men's
soccer
Season Review
The men’s soccer season had a lot of ups and downs in 2009. Some of the memorable moments include leading in games against Moody, Providence, and Emmaus; beating defending 2008 ACCA national champion Central Christian College of the Bible, and setting a school record for consecutive shutouts in a row (3), as well as most shutouts in a season (10). Unfortunately the Eagles suffered a number of serious injuries including broken bones and concussions, but fought through the struggles to earn another regular season second place finish in the North Central Region. For the seventh time in the last nine years the Faith men’s soccer team won at least ten games in a season as they went 10-10-1 in 2009.
The men’s soccer team did a good job of maintaining a Christ-centered focus on and off the field throughout the season. They were also able to take advantage of an outreach opportunity during one of their road trips. Midway through the season the team travelled to Oak Grove Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS where they spent two nights in the church while helping in the Sunday morning service and running a soccer outreach ministry in the afternoon. From there the team travelled to Berean Christian School in Olathe, KS where they spent time with students competing in some games and presenting a short message from the Bible.
Four Eagles were selected to the 2009 All-Region team. Freshman forward Aaron Jones (13 goals and 7 assists), sophomore defender Seth Bean (1 goal and 1 assist), senior defender and second time All-Region selection Ryan Sauser (4 goals and 4 assists), and senior midfielder and also second time All-Region selection Scott Nilius (7 goals and 1 assist).
- Coach Gary Backous
Men's Soccer Season Ends in Heartbreaker, Fall in 2 OT's to North Central
Despite beating North Central 1-0 in the previous two meetings and having a one goal lead in the 89th minute, the Eagles give up a goal with 12 seconds left and eventually loss in the 105th minute.
The match started as the two previous meetings between the teams, evenly matched with a number of scoring opportunities. The game was tied 0-0 at halftime but the Eagles were able to score first as Senior Scott Nilius took a shot that was saved and Freshman Aaron Jones followed the shot and scored off the rebound in the 54th minute. North Central was able to score off a direct free kick in the 68th minute to make it 1-1.
Faith scored what appeared to be the game winner in game-winner in the 82nd minute as Jones scored off a cross from Sophomore Andrew Stupka. After the goal North Central regrouped and created several scoring opportunities before finally capitalizing off a shot that hit the crossbar and then put in the net just with 12 seconds to play.
North Central had the momentum going into overtime but Faith was able to defend well and keep it level through the first 10 minute period. The Eagles came out as the aggressor in the second overtime lead by Senior Scott Nilius who had a couple quick shots during that period. In the 105th minute an Eagle defender slipped on the rain-soaked field and allowed a North Central attacker the opportunity to play in a cross that was put in the back of the net for the game-winner. “It is disappointing to be so close to victory and end up losing in the end,” said Coach Backous.
Four Eagles were selected to the All-Region team at the conclusion of the tournament. Freshman forward Aaron Jones (13 goals and 7 assists), sophomore defender Seth Bean (1 goal and 1 assist), senior defender and second time All-Region selection Ryan Sauser (4 goals and 4 assists), and senior midfielder and also second time All-Region selection Scott Nilius (7 goals and 1 assist). The Eagles end the season at 10-10-1.