The Montreat College men’s soccer season came to an end over the weekend after a player was found to be ineligible due to a yellow card violation. Head coach Michael Combs’ misunderstanding of the rule meant that the Cavaliers played an ineligible player in their final four contests. Combs immediately notified the conference authorities after realizing the mistake, and those four games—including a conference tournament game—were forfeited.
As a result of this finding and the forfeited games, the men’s soccer team will give up the regular season conference title and finish the year with a second place finish in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. They were also prevented from advancing in the conference tournament.
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This year's AAC individual awards have been released and Montreat's Men's and Women's teams both garnered many honors as a result of outstanding regular season play. Follow the link to read a complete listing.
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With nearly four minutes remaining in regulation, Montreat College held a solid 2-1 lead during the opening round of the AAC tournament. However, a rare dropped ball from possibly the best goalie in the AAC, Howard Fisher, left an easy tap-in for Union College to tie the game and send it into overtime. It was Kemar Brown’s header off of Shaka Bangura’s perfectly orchestrated corner kick that lifted the Cavaliers over the Bulldogs 3-2 in an exciting overtime period. Kemar Brown has now scored the winning goal for the Cavs’ last four games. He was recently selected as this week’s AAC and NAIA Region Offensive Player of the Week. The Cavs will now face King College this Friday, October 26th at Camp Jordan’s Osbourne Stadium in East Ridge, TN. The semi-final game is scheduled for 2:00pm; the winner of this game will play in the finals of the AAC tournament on Saturday at 7:00pm.
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For the second consecutive week, the Cavalier soccer teams have garnered an AAC and NAIA Region XII Player of the Week honor. For the week of October 23rd, Kemar Brown has been selected as the newest honoree for scoring the winning goal in all three of the Cavalier's final games of the regular season. "It has taken a little time for Kemar to learn his position and role on this team," said Coach Michael Combs, "He has learned his role very well and is a great presence as a midfielder." Last week it was Chad Britts that claimed both AAC and Region XII Defensive Player of the Week honors for the men and Brittnye Scott earned the same honor for the women's team. Kemar Brown is a freshman from Kingston, JA, where he attended Holy Trinity High School.
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Under a glorious October sky in Black Mountain, the Cavaliers put an exclamation mark on their 2007 season by defeating Union College 2-1 and clinching the 2007 Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship. “We didn’t have our best showing tonight, but in the end, good teams find a way to win,” said Coach Michael Combs. Playing in front of what has come to be a consistent and energetic Cavalier crowd, Montreat’s Kemar Brown delivered both goals against the Bulldogs. “We really pressed all game… we dominated possession and the shots on goal. The best thing that happened for us was for Union to score first. It allowed us to really get focused. Obviously, we were pumped up and wanting this win badly,” added Combs, “the guys just wanted to get this game over with. The home crowd was amazing… of all the games we’ve played, we have yet to play in front of a more supportive crowd anywhere- by far, Montreat College fans know how to do it!”
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Chad Britts, a junior defender from Clearwater High School (Clearwater, FL), has garnered this week's AAC Defensive Player of the Week honors. The Cavalier defense, led by Britts, have earned 8 shutouts this season, including tonight's 1-0 win over the University of South Carolina- Aiken. Prior to tonight, USC-Aiken had a 13-0-1 record at home, having not lost a game since August 29th, 2006. Britts and his defensive unit are currently on a three game shutout streak. Montreat plays its final home game, Senior Night, this Wednesday against Union College at 4:30pm.
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First it was Bryan College’s Senior Night soccer game, then came the University of the Cumberlands’; tonight, the Cavaliers rolled onto the USC-Aiken’s campus and spoiled another Senior Night and a 14 home game unbeaten streak (13-0-1) by defeating the Pacers 3-0. The Pacers had not suffered a loss at their home field, “The Pit”, since August 29th, 2006. Montreat took control early in the game by scoring all three goals within the first half. “We probably played the best half of our season,” said an enthusiastic Coach Michael Combs. The Cavs jumped on the scoreboard early with Shaka Bangura’s accurate pass to Abdul Bangura. Shaka then scored his 11th goal of the season around the 12th minute from a pass by Adnan Bangura. “Senior Nights have been good to us,” joked Coach Combs, “I hope Senior Night continues to go well for us this coming Wednesday, as we hope to honor our seniors with a win at home. We know what's at stake, and we've a goal for this Wednesday.”
