MVNU posted a 7-10-1 overall record and a 4-4-0 mark in the highly-competitive American Mideast Conference South Division last year despite playing against opponents who compiled a 199-123-33 overall record (.607 winning percentage). Seven of the Cougars’ opponents were in the final NAIA poll and one other team (Southeastern University) won the National Christian College Athletic Association Division II national title.

Head coach Paul Furey, who is entering his 18th season at MVNU with a 191-142-23 record at the helm, returns 15 players from last year’s roster and has added 10 talented newcomers to the mix as the team prepares to begin the new campaign.

"With 16 underclassmen, it would appear that we are a young squad, but in reality we have a nice blend of youth and experience,” said Furey. "Our returning core of players has looked solid, and we once again feel that we have added a promising recruiting class. Those two groups have come together nicely and should lead to a very cohesive team that is ready to compete.”

Sophomore Alex Stout returns as the starting goalkeeper after starting in 16 matches last season and posting a 1.63 goals against average with two shutouts while being an AMC South Division Honorable Mention pick. Freshman Dustin Kaufman will also provide depth at the position.

"Alex returns as a starter between the posts and will only be better from what was a good freshman season,” said Furey. "Dustin was a late addition, but he was the final necessary piece to our recruiting class.”

Defensively, the Cougars will be led by senior Matt Wilging, junior Zach Patterson, and sophomores Brady Swanson and Tyler Warwick. Freshman Kemar Jackson, senior Isaac Bush, and sophomores Kirby Claxon and Ben Winkler will also compete for playing time on the back line, while freshman Steve Armstrong can play either in the back or in the midfield.

"Our back line will be one of our most athletic ever,” said Furey. "Matt and Zach return as regular starters, while Brady and Tyler were in the top 11 a number of times last year and are match-proven. The four provide a balance of strength and speed and can create fits for opposing attackers. Kemar is a welcome addition from Jamaica with a lot of ability who is capable of stepping right into the mix, while Isaac, Kirby, and Ben are all hard-working returning defenders.”

MVNU has a lot of depth in the midfield which has given Furey a number of options as the team prepares to open the 2007 season. Seniors Aaron Caluza, Adam Pelak, and Seth Taylor all return for their final season to lead the group. Sophomores Scott Spangler, an AMC South Division Honorable Mention pick in 2006, and Chris Mast bring their flair and creativity to the center of the field, while freshmen Jake Reber, Cody Snouffer, and Nick Bryan appear ready and capable to contribute.

"We have at least six midfielders who can start,” said Furey. "That tells me that we have some pretty decent players coming in off the bench.”

Offensively, junior Adam Worrall will move up from the midfield to a forward spot after being named to the AMC South Division Second Team last year. Senior Steven Lesmes, who played for the Cougars as a freshman, returns to the lineup and will join Worrall up front. Junior Sheldon Tugman, sophomore Scott Forster, and freshmen Rockey Cane and Wade Foley also add scoring depth.

"I hope we have overcome our scoring woes from a year ago,” said Furey, referring to the fact that the team scored just 22 goals in 18 matches last season. "Right now, I feel pretty good about our scoring chances. Adam has all the tools to produce up front, and Steve is a work engine, who is creative and determined. They have worked well together in the preseason and could become a tandem to be reckoned with.”

"Sheldon is technically sharp, while Scott brings more of a tactical element on the front line,” Furey added. "Both are viable options off the bench along with Rockey, who is a very busy player with a sense for the goal. Wade has worked hard and can develop into a college goal scorer.”

MVNU will begin the season with a three-match swing through Virginia with non-conference matches at Bluefield, Southern Virginia University, and Liberty University, an NCAA Division I school. The team will also play non-conference matches against Malone College, Kenyon College, Notre Dame College, Cincinnati Christian University, Franciscan University, Daemen (N.Y.) College, and Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) College. In addition, the team will host the annual First-Knox Cougar Invitational which will feature Great Lakes Christian (Mich.) College, Campbellsville (Ky.) University, and Grace (Ind.) College.

Besides the team’s non-conference schedule, the Cougars will compete for the AMC South Division title. The University of Rio Grande, which is ranked fourth in the NAIA preseason poll, is considered the front-runner in the conference race, while Ohio Dominican University is ranked 23rd. MVNU will also play conference matches against Cedarville University, Walsh University, Shawnee State University, and Urbana University.

"Our schedule this year does not match the challenge of last year’s, but it is still a tough one,” said Furey. "We will face three of the top teams in the AMC North Division in Roberts Wesleyan, Notre Dame, and Daemen, and we will play our first regular-season match with a Division I school (Liberty). As always, our conference slate will prove challenging with several nationally-ranked teams.”

"I think we could have something special with this team,” Furey added. "Time will tell, but we have many qualities in this group that I like, and that could lead to one of our best seasons in years.”