The Spring Arbor men’s soccer season came to an end almost two weeks ago as they fell to the Goshen Maple Leafs 3-1 in the opening round of the MCC tournament. The Leafs started the game on top as they put through the first three goals of the contest and never looked back, as the Cougars loss finished the season for them with a 8-10-1 record and a 3-5 record against MCC foes. This was the first season for new coach Chad Hammond, and that played a key role in the final outcome of the season said Marcel Preis. “It was coach’s first year. It made it hard on recruiting, but we had a good and talented group. I was expecting more…I wouldn’t say we achieved our goals.”

Preis was one of the bright spots for the Cougars this season as he netted a Cougar high of 14 goals (including a Spring Arbor University record five goals in a single game versus Huntington) and finished third in the league in goals and points per contest, who also mentioned how much the senior group of Jake Barney, Stephen Anstett, Brennan Rees, Mark Adler, and Stephen Draper meant to the team. “They were all starters and we’re going to lose a lot for next season. Not just in the field, but outside of the field too. They brought a lot of experience to the program and the team.”

The team suffered up and down the line up as they lost 10 players after last season and only filled three spots coming into this season, including two freshmen goalkeepers. Both Nicholas Warner and Scott Osborne played relatively well this season considering the lack of any collegiate experience prior to the season kicking off and next season should only get better. But to go to Christian nationals, as was the goal this season, the enitre team needs to reach that next level. “Everyone has to understand his role, and just work hard in the spring and summer to be better players,” continued Preis. “Everyone has to step up. I’m really looking forward to next season and having a better season. I can’t wait to start playing again.”