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After their exciting win over Bryan College last week, Coach Michael Combs said of Kemar Brown’s game winning goal, “he’s just been hanging around all season... it was just a matter of time.” Brown just happened to be “hanging around” again during the highly anticipated match against the University of the Cumberlands this past Saturday; Brown once again delivered the knock-out punch, this time however, it came with nearly 1:15 remaining during the first overtime period. “He did it again. It was a great cross which Cristian Gandini headed toward Kemar… he came through big-time once again,” added Combs. The win, however, came by another fine shut out by Howard Fisher, “Howard and the boys [defensive unit] came through again. They played phenomenal,” said Combs.
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On the heels of their first ever national ranking, the Cavaliers defeated Bryan College in one of the most important AAC matchups this season. Prior to tonight, Bryan College sat as the only unbeaten team in the AAC; with this win, Montreat now is tied with Bryan at the helm of the AAC. However, Montreat has set an impressive table for itself: October 17th against Union College is the final game of the regular season- home game, senior day. If the Cavaliers defeat Union, who has not won a conference game this season, they will become the outright 2007 Appalachian Athletic Conference Champions, regardless of Bryan’s remaining outcome. “Tonight, we talked about family, about being a support system to each other, and the guys went out there tonight and backed that talk up,” exclaimed Coach Combs immediately following the game, “this was possibly the best game I have ever been a part of.”
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Three years ago, the men’s soccer team of Montreat College won only three games the entire season. To add salt to Head Coach Jamath Shoffner’s wound, only five players would return after that season. One can only imagine seeing Coach Shoffner scratch his head wondering what the future would hold; he knew it would be a tough journey, but he also had a steadfast vision of building a conference leading, national caliber program. He knew his soccer field at the Black Mountain campus, surrounded by glorious mountains, could serve as his team’s sanctuary, where he envisioned large crowds gathering to watch high caliber collegiate soccer. Fast forward to 2007, the fruit of Shoffner’s labor is now ripe, and how sweet it is. Wednesday, October, 3rd, 2007 will go down in Montreat soccer history as the day the Cavaliers broke into the NAIA national rankings by earning the 24th spot.
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Greensboro College came to town ready to spoil Montreat’s Homecoming party. And for a Cavalier team looking to win its 10th game in a row, Saturday’s 2-2 tie against Greensboro actually did spoil some Cavalier festivities. “This was a very tough game. This game showed why they are in the top twenty-five D-III teams in the country and why we are just outside of the top twenty-five in the NAIA,” said Coach Michael Combs. Montreat jumped out to an early lead by Brandon Rodeman’s assist to Troy Watson. Then Stephen Jackson found Shaka Bangura for a Cavalier 2-0 lead.
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The Cavaliers of Montreat fell to Covenant College 3-0 last night in an important AAC soccer matchup. “Our guys just didn’t want it more than Covenant tonight,” said Interim Head Coach Michael Combs, “we have to give Covenant all the credit for wanting this badly. Although we out-shot Covenant 22-10, and it seemed as though we controlled most of the game, they took advantage of two late PK calls and won this game. We didn’t do a great job in the box tonight. But, we had a great month of September… we have to get it back together for Thursday, as we still control our own destiny and Thursday is for all the marbles.” Montreat will face Bryan College on the road this Thursday at 7:30pm.
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The varsity soccer teams at Montreat College welcomed 50 children from the Asheville Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club to a soccer clinic Thursday afternoon. The children, ages six to thirteen, spent an hour meeting the players, practicing simple drills, and playing at the soccer field on Montreat’s Black Mountain campus.
Brian Guengerich, Unit Director for the Salvation Army’s Boys and Girls Club, organized the clinic with Montreat College’s Athletic Director, Jonathan Bennett. Guengerich hoped to give the kids an experience they normally wouldn’t have. “Letting people know we are here and really interacting with the community are big factors when we plan events for our kids. Ninety percent of our kids really don’t know what it’s like to experience getting together with a group of friends in a setting like this.
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Ever since last year’s NAIA Region XII tournament, Coach Michael Combs has anticipated the Montreat vs. Milligan rematch. And rightfully so, Milligan beat the Cavaliers three times last season- once in the regular season, once in the AAC championship game, and the ultimate defeat coming in the Region XII tournament. This year’s rematch however had a much better outcome. “What a battle. I’d been waiting for this one since last year,” said Combs, “we wanted to get this monkey off our backs.” The Cavaliers did just that by defeating Milligan 1-0 in what Combs considered “a great team effort.” Behind the stellar play of AAC Defensive Player of the Week Howard Fisher, Montreat was able to make Milligan its 9th consecutive win of the season. “Howard played out of his mind. He was able to defend a scary penalty kick early in the half. He also had a few tremendous saves throughout the game… what a great shutout for him,” added Combs. “Actually, our entire defensive unit really played great… Chad, Cristian, John, and Ebrima were crucial today."
