason, and MVNU has an exceptional soccer program. They also have a great education department."

The Cougars recently finished the 2002 season with a 15-8-0 overall record. MVNU also finished third in the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament as the team made its fourth appearance in the event in the past five seasons.