2007 SEASON PREVIEW
The thing that jumps right of the page when you look at the upcoming MidAmerica Nazarene University Men's Soccer season is the NAIA National Tournament. Having been selected by the NAIA as the host institution, MNU has the honor and privilege of accepting an automatic bid into the 20-team National Tournament in November. This will be a first for the young program and is something that the team is extremely excited about. "This is a great honor and stepping stone for our program," says Coach Kevin Wardlaw. In his 5th season at MNU, Coach Wardlaw has already led the program to two NCCAA National Titles. The task at hand is much greater as the team prepares to enter season play in one of the toughest conferences in the country, the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).
Experience is the key for the Pioneers. They will return all but three starters from last year's team that finished the season as NCCAA National Champions. Gone is 4-time All-American Luis Licerio and those shoes will not be easy to fill. Making an attempt at such a feat is a group of very experienced seniors. Leading the pack is last year's NCCAA/NSCAA 1st Team All-American Jose (Lara) Sibrian. Lara will be looked at to provide great leadership as he continues in his roll at the center midfield position. Joining Lara is Jeff Christensen, a 4 year starter who will be asked to man the back line as he tries to improve on his 2nd Team All-Conference selection from last year. Another defender with experience will be Kyle Sloan. A consistent starter for the last 2 years, Kyle will be asked to bring that relentless work rate and tough-nosed defending that has made him a vital part of the team's success throughout his career. Dave Richards will graduate in December and could be moved around a bit from last year. His versatility and maturity will be a key for the team to succeed. Rounding out the senior class is Renaldo Canady. A consistent performer off the bench last year, Renaldo could challenge for a starting spot if he comes in ready to go. His speed and athleticism are a big strength and should see him end his career with a strong contribution to the back line.
Also returning as starters from last year's team are juniors Seth Turner, Victor Ramirez, and Jon Lemmon. Seth and Victor both saw a lot of the injury bug, but are both back and looking poised to have breakout years. Jon returns as the teams second leading points scorer that saw him garner 2nd Team All-Conference and NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American honors at the forward position. Alec Lemmon leads a sophomore class that also includes Tyler Alexander and part time starter from last year, Aaron Mentesana. Alec returns as the team's leading scorer and he was named NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American as a freshman.
Newcomers expected to immediately contend for starting spots are transfers Lucas Rodriguez, Jesse Smith, and Jim Mace. Lucas and Jesse join MNU after stellar careers at Johnson County Community College. Jim comes from Meramec Junior College and will contend for the open GK spot along with freshmen, Matt Gow (Springfield SC) and Brett Olendorf. Leading the Freshman class will be a handful of guys hoping to provide an immediate impact on MNU's program. Coady Andrews (KC Legends), Josh Grimes (KC Legends), Cam Cundiff (KC Comets), Kyle Edwards (KC Comets), Eric Warman (Swanner United) and Kent Sloan (Genesis, OK) will be challenged to step up and provide much needed depth for the team as they take on a very tough schedule that includes five teams mentioned in the NAIA pre-season national poll.
The pieces are in place and the challenge for the MNU Men's Soccer team is to put it all together and see if they can add to the legacy of Pioneer Soccer that has risen from mediocrity in a very short time.
