The MidAmerica Nazarene University Men's soccer team enters the 2008 season having lost 4 starters from last year's team; a team that eventually lost in the second round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament. Back to help continue the successes of the Men's program are 8 very experienced seniors.
Jon Lemmon and Lucas Rodriguez return as 1st Team All-Conference performers. Jon was also selected as a NCCAA 2nd Team All-American. Seth Turner returns having garnered NAIA Daktronics Scholar All-American honors as well as being selected to the All-Conference 3rd Team. Another 3rd team All-Conference selection who will be returning is Victor Ramirez. Jesse Smith, a consistent starter last year, will be back to help with the team's attack. Luis Posada, Jim Mace, and David Gonzalez wrap up this year's senior class and each should challenge to be a consistent starter on the team.
Other starters back from last year's team are NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American honoree, Alec Lemmon. He was vital to the success of last year's team with his willingness to move to the midfield after a stellar freshman season where he led the team in goals. Coady Andrews returns for his sophomore season after a freshman year that saw him gain a wealth of experience as a part time starter and consistent sub off of the bench. Other players who have gained experience in the last few seasons and are expected to challenge for starting positions are Tyler Alexander, Johann Dreher, and Aaron Mentesana. MNU has 2 newcomers who are expected to immediately challenge for playing time. Matt Farag joins the team after a stellar career at Barton County Community College and Jared Robinson, who played his youth career with the KC Legends.
MNU's schedule will once again test the Pioneers. 7 teams on the schedule where mentioned in this year's pre-season NAIA National Ranking. The team will open up the season in San Diego, California on August 30th. With a taste of what the National Tournament is like the team is very hungry to repeat and will have to improve upon their conference performances from last year if they want to get back to the National Tournament.
