"Last season was a pretty special year for us and that success has whet our appetite for this season,” said MVNU head coach Paul Furey, who enters his 19th season leading the Cougars with a 205-147-26 record. "We have a solid core of players returning and their expectations and goals are high which should make for an exciting year.”

Defense was a strength for MVNU in 2007 as the Cougars allowed a school record-low 17 goals in 22 matches. Junior goalkeeper Alex Stout returns after setting one school record with a microscopic 0.78 goals against average and tying another school mark with 10 shutouts. He was named to the American Mideast Conference South Division Second Team for his efforts. Sophomore Tyson Porter will add depth at the position.

"Alex had impressive numbers last year which will be tough to top,” said Furey. "However, I think he is better and more mature and will do a superb job between the posts. Tyson is a hard-working backup who will be ready if his number is called.”

Senior Zach Patterson (1 goal, 1 assist) leads a veteran back line that will look to pick up right where they left off last year by posting 12 shutouts in 22 matches. Patterson was an NCCAA First Team All-American and an AMC South Division Second Team selection. Juniors Brady Swanson (4 goals, 1 assist) and Tyler Warwick (3 assists) along with sophomore Kemar Jackson (2 goals) also return after each playing a significant role in last season’s defensive success that saw Swanson chosen as an AMC South Division Honorable Mention pick. Junior Kirby Claxon should earn quality minutes in a reserve role, and freshmen Steve Wilging and Tony Yoder will provide additional depth.

"Our back line is as athletic as any and they do a great job of limiting shots and not allowing attackers to get in behind them,” said Furey. "Zach brings size, speed, and strength, and his solid technical ability makes him tough to beat. Brady is extremely athletic and terrific in the air. Zach and Brady combine for a solid central defense in the middle. Tyler and Kemar bring athleticism and the threat to get forward on the outside. They are different in style but both equally effective in getting down the flank and in containing crafty wingers.”

Three starters return for MVNU in the midfield. Junior Scott Spangler (3 goals, 5 assists) was an AMC South Division Second Team selection and an NCCAA Second Team All-American, while junior Chris Mast (3 goals, 2 assists) was named to the AMC South Division Honorable Mention list and chosen as an NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American. Sophomore Cody Snouffer (4 goals, 4 assists) also had a strong postseason run to cap a good first college season, while sophomore Jake Reber (1 goal, 2 assists) also played in 20 matches in his first year. Sophomores Nick Bryan (1 assist) and Steve Armstrong along with freshmen Kyle Maxam, Dustin Snow, and Eric Young will all compete for time in the midfield.

"Scott, Chris, Cody, and Jake are all capable of scoring and are a threat down the flank, but more importantly are a coach’s delight in terms of work ethic,” said Furey. "Scott is the field general and creator. Chris and Cody are both crafty and dangerous in the box. Jake will provide stability in the defensive midfield along with Kyle, while Dustin will add depth in the center midfield. Eric will challenge for time both on the outside and as a frontrunner.”

Up front, the Cougars will look for scoring production out of six players in the forward spot. Senior Adam Worrall, who led the team with 10 goals and was named an NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American despite playing in just 12 matches last year, will look to lead the attack. Sophomore Rockey Cane (4 goals), senior Sheldon Tugman (4 goals), and junior Scott Forster (3 goals) will each look to find the back of the net on a more consistent basis, while sophomore Wade Foley and freshman Chris Allen should also see time up front.

"Adam will be a marked man after leading us in scoring while playing in just half our matches last year,” said Furey. "He brings all the tools of a great goal scorer and will be a big part of our team’s aspirations for the season. Rockey has stepped up from his freshman year and brings pace and vitality in the attacking half. Sheldon is a crafty forward with a lethal shot, and Scott should add depth to the scoring core with his ability in the air and his technical accuracy. Wade has shown improvement and will fight for minutes up front, while Chris is an unknown and may surprise some with his quickness and skill in the attacking third.”

MVNU will begin the season with two matches at the Bryan Tournament against the host Lions and Campbellsville (Ky.) University before returning home to host the annual First-Knox Cougar Invitational on September 5-6 with Manhattan Christian (Kan.) College, Asbury (Ky.) College, and Nyack (N.Y.) College making up the four-team field. The Cougars will also square off with Kenyon College, Cincinnati Christian University, and Ashland University in non-conference matches.

MVNU will also look to vie for the AMC title after finishing fourth last year with a 2-3-1 mark in the rugged AMC South Division. There are no longer divisions in the AMC this year with each team playing the other 11 conference teams once. The University of Rio Grande, ranked 10th in the NAIA preseason poll, Ohio Dominican University (No. 14), Notre Dame College (receiving votes), and Houghton (N.Y.) College are listed as the top four teams in the AMC preseason ranking with the Cougars starting the year fifth. The top six teams in the AMC regular-season standings will qualify for the AMC Tournament with the regular-season champion assured of a berth in the NAIA National Tournament First Round and a second berth in the NAIA National Tournament First Round on the line in the AMC Tournament under the new direct qualification postseason plan.

"I am really excited to be a part of this group,” said Furey. "Sure, I think we have great potential, but there is a greater reward in working with young men you enjoy being with and who will work hard for you and the team. We again have a unique and healthy team dynamic that brings this group tightly together. It may be their common will to succeed, their likeable personalities, or their faith, but they appear focused and together - determined to make this season like no other on and off the field.”