November 29, 2023
2023 Men's Soccer Season Review
The Faith Eagles men's soccer team completed another impressive season.
Ankeny, IA- The Eagles were able to win their second Midwest Christian College tournament championship in a row while also being the first team in league history to win the Regular Season Championship, Sportsmanship Award, and the MCC Conference Tournament Championship in the same season.
The Eagles returned a strong team from the previous season which included five All-Conference players and nine starters. The team started the year with mixed results against competitive non-conference opponents before going on a school-record 10-match winning streak and finishing the season with a record of 12-4-2.
There were several dramatic home matches that included a match-winning goal from senior Josh Forge in the final minute against a strong Spurgeon team. James Busenitz's had three consecutive match-winners against Manhattan, Ozark, and most importantly, against Maranatha on Homecoming. Sam Carstensen's amazing performance in the conference tournament finals is unforgettable. Carstensen saved three shots from the mark during the penalty kick shootout, securing the back-to-back championship win for the Eagles.
Faith had seven players recognized by the conference for their performance this season. Chris Barnette, Grant Busenitz, Parker Lundberg, and Josh Forgie were selected as 2nd Team All-Conference players. Sam Carstensen, Moses Amani, and James Busenitz were selected to the 1st Team All-Conference. James Busenitz was named the Midwest Christian College Conference MVP for the second year in a row. Grant Brower, Seth Elliott, Will Holst, and Cade Sanders were all named NCCAA Scholar-Athletes this season. Josh Forgie, Sam Carstensen, Moses Amani, and James Busenitz were selected to the NCCAA II North Region Team, with Amani and Busenitz as 1st Team selections.
"I really enjoyed coaching this team. They worked hard all season, supported each other through ups and downs, and grew closer throughout the year. It was great to see their hard work pay off both on the field and in the classroom. The seniors did an amazing job turning this program around. Their freshman year we only won three matches and now they are back-to-back conference champions," said Coach Backous.
Team Awards
Offensive MVP - James Busenitz
Defensive MVP - Sam Carstensen
Coaches Award - Grant Brower
Most Improved Player - Chris Barnette
