Men's Soccer Outlook
The Faith men's soccer team is ready to kick off a new season with many new faces. The Eagles start their 2014 campaign with just four returning players from last season but remain optimistic. The Eagles will be led by 2013 MCCC All-Conference and NCCAA All-Region senior defender Zach Peterson and junior forward JJ Parkhurst. Other returning players from previous seasons include Seth Thompson, Aaron Jones, Caleb Acree, and Eric Young. Faith will be looking to replace ACCA All-American Ryan Koch with his former high school teammate and standout basketball player Josh Bray. Other new players the Eagles hope to receive strong contributions from will be freshmen Joseph Frerichs, Tui Hunkin, Marcus Wilkes, Marcos Loveall, and goalkeeper David Levy.
"I am encouraged by the progress I have seen so far this preseason and look forward to seeing what this group is capable of," said Eagles coach Gary Backous. The Eagles will rely on a solid defense with three returning starters who helped lead the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) a year ago with 10 shutouts, which was a school record.
Faith faces many early season challenges as they start off September 5th against perennial national powerhouse Providence University College then turn around the following day to take on NAIA opponent Lincoln Christian University. Other early season match-ups include conference match-ups against 2012 ACCA National Champions Calvary Bible College, three time NCCAA National Champions and winners of 16 straight region championships Manhattan Christian College, and conference rival Barclay College.