"Cougars Receive AMC and NCCAA Soccer Honors"

written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

   Five members of the Mount Vernon Nazarene College men’s soccer team were recently honored when the American Mideast Conference and the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region awards were announced.

   Josh Robson, a sophomore forward from Mansfield, Ohio, was selected to the AMC First Team and was the top vote-getter on the NCCAA All-East Region Team. The former Mansfield Madison High School star has set MVNC single-season records with 31 goals and 74 total points so far in 1998. Robson is also tied for second on the team with 12 assists.

   Todd Pearce, a junior midfielder from South Amherst, Ohio, joined Robson on the NCCAA All-East Region Team and was named to the AMC Second Team. The former Open Door Christian School standout leads the team with a school-record 16 assists and has also added 11 goals for 38 total points.

   Matt Salisbury, a junior defender from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, joined Pearce on the AMC Second Team and was also a member of the NCCAA All-East Region Team. Salisbury has played a key role in the Cougars’ school-record 12 shutouts this season with his play at the sweeper position. He has also scored three goals and added two assists.

   Josh Bush, a senior goalkeeper from Mount Vernon, Ohio, received Honorable Mention in the AMC. The former Mount Vernon High School product has set a new single-season school record with 12 shutouts in 1998, while currently sporting a .83 goals against average.

   Preston Elifritz, a freshman midfielder from Fletcher, Ohio, also received Honorable Mention in the AMC. The former Miami East High School star has started in all 24 matches in his first collegiate season and ranks third on the team in goals (8) and total points (28). He is also tied for second in assists with 12.

   MVNC is currently 17-7 overall. The Cougars won the NCCAA East Region Tournament and will advance to the 1998 NCCAA National Tournament in Pensacola, Florida. The team will face fifth-seeded Lee (TN) University in their opening match on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.