This year's group of seniors have helped the MVNU men's soccer program post a 58-22-8 record over the past four years for a .705 winning percentage. The Cougars captured the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region title in 2007 and 2009 and advanced all the way to the NAIA National Championship Final Four in 2008.

Felipe Correa Ferreira, a midfielder from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has seen action in three matches for the Cougars over the past two years including one contest this year.

"Felipe came and tried out in the spring of 2008 and has been with us ever since,” said MVNU coach Paul Furey. "He is a favorite around campus and on the team because of his kind and sincere spirit and his always friendly and welcoming smile. He is a true Christian gentleman and it has been a pleasure to have him on the team.”

Tyson Porter, a goalkeeper from Mansfield, Ohio, has played in 13 matches with 10 starts in his two seasons with the Cougars. This season, the former Lexington High School product has played in 10 matches with nine starts and has posted one shutout and a 2.14 goals against average. He has also posted a 3.36 grade point average in the classroom.

"After playing in 2008, Tyson did not play last season but returned to the squad and trained with us this past spring,” said Furey. "It really has been quite a comeback as he earned the starting job in goal mid-season. He has come a long way in many facets of his game, but he has come even further as a person in his spiritual walk.”

Wade Foley, a forward from Bethel, Ohio, has played in 15 matches for the Cougars over the past four years and has scored two goals and registered one assist. This season, the former Bethel-Tate High School graduate has played in nine matches and scored one goal.

"Wade has brought many good laughs to the team over the past four years, but I also saw him as a hard-working and scrappy player who had the potential to really contribute,” said Furey. "Unfortunately, some injuries hampered that potential. Still, Wade has maintained an upbeat approach and has continued to work hard.”

Nick Bryan, a midfielder from Jamestown, Ohio, has played in 47 matches over the past four years with 10 starts. The former Greeneview High School standout has recorded one goal and one assist in his career and has played in 12 matches this season with six starts. He has also posted a 3.38 grade point average in the classroom.

"Nick has been one of the most likable guys I have coached over the years,” said Furey. "He has an easy-going personality and demeanor that is tough even for a coach to get made at. He is a very good technical player with a terrific shot. He has been a solid team player. Although we may have not always seen eye to eye regarding playing time, he maintained an unselfish approach to things.”

Steve Armstrong, a defender from Mansfield, Ohio, has played in 66 career matches over the past four years with 42 career starts. The former Mansfield Christian School product has registered two career assists, and he was the Most Valuable Player of the 2008 First-Knox Cougar Invitational. This season, he has started all 16 matches on the back line. He has also posted a 3.12 grade point average.

"Steve saw very little playing time as a freshman, but he continued to work hard and develop and he contributed quality minutes in every match as a sophomore including playing in the NAIA semifinals in California,” said Furey. "As a junior, we switched him from the midfield back to defense and that is where he has played almost every minute since. He is a model of what hard work and dedication can bring, and he has also developed so much as a person and matured in his faith.”

Jake Reber, a midfielder from Hilton, N.Y., has played in 81 matches over the past four years with 59 starts. The former Hilton High School graduate has compiled two career goals and seven career assists including starting all 16 matches this year and dishing out two assists. He was also a member of the NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete Teams last year and has posted a 3.79 grade point average.

"Jake kind of marches to the beat of his own drum,” said Furey. "Not in a rebellious way, but his way. What is Jake's way? It is treating people with respect and kindness. It is being an excellent student in the classroom. It is being a quiet leader. And it is being a four-year player who has had a major impact on our team's success, but always behind the scenes. The Jakes of the world are hard to come by, and we've been blessed to have had one for the past four years.”

Cody Snouffer, a forward from Delaware, Ohio, has played in all 88 matches for the team the past four years and made 81 starts. The former Delaware Christian School star has registered 25 career goals and ranks tenth in school history with 24 career assist to stand at 74 career points. This season, he has started all 16 matches and tallied six goals and four assists. In addition to being an AMC Second Team and an NCCAA Second Team All-American pick last year, he was also an NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete with a 3.91 grade point average.

"Cody has had an outstanding college soccer career as a four-year starter for us,” said Furey. "But there is so much more to him than just being a terrific player for us. We have all become better people and stronger Christians by his influence. He is an excellent student, a very effective communicator, and a tremendous leader. But most of all, he just loves the Lord and that is evident in all he does.”

Kemar Jackson, a defender/forward from St. Catherine, Jamaica, has played in 86 matches with 72 starts over the past four years. The former Wolmers High School standout has scored 17 career goals to go with six career assists, while also helping to anchor a back line that has posted 48 shutouts during his career. This season, he leads the team with 10 goals and two assists while starting all 16 matches. Among his many honors, Jackson was an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and an NCCAA Second Team All-American last year, and he was also named to the NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete Team with a 3.56 grade point average.

"Kemar has really been a special player for us,” said Furey. "As an outside back, he has had a huge impact on matches. He has a will to win that elevates his game to get the needed result. He has earned the respect of opposing teams and coaches. I knew that Kemar was going to be a good player for us, but he has brought so much more to our campus community. I am proud of his academic excellence, how he has adjusted to a new culture, and how he has become a quality leader.”

The Cougars will enter Wednesday's match with a 9-6-1 overall record and a 3-2-1 AMC mark. A win over the Yellow Jackets would clinch a berth in the four-team AMC Tournament for MVNU.