Yoder, a defender from Berlin, Ohio, scored four goals and added four assists in 20 matches as a senior at Hiland High School as he also helped the team post five shutouts. The two-year letterwinner was selected as Hiland’s Mr. Soccer as a senior as well as earned a spot on the Tri-County First Team and the Greater Akron Soccer Coaches Association Second Team.

“Damon is a hard-working defender who we believe can add depth to our back line,” said MVNU coach Paul Furey. “As he gains experience, he can be a solid collegiate player.”

“Damon’s determination to want to play college soccer impressed me,” Furey added. “He will fit nicely into our program and our university as a student-athlete and a Christian young man.”

“There are several reasons why I chose to attend MVNU,” said Yoder of his college choice. “I wanted to come because I like the small school feeling and I also wanted to be around an hour from my hometown. In addition, I really wanted to be a part of a soccer team that has accomplished a lot, and I wanted to further my love of soccer.”

MVNU had a record-setting season in 2008 as the Cougars finished the year with an 18-4-2 overall record and an 8-1-2 mark in the American Mideast Conference. The team was ranked No. 7 in the final NAIA poll - the highest ranking in school history. MVNU qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the first time as well and advanced all the way to the Final Four to become the first team in school history in any sport to go that far.