Tag Archives: Devon Newport

Where Does Heath Melugin Rank in Springfield Soccer History?

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I don’t know where I’ll rank in headline writing when my story is written, but I’ve got a three topics I want to cover today. Recruiting, Heath and finally, his final regular season home game scheduled for this Sunday. If you want to understand the first two, you owe it to yourself to attend the “Legacy Game” between Missouri State and SIUE at 6:00 pm Sunday.

Heath can thank this post on my otherwise dormant site to a current Kickapoo player with dreams of D1 stardom. His Mom was kind enough to purchase some photos from the Glendale derby game when I was in Springfield a month ago and I shared some comments on her son’s strong performance that evening. That begat a recruiting email exchange. When she brought up the families D1 aspirations, I shared my opinion that I thought her son might be better served considering D2 or D3. The conversation ended at that point, I haven’t heard back from them.

I understand that folks don’t want to hear my frank assessment but I do want their child to have a positive college experience and pursuing a Division 1 dream requires not only talent but good grades and hard work, both on and off the pitch. The same holds true for D2, D3 and NAIA programs but I see more players leave D1 programs, thus interrupting their college experience, arguably the best time you will have in your life. Take a look at the list of College Players I maintained for several years and you’ll get an idea.

When I look at the players who grew up in this region and went on to college play, two played four years of Division 1 soccer and had significant careers. Nick Dryden, West Plains/Missouri State and Heath Melugin, Kickapoo/Missouri State.

Nick Dryden (West Plains) played at Missouri State from 2006 – 2009, starting 61 of 80 games during his four years with his sophomore (18 of 20) and junior (22 of 22) accounting for the most significant contributions. Playing as a defender, he scored 4 goals and had 1 assist during that period.

Here is Heath’s bio from the Missouri State Bears site:
At Missouri State: Melugin, who was selected to the 2011 preseason All-MVC team with teammate Gerard Barbero, will look to add to his productive career and be a major contributor to the Bears’ offense this season.

2010: Melugin was the front runner of a Bears offense that was very productive in 2010. Melugin earned his third letter with team starting in 17 of the teams 18 matches and led the team in several categories such as goals, points, shots and shots on goal. Against Southern Methodist (9/1), Melugin tallied his first goal of the season off a Gerard Barbero assist. He then came back three games later and added his second goal of the season against IUPUI. The scoring didn’t stop coming from Melugin, he added another goal against Louisville (9/18). His fourth goal came on the road against conference opponent Eastern Illinois. Melugin helped secure the win against conference rival Evansville with fifth goal of the season. He turned around six days later and added his sixth goal of the season against Memphis (10/26). That was the second time during the season that Melugin recorded a goal in consecutive games. His only assist of the season came against Bradley (10/30) to Gerard Barbero. Heath added his seventh and final goal of the season against Evansville in the MVC conference tournament (11/10). For his achievements on the field, Melugin received second team All-MVC Team, MVC All-Tournament Team, and second team NSCAA All-Midwest Region Team. As successful as Melugin was on the field he was far more successful off the field. He received the MVC State Farm Good Neighbor Award, first team MVC Scholar-Athlete Team, Prairie Farms/MissouriValley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week (10/27), second team CoSIDA/ESPN Academic All-American, and first team CoSIDA/ESPN Academic All-District VII for his work in the classroom and in the Springfield community.

2009: Melugin earned his second letter after scoring a team-high six goals while starting 18 of 19 matches played. His 31 shots taken and 13 shots on goal each ranked second on the team. In the Bears’ match against UMKC (9/5), Melugin scored the game-winning goal in a 3-1 Missouri State victory. He registered his second career multi-goal match scoring twice, including the game-winner, and adding an assist in a 4-0 win over Centenary (La.) (9/16). He recorded an unassisted goal against Bradley (10/24). He tallied another unassisted goal in the 74th minute of the MVC Tournament semifinal against Evansville (11/13) to tie the match and send it into overtime. He was named to the MVC All-Tournament team for his effort. He netted to Bears’ only goal in the NCAA Tournament loss at Saint Louis (11/19). Off the field, Melugin was named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete and the COSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VII first teams for his success in the classroom.