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For the first time in school history, Montreat College is ranked #1 in their Region (NAIA Region XII) and in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Nationally, Montreat is ranked #32, though last week’s win against King College should move them closer to the top 25 in tomorrow’s national poll.
According to Assistant Coach Josh Riccardi, “We’re in the driver’s seat. It’s a comforting thought to know that if we win out, we win conference. That puts us in a good position for the regional conference, which leads to the national level. Our goal from day one has been to win the national championship. We’ve got a group of guys out there that understand that 90 minutes is a game – not 89, not 87. They come out to play and they’ve always got two things on their mind – the next game, and the national championship.”
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Earlier this week, Coaches Michael Combs and Josh Riccardi felt the Cavaliers needed to play their game and not just to the level of their opponents. This past Saturday, playing on the road at King College, Montreat took control of the top spot of the AAC soccer standings with a 3-0 win against a “tough and physical” Tornado team. “We are extremely proud of our men tonight. It was as tough and as physical as I thought this game would be… the guys rose above the occasion,” said Coach Combs, “King was a tough team, but after tonight we are now showing signs of a Championship caliber team, and we couldn’t be prouder of our men.”
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The men’s soccer team won their 7th game in a row, but there was little celebration coming from the Montreat bench. Interim Head Coach Michael Combs took his time delivering a fervent speech to the Cavaliers after their 2-1 win over North Greenville University. With a strenuous conference schedule around the corner, the Cavalier coaching staff is now expecting a certain level of play. “NGU played up tonight,” said Assistant Coach Josh Riccardi, “they came to play. The frustrating thing for us is that we have recently played down to our competition. We probably dominated over sixty percent of possession and had 21 shots on goal… only scoring twice is not satisfactory, not with our speed and athleticism.”
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With a six game winning streak and one of the toughest schedules in school history, the Cavalier soccer team is gaining the attention it deserves. The latest NAIA National Soccer rankings have Montreat College listed as the 32nd ranked team in the country. Albeit only 4 votes, the Cavs have earned the nation's attention as they continue to come together and break into the top 25.
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It’s not easy to understand softspoken Adnan Bangura, the newest men’s soccer player at Montreat College. His English is broken.
In many ways, so is his heart.
Two years ago, he ducked for cover when rebel soldiers muscled their way into his family’s home in Blackhallroad, Sierra Leone. The soldiers demanded money.
Picture by John Coutlakis
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The Cavalier soccer team earned their 6th consecutive win by beating the Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan College, 2-0. The win gives Montreat a 6-2 record overall and a 2-0 AAC record, which currently gives the Cavs the first place spot in the conference. “We grinded out this win today,” said Interim Head Coach Michael Combs, “I see our team coming together as one solid unit… I see signs of a good team developing.” Team assist leader Troy Watson perfectly orchestrated a corner kick cross by Stephen Jackson to score the Cavs first goal of the game. With only 8 minutes remaining in the game, Cavalier scoring leader Shaka Bangura demonstrated that he can also pass the ball by hitting Stephen Jackson to seal the game.
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Interim Head Coach Michael Combs felt that converting 2 goals out of 24 shots was “unacceptable." It only took those two goals however to seal the deal against a much improved Bluefield College, 2-1. “It's great that we are having that many chances at goal, but we do need to capitalize more and take care of the small things. Overall, it was a very tough game. We dominated possession of the ball, but Bluefield has improved greatly. Bluefield will win their share of games this season,” added Combs. It was Troy Watson, the teams’ assist leader, who found the back of the net first for the Cavaliers. Watson’s goal came unassisted in the 25th minute of the conference game. Fittingly, it was Shaka Bangura, the teams’ scoring leader, who sealed the win in the 65th minute; Shaka’s goal came assisted by his fellow countryman- Abdul Bangura.
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Having started out the season with two close losses to two strong NCAA competitors, the Cavalier soccer team earned their fourth consecutive win as they gain vital confidence and timing with conference play just around the corner. For his second shutout in a row, Howard Fisher defended admirably against what Coach Michael Combs considered a rather competitive team. “We played a well-coached, highly motivated, and reluctant team tonight,” said Combs about the Lions of Emmanuel College, who are still searching for their first victory of the season. “I am proud of our men. We are now fully focused on Bluefield College and our other conference matches,” added Combs.
