Season Review
The 2009 season started on a high note when over 20 young ladies tried out for the Lady Eagles soccer team. The players and coaches alike were encouraged by the good number of returning players and newcomers to the team. Although the team was still quite young and inexperienced overall, they were enthusiastic and ready to work hard to improve.
At the conclusion of the season, the players were challenged to review their individual and team goals. This review showed that much progress was made and many goals were accomplished. The team made great strides as individuals and as a unit! Their individual skills and team play improved dramatically throughout the season; players prayed for one another and worked to encourage each other frequently, and team members had numerous opportunities to share the gospel with unsaved individuals. The team finished the season strong with a memorable 2-0 win over Providence College in the regional tournament, placing the team in the regional final for the first time in the school’s history! Although the Lady Eagles came up short by a 0 – 1 score in the regional championship game, they were encouraged by the improvements that had been made over the course of the season.
Four captains provided fine leadership for the team this season. Beth Javaux, Joanna Augsburger, Jessie Kurtz, and Liz Moore accepted this responsibility and worked hard to encourage and pray for their teammates throughout the season. “I’m very thankful for the leadership our captains provided for the team this season,” commented Coach Stupka. “They were a great help and encouragement to me, and they worked hard to try to bring out the best in the other players. They provided a strong core for this team!”
Coach Stupka and Assistant Coach Becky Cuvelier enjoyed working with every member of the team this season and were pleased with the progress that was made. The team finished with a final record of 2-9-1, and was much improved from the previous season. “We had a great season! Coach Becky and I are thankful for the great attitude of our players and the growth that we saw in each of them. We believe that the future is very bright for each of our players and for the Lady Eagles soccer team!”
-Coach Mark StupkaLady Eagles Soccer Make History, Advance to First Ever Region Championship
(10/30/09) Coon Rapids, MN - The Faith Baptist Bible College Lady Eagles Soccer Team opened the North Central Region Tournament with a 2-0 victory over 10th ranked Providence College. The temperature at game time was in the mid-40s with a gusty wind and periods of moderate rainfall. The Lady Eagles lost the coin toss at the beginning of the game and played the first half facing into the wind. Faith’s defense, led by junior sweeper Jesse Kurtz and goalie Rachel Worman, played with strong determination and kept Providence from scoring. “Our defense came up big in this game,” commented Head Coach Mark Stupka. “Our defenders played intelligent soccer, and our mid-fielders controlled the ball with good communication and passing, even against that wind.”
Fifteen minutes into the second half junior mid-fielder Joanna Augsburger gave the Lady Eagles a 1-0 lead when she scored from 10 yards in front of the goal on a nifty assist from freshman Stephanie Carleton. That gave the team the boost it needed to take control of the match. Ten minutes later, the Providence goalkeeper was called for a foul when Carleton charged the goal on a breakaway opportunity. Augsburger converted the penalty kick for Faith and gave the team a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, Joanna suffered a knee injury shortly afterwards and was sidelined for the rest of the tournament. The Lady Eagles went on to win the match 2-0 and advanced to the regional championship match for the first time in school history.
In the Region Championship, The Lady Eagles faced the 8th ranked North Central University Rams. The Lady Eagles had been defeated by the Rams twice during the regular season, both times by a score of 0-3. Faith knew that they would have to play their best game of the season in order to win the championship. Adjustments were made in the lineup because of the injury to Joanna Augsburger. Freshman mid-fielder Jessie LaFleur joined the starting lineup for the first time this season, and senior Beth Javaux was shifted to a defender to boost Faith’s defense. Both players contributed greatly to a strong defensive effort. North Central managed only 4 shots on goal in the first half. Unfortunately, one of these shots was for a goal at the 29 minute mark of the match.
Faith was able to hold the Rams without another goal for the remainder of the match, and in the meantime the Lady Eagles set up several scoring opportunities. Mid-fielders Liz Moore and Allison Jones took shots on goal, but saves were made by the Ram’s goalkeeper. North Central came away with a 1-0 victory. Faith ended their season with a record of 2-9-1. Congratulations to the Lady Eagles for a fine season!
The Lady Eagles placed four players on the All-Region Team. These players were Rachel Worman – goalkeeper, Jesse Kurtz – defender, Joanna Augsburger – mid-fielder, and Allison Jones – forward.