2008: Melugin made the most of his first season on campus as he finished tied for second on the team in total points (8) while contributing 15 starts and appearing in all 22 of the Bears’ games. He found the net three times, including two game winners, while compiling 25 shots on the season. His first collegiate goal and game-winner came against Howard (10/3), and against Central Arkansas (10/8) he knocked in two goals, including the game winner. Melugin added two assists against Drake (10/11) and Eastern Illinois (11/12). He ended the season with 10 straight starts, including all of the Bears’ conference games in the regular season and the MVC Tournament. Melugin was honored for his outstanding performance by being named to the MVC all-freshmen team.

Background: Melugin finished his prep career at Springfield Kickapoo first in career points and assists, season points and assists, and second in career goals with 115 and goals in a season with 55 in 2007. As team captain his senior year, Melugin was named first-team all-district, all-conference, all-Ozarks, all-region, all-Midwest and all-state. He was also named district and regional MVP as he helped his team through district, conference, sectional, and quarterfinals to a third place finish. As a junior, Melugin suffered a season-ending injury at the mid-point of the season, but still managed to collect first-team all-district, all-conference, all-Ozarks, all-region and second-team all-state honors. Melugin was also a four-year member of the Missouri and Region II Olympic Development Program teams. He traveled with the Region II team to Los Angeles and Costa Rica.

Personal: Heath Philip Melugin is the son of Phil and Kimberly Melugin. He was born Jan. 9, 1990, in Wichita, Kan. He is majoring in cell and molecular biology at MSU. Melugin, who has a 3.97 cumulative GPA in cell and molecular biology, was recently accepted to the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

Heath Melugin at Missouri State
Year MP-MS Sh G A Pts. GW
2008 22-15 25 3 2 8 2
2009 19-18 31 6 1 13 2
2010 18-17 48 7 1 15 2
Career 59-50 104 16 4 36 6

Other recent players include

Devon Newport (Glendale) started strong at St Louis University, earning regular starts and playing time at outside midfield as a freshman and moving into an attacking midfielder role his sophomore year when he finished as one of the leading scorers for the Billikens. He played in one exhibition game for the Billikens this year and then transferred to SIUE where he is on the roster but ineligible to play. He should play a key role for the Cougars his final two years where his former Club coach, Jeremy Alumbaugh, is an assistant on the Cougars staff.

Graham Basecke (Glendale) was Newports Club teammate on two state championship teams as well as anchoring the Falcon’s defense when they finished 2nd at State three years ago. He began his career at Indiana where he red-shirted, transferred to SLU and has since left the team.

Ryan Moses (Kickapoo) was one of four Springfield SC teammates (with Newport and Basecke) who began at SLU and transferred to Missouri State this season where he has played in half of the games, starting one.

Tommy Tombridge (Kickapoo) is the fourth SSC player from the two-time State Championship squad to go D1, signing with Northwestern. As a goalkeeper, he was waiting for the established starter the last two years. This, his junior season, he has played in 3 games, starting 1 as a freshman has taken the starting position.

Max Duncan (Joplin) started 9 games and played in 16 of the 18 games the Drake Bulldogs played in 2010 as a freshman. He made the MVC All-Freshman team as well. He is no longer listed on the roster and I have heard from sources that he is once again living in Joplin and working for the family business.

Parker Maher (Joplin), who has started 7 of the 13 games Missouri State had played when I began this piece, is one of 11 players who also have over 700 minutes played this season. Maher, and his twin brother, both graduated a year early from Joplin and Parker has the tools to become one of the best if he can stay healthy.

Tyler Williams (Kickapoo) was recruited to Southern Methodist where he was rostered as a freshman but did not play to my knowledge. He is now pursuing a photography career.

There are other players who have made a significant impact at their school by finding a good fit. The photo at the top, from 2006 features Tyler Williams (1st from left), along with Melugin (2nd) and John Duncan (4th) with his brother Max (6th) following a District game at Joplin that year. John Duncan played in the NCAA Tourney twice with the WashU Bears and earned kudos from his coach as well as a great degree.

Patrick Carver (Parkview) went on to achieve All-American status two years while playing at Emory.

So what do you think? Where does Heath fit and what are your recruiting plans?