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For his third straight soccer match, Shaka Bangura helped Montreat win with another timely goal, assisted again by Troy Watson. The two have been a fantastic duo this season for the Cavalier soccer team. However, it was in the 34th minute of the game that mid-fielder Stephen Jackson found his target of the night in Adnan Bangura. Jackson’s corner kick connected with Adnan Bangura for the first goal of the night. It was late in the 69th minute of the match that Troy Watson hit his favorite scorer in Shaka Bangura to seal the win against NCAA Div. II Anderson University. Goalkeeper Howard Fisher earned his first shutout of the season as he recorded six saves against the Trojans.
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The men's soccer team earned their first regular season victory in routing Fisk University 5-1. Led by a pair of goals each from Shaka Bangura and Troy Watson, Montreat College improved its record to 1-2. Also scoring for the Cavs was sophomore Stephen Jackson. Montreat continues their play against Sewanee University of the South, Sunday, September 2. The match is scheduled for 2:00pm.
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The men’s soccer team put up a great match against NCAA #18 ranked Carson-Newman. Coach Michael Combs felt the match was very even, “We out-shot them 15-13 and tied them with shots on goal with five apiece. I felt we had the upper hand for a majority of the game, but they are a very good team.”
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The men’s soccer team put up a great match against NCAA #18 ranked Carson-Newman. Coach Michael Combs felt the match was very even, “We out shot them 15-13 and tied them with shots on goal with five apiece. I felt we had the upper hand for a majority of the game, but they are a very good team.”
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The Cavalier soccer team has plenty to be excited about for 2007.
After a record breaking 15-4-1 run last season, falling just two games short of a national tournament birth; a number one pre-season AAC ranking this year and another great recruiting class, the Cavs look poised for another thrilling season.
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On the heals of their school record-breaking season in 2006, where the Cavs earned a 15-4-1 record, the men's soccer team has been honored by earning the number one pre-season ranking in the AAC and third in Region XII.
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Montreat Men’s Soccer has been voted to finish third in the 2007 pre-season Region XII poll. In addition, the AAC Conference recently released their pre-season ranking for 2007 Men’s Soccer, placing Montreat first. The Cavaliers are coming off their most successful season in school history by advancing to the Region XII Tournament while finishing runner-up in the AAC Conference Tournament and regular season.
This is also the first time in Montreat history that the program has been picked so high in either poll. Head Coach, Jamath Shoffner, states, “We are excited to get recognized in both of these polls, and I feel it is a reflection of how far our program has come in the past two years. However, we know that the most important polls are at the end of the season and we hope that we can continue our recent success.”
Region XII
1. Milligan College (Tenn.)
2. Brescia University (Ky.)
3. Montreat College (N.C.)
4. King College (Tenn.)
5. Bryan College (Tenn.)
AAC Men’s Soccer Coach’s Poll:
1. Montreat (2) – 57 points
2. King (4) – 56 points
3. Milligan (2) – 51 points
4. Bryan – 40 points
5. Covenant – 35 points
6. Union – 21 points
7. TWC – 17 points
8. Bluefield – 11 points
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Montreat College men's soccer team advances to NAIA Region XII men's regional soccer semi-finals.
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Montreat College men's soccer team fall to Milligan, 1-0 (2OT) in AAC soccer championship game.
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Montreat College advances to AAC championship game by beating King College, 4-2.
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Montreat College men's soccer team receives AAC Honors.
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The Montreat College men's soccer team beats Covenant College, 1-0 to advance to AAC semi-finals of the AAC men's soccer tournament
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Montreat College men's soccer team beats AAC rival Bryan College, 2-1.
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Montreat College men's soccer team downs Covenant College, 3-1 in an AAC game.
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Montreat beats Coker College 4-2, in a non conference game.
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Montreat College men's soccer shut out AAC rival King College, 2-0.
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Montreat men's soccer team falls to Virginia Intermont College 3-2 in an AAC game.
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Montreat College men's soccer team beats visiting Mountain State University, 6-0
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Montreat College men's soccer team beats High Point University.
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Montreat men's soccer falls to Milligan College in an AAC game.
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Montreat College men's soccer team blanks Warren Wilson College 5-0.
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USC Upstate scored three unanswered goals, including the match winner by David Stovall, to claim a 3-2 victory over Montreat Thursday night in non-conference men’s soccer action.
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The Montreat College men's soccer won their first game of the season with an upset victory over NAIA national #23 ranked Savannah College of Art and Design, Saturday, August 26, at home.
The score was tied after the first period of play, 0-0. Montreat scored all of their goals (4) in the second period for the win.
Scoring goals for Montreat; Abdul Bangura scored 1 goal, assist by Jonathan Viana, Romario Blandon scored 1 goal, and Toemile Towah scored 2 goals.
Congratulations to the Montreat Men's Soccer Team and Coach Jamath Shoffner
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