After 90 minutes of competitive collegiate soccer on Saturday, October 2, the final horn sounded, and the Spurgeon Knights men’s soccer team secured their first home victory in school history.
The crowd of just under 200 friends, fellow students, and family members was buzzing at the Faith Christian Academy soccer field on Saturday as the Spurgeon College Knights men’s soccer team defeated the Central Christian College Saints, 8-0.
President Jason Allen congratulated the team on the victory, saying, “We could not be prouder of this group of young men and the extraordinary effort they put forth on Saturday. Our student-athletes fought hard, demonstrating not only exceptional athletic skill but also the quality of character we commend at Spurgeon College. Congratulations go out to Coach Matt Risher and the entire men’s soccer team. The future is bright for these young men and our program.”
Chris Alsano led the Knights in scoring opportunities and goals against Central Christian, finishing the match with five goals and one assist. Jared Dean added one goal along with two assists. Jackson Mohn and Ethan Morales each added one goal. On the defensive side, the Knights’ goalkeeper, Andres Pinilla, finished with a “clean sheet,” tallying six saves while holding the opposing side scoreless.
Spurgeon College men’s soccer coach Matt Risher was encouraged by the team’s effort and the match’s outcome.
“Central Christian is a great team. We had to manage our expectations accordingly,” Risher said. “Our team put together an excellent first half. We moved the ball well, found each other in great spots, and finished our chances. Our defensive back four held a high line, allowing us to keep constant pressure on Central. The defensive effort led to many of our best chances and several goals.”
Risher added that the fan atmosphere was a welcomed development to the team’s season schedule thus far.
“The fans were fantastic, and the atmosphere was electric,” he said. “The team really fed off the crowd. Our men were excited to play in front of the home crowd, and it showed in their play.”
Before the match, the Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College Student Life and Events team hosted a pre-game tailgate in the parking lot adjacent to Faith Christian Academy’s soccer field. Families of students at Faith Christian Academy joined the festivities, as attendees enjoyed free hamburgers and hotdogs, a free t-shirt giveaway, and a raffle for a free bag of Spurgeon College and Spurgeon Knights items and apparel.
Spurgeon College Dean Sam Bierig reflected on the afternoon, citing the day was a glimpse of the culture he hopes is a regular part of future Spurgeon College athletic events.
“The level of support our team receives is encouraging,” Bierig said. “We hope to continue building an environment and culture of celebration for our teams and their accomplishments both on and off the field.
“I’m especially proud of Coach Risher and the work he has put in to instill the values of hard work and Christian character among our guys. Our teams are able to come out and compete athletically and even come away with victories, which is an added bonus. Yet we are grateful to have leaders like Coach Risher who invest beyond the on-field product as well.”
The Knights will host their final home game of the season on Monday, October 11. The team will also recognize four graduating seniors during a Senior Night celebration.
Notes:
Goals
Chris Alsano (5)
Jared Dean (1)
Jackson Mohn (1)
Ethan Morales (1)
Assists
Jared Dean (2)
Samad Hashmi (2)
Chris Alsano (1)
Jackson Mohn (1)
Jamie Juncal (1)
Saves
Andres Pinilla (6)
