MVNU began the year by winning five of the team’s first six matches with the only loss coming at NCAA Division I Liberty (Va.) University. Then, the team went 2-3-1 over its next six matches as the Cougars’ record stood at 7-4-1. Two of those losses came by one goal, while the other loss was by two goals.

MVNU closed out the regular season with a 5-1-1 mark with the only loss coming 2-0 to Ohio Dominican University, who was ranked fifth in the NAIA at the time. The Cougars went 4-0-1 against teams from the American Mideast Conference North Division including a 1-0 overtime road victory over AMC North Division champion Notre Dame College. However, in the AMC South Division standings, MVNU finished fourth with a 2-3-1 conference mark to come up just short of making the conference playoffs.

The Cougars turned their attention to the NCCAA East Region Tournament where MVNU edged Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) College 1-0 to earn the team’s first berth into the NCCAA National Tournament since 2002.

At the NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida, the Cougars posted a 3-1 victory over Greenville (Ill.) College in the first round. In the semifinals, MVNU battled Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) University to a scoreless draw through regulation and two overtime periods, but Palm Beach Atlantic advanced to the championship match with a 4-2 victory in a shootout. However, the Cougars bounced back to knock off NAIA No. 12 and NCCAA top seed Indiana Wesleyan University 2-1 to earn third place in the tournament and close out the season on a winning note.

“This was really an enjoyable and special year for the MVNU men’s soccer program,” said head coach Paul Furey. “Although we did not attain all of our goals, we really achieved a number of memorable accomplishments. It was nice to get back to the NCCAA National Tournament, and how we played there was something special. In essence, we didn’t lose a match, and although we didn’t advance to the title match, we defeated the top seed to claim third place. We were 2-2 against NAIA Top 25 teams and probably should have been 3-1. We had a record-setting defense allowing just 17 goals. We also had our highest power ranking (Longo), which indicates we had a tough schedule and did well with it. We also finished fifth national in the NCCAA poll and fifth in the NAIA Region IX poll.”

Individually, six seniors wrapped up their careers for the Cougars. Forward Steve Lesmes registered four goals and a team-high 11 assists, while midfielders Aaron Caluza (two goals and two assists) and Adam Pelak (six assists) both contributed to the offensive attack. Matt Wilging anchored the back line on defense and added one goal and one assist, while Isaac Bush tallied one goal and one assist off the bench. Seth Taylor, a midfielder, also finished with one goal and one assist before having his season come to an end due to an injury in the seventh game.

“Our success on the field was largely due to the quality of people we had on this team,” said Furey. “It was an unselfish, fun group to be a part of. We competed in every match and always came ready to play. I credit the leadership of our captain, Matt, and the other five seniors for helping us stay focused and unified. This was certainly one of my most enjoyable teams to coach.”

Junior forward Adam Worrall had a good season despite missing 10 matches due to injuries. He finished the year with a team-leading 10 goals in just 12 matches to also go with two assists. Junior forward Sheldon Tugman and freshman forward Rockey Cane both added four goals, and sophomore forward Scott Forster scored three goals. Freshmen Steve Armstrong and Wade Foley also saw some action off the bench.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alex Stout put together a record-setting season in net for the Cougars as he set a new school record with a microscopic 0.78 goals against average. He also tied the school record for shutouts in a season with 10 as the team finished with 12 shutouts overall. Freshman Dustin Kaufman saw action in two matches and did not allow a goal as he also posted one shutout.

Defensively, junior Zach Patterson (one goal and one assist), sophomores Brady Swanson (four goals and one assist) and Tyler Warwick (three assists), and freshman Kemar Jackson (two goals) joined with Wilging to break the school record for fewest goals allowed in a season with 17 - five goals fewer than the previous record of 22 set three times. Sophomores Kirby Claxon and Ben Winkler also saw some action off the bench.

In the midfield, sophomores Scott Spangler (three goals and five assists) and Chris Mast (three goals and two assists) and freshman Cody Snouffer (four goals and four assists) helped set up the offensive attack for MVNU. Freshmen Jake Reber (one goal and two assists) and Nick Bryan (one assist) also added depth at the position.

“This season was not without its trying times,” said Furey. “We lost three key players to injuries including our leading scorer, Adam. Yet, we had other players step up and help get the job done. When we lost a heart-breaking match at Shawnee State, the players responded positively and never stopped believing that we could make something special of the season and we did. This was a year that the guys can be proud of and one that will help propel us to new challenges and accomplishments next year with a tremendous returning group.”