The season got under way with a 3-0 victory over Taylor (Ind.) University followed by a 3-1 loss at Judson (Ill.) University, who finished the year ranked 13th in the final NAIA poll, as MVNU finished second at the Judson Tournament.

The following weekend the Cougars tied Cornerstone (Mich.) University 2-2 in double overtime but advanced in a shootout before falling 1-0 to Mid-Continent (Ky.) University, who was ranked 19th in the NAIA at the time, to finish second in their own First-Knox Cougar Invitational.

MVNU went 1-3-0 over its next four matches defeating Kenyon College 4-2, but falling 2-0 at Otterbein College, 1-0 in double overtime to Indiana Wesleyan University, and 3-0 to Ohio Dominican University, who was ranked 21st in the final NAIA poll.

The Cougars rebounded by posting four straight victories to improve to 6-5-1 as MVNU downed Seton Hill (Pa.) University, Malone College, Shawnee State University, and Cedarville University, the eventual National Christian College Athletic Association national runner-up.

However, down the stretch, the Cougars went 1-5-0 against the toughest part of their schedule to finish the year with a 7-10-1 record. Two of the losses came to teams ranked third in the NAIA at the time of the contests - the University of Rio Grande (1-0) and Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College (3-0) - while another loss was a 2-1 decision at Southeastern (Fla.) University, who went on to win the NCCAA Division II national title.

"Going into this season, I knew that we had the toughest schedule in our program’s history,” said MVNU head coach Paul Furey, who wrapped up his 17th season guiding the Cougars. "As it turned out, it was even stronger than I anticipated. Seven of our opponents showed up in the final NAIA poll including the top three teams (Judson, Indiana Wesleyan, and Mid-Continent) in the final NCCAA ranking. We also faced the NCCAA Division II national champs (Southeastern). Every match was a battle and we hung in there with the best. We just did not get the breaks you need to upset some of the top teams in the nation.”

Individually, six seniors wrapped up their careers for the Cougars. Forward Josh Van Pelt led the team with six goals and three assists as he closed his career ranked fourth in school history in goals (38), sixth in assists (27), and fifth in points (103).

Forward Jonathan Hoop registered three goals in his final season to finish his career with 18 goals and six assists, while forward Matt Dennie had two assists as he finished with five career goals and four career assists.

Midfielders Daniel Seiffert (two goals and two assists) and Aaron Caluza (one goal and two assists) also wrapped up their careers as Seiffert finished with six goals and six assists and Caluza tallied two goals and 11 assists during their time at MVNU. Goalkeeper Mark Brauen also added depth in goal for the Cougars in his first season on the team.

"Our seniors can take pride in going out with such a demanding challenge and competing strong in every match,” said Furey. "I am also so very pleased to see Josh and Daniel receive the recognition they did as they closed out their careers.”

Sophomore midfielder Adam Worrall registered four goals and three assists, while freshman midfielder Scott Spangler contributed one goal and four assists in his first season. Junior midfielder Adam Pelak and sophomore forward Sheldon Tugman each scored two goals apiece, and freshman midfielder Tyler Warwick found the back of the net once.

On the defensive end, juniors Mike Pertz and Matt Wilging led the way in anchoring the back line that posted three shutouts and allowed just 29 goals in 18 matches. Sophomore Zach Patterson and freshman Brady Swanson also contributed heavily to the team’s defensive success, while junior midfielder Isaac Bush and freshmen defenders Kirby Claxon and Ben Winkler added depth to the team.

Freshman goalkeeper Alex Stout saw action in 17 matches and started 16 in goal as he posted a 1.63 goals against average with two shutouts and 75 saves. Junior Nick Bias also started two matches and played in three matches in goal as he posted a 1.10 goals against average and one shutout. Freshman Dave Edinger also added depth at the goalkeeper position.

"I felt like we did a great job representing our university as we endeavored to demonstrate our faith on and off the field,” said Furey. "I was pleased that we received the Fair Play Award from our conference for the third time in the past five years. We also had the NCCAA Player of the Year. There were a number of things we can be proud of despite coming up short in attaining our goals. This was a good team that battled with the best. That’s not a bad way to go out.”