Devon Newport Playing in U23 National Championship

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Devon Newport (Glendale/SSC) With The Ball

Devon Newport (Glendale/SSC) With The Ball

Devon Newport (SLU/Glendale 2009/Springfield SC) along with Jordan Hoffman of the Missouri State Bears are playing for a U23 national title on Sunday. The Scott Gallagher squad, coached by CBC/Columbia College grad Matt Mueller, face the Carolina Railhawks in the 2011 USASA National Cup Finals in Bowling Green, Kentucky on Sunday morning.

The squad defeated FC United New York 2-0 on Friday afternoon to reach the U23 final.

The Post-Dispatch talked to Coach Mueller about the tournament.

“The majority of these guys grew up playing Scott Gallagher soccer under Tommy Howe; not all of them played together all that time, but they all know how to play the game and they’re used to being successful,” Mueller said. “We know we have a good team and we’re expecting to make a run at a championship.”

Likely starters for Mueller’s squad include Mark Pais (Ladue/SLU) in goal; Chad Vandegriffe (Chaminade/SLU), Ryan Wilhelm (CBC/SIUE), Benny Jeffery (Hazelwood Central/SIUE), and Jake Dobbins (Marquette/Tulsa) in the backfield; and Nick Maglasang (SLUH/SLU), Brian Schultz (SLUH/DePaul), Jordan Hoffman (Parkway Central/Missouri State) and Devon Newport (SLU) in the midfield. Up front, Alim Sabotic (Mehlville/UMSL) had been playing alongside Kevin Stoll (Chaminade/SIUE), but Stoll is out due to a knee injury. Possible replacements include Tom Gaus (DeSmet/Tulsa) and Peter Hyde (Chaminade/UMSL).

Note – Mueller worked the Drury Panthers Soccer Camp last week, prior to heading to KY for the tournament.

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Devon Newport Nets Game Winner For Billikens

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Devon Newport, SLU Billikens (2013)

Devon Newport, SLU Billikens (2013)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Saint Louis sophomore midfielder Devon Newport (Springfield, Mo./Glendale) netted his first career goal as the Billikens ousted host George Washington 1-0 Sunday in Atlantic 10 Conference men’s soccer action at Mount Vernon Field.

The Billikens improve to 4-5-2 overall and 2-2-0 in A-10. Next week, they travel to No. 23 Charlotte for a key Friday night A-10 matchup. Game time is set for 6 p.m. (CT). George Washington falls to 2-10-0 and 0-3-0 in the league.

Newport put the Billikens on the board at 16:45. Sophomore Alex Sweetin played a ball into the box that Newport managed to bury past George Washington keeper Brendan Lafferty. It was Newport’s first career tally and Sweetin’s team-leading third assist.

“We had a lot to play for today,” SLU head coach Mike McGinty said. “The guys responded well after a disappointing loss Friday night. On the goal, Alex did a great job getting on the end of a ball and squared it across to Devin, who didn’t quit on the play. As the game went on we had several chances to put the game away but we were unable to. The guys did a good job managing the rest of the match and we got a good result.”

Missouri State Bears Draw At St Louis Billikens

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Heath Melugin, Missouri State Bears challenges for ball

Heath Melugin, Missouri State Bears challenges for ball

St Louis University Billikens – 0
Missouri State Bears – 0
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Missouri State men’s soccer team (3-4-1, 1-0-0) played the Saint Louis Billikens (2-2-2) to a 0-0 double-overtime tie in St. Louis, Mo., on Tuesday night. The last time the two teams played to a draw was in 2000.

Missouri State’s defense held the Billikens to just eight shots, three on goal. Senior goalkeeper Alex Riggs made all three saves. The shutout is the first for Missouri State in the 13-game series history.

The Saint Louis defense was equally as tough as the Bears were only able to muster six shots in the match. Paul Paradise led the Bears with two shots. Edin Sabic had the Bears’ lone shot on frame and it came in the second overtime period. Missouri State registered three of its six shots in the second overtime.

Saint Louis earned five corners in the match while Missouri State had two. The physical match saw double-digit fouls on each team.

The Bears will continue their extended road trip with a visit to Northwