On senior night last Saturday, Oct. 25, the men’s soccer team defeated Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) opponent Southern Nazarene University by a score of 2-0. That win brought the team up to 4-5-1 in conference and 4-7-3 overall.
“We started to find our connection between our midfielders and our forwards,” head coach Odie Guzman said. “Not only were we finding runs quicker, but we were completing higher quality passes.”
Senior midfielder Jacob Stevens noted another reason for the team’s impressive outing against Southern Nazarene University.
“As a must-win game, we had a different mindset as we approached the game,” Stevens said. “We had an insatiable desire to win and we knew what we needed to do to get the victory.”
Stevens, Kevin Pineda, Ian Park, Cole Walker and Gehrig Haberstock were among the five seniors honored during that game.
“Our seniors are a great group of guys,” Guzman said. “They’re quality men on and off the field. They set the spiritual atmosphere in the locker room as well as contribute immensely to our game.”
The team has two remaining MIAA games. Both games are away, at Lindenwood University on Thursday, Oct. 30, and at Upper Iowa University on Saturday, Nov.1.
With the conference tournament fast approaching, there are a few different ways that the team could qualify. A win against the two remaining MIAA opponents would guarantee them a spot in the tournament.
If they are unable to beat Lindenwood, they will need to beat Upper Iowa University handily for a chance to qualify.
“The best scenario is for us to go ahead and get our minds ready to beat both teams,” Guzman said. “With Lindenwood especially, we need to be fearless and courageous in our attack.”
Stevens said he uses the imposing win or go home situation as motivation.
“Especially among the seniors, the work ethic and determination has been at its peak the past couple games as we work to extend our season,” Stevens said. “I’m confident that the team will do what it takes to make it. We’ve hit our stride at the right time to qualify for the conference tournament.”
After the two remaining MIAA games, the team will host Christian Brothers University in a rescheduled match canceled due to rain. That game will be held on Nov. 3 and the conference tournament begins on Nov. 6.
