On Nov. 16, 2013, the Corban men’s soccer team made history by defeating Concordia University 1-0, claiming the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Championship title and advancing to its first-ever National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament Game.
Now they’re back, and ready to do it all again.
Last year, the team was ranked fifth in the preseason poll and managed to pull themselves up into the first place spot through discipline and hard work. This year, the team is ranked first in the poll, but aren’t letting this fact distract them from the same drive they’ve had in the past.
In a preseason preview, Coach Aaron Lewis said, “Our guys didn’t focus or put much stock into what people thought [last year], and they are continuing to do that now.”
Because of the team’s success last year, many young men across the country gained more of an interest in Corban’s men’s soccer program.
“I’ve been really pleased with our new guys,” said Lewis. “Players like Josh Noonkester (senior midfielder) and Quamie Dinnall (sophomore midfielder) are guys that can come in and impact our confidence early on.”
Other star players have returned as well to fight their way back to the top. Senior forward Arsinio Walker was recently awarded the CCC Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week following two 3-0 preseason wins against Simpson University and Menlo College. Also returning is star player Kemar Prince (sophomore midfielder).
The winning team of last year lost only one senior, midfielder Steffan Bard.
The team has their first conference game tomorrow, Sept. 16, at 4:00 p.m. against Concordia University, their biggest rivals. This is a home game, and the hope is that the crowd will be roaring, excited to kick off a great season of Corban men’s soccer. The first 100 students to arrive at the field will receive a free Corban Athletics t-shirt.
So don your Corban gear and Warrior spirit tomorrow, and show up at the soccer field at 4:00 p.m. to help the team kick off the 2014 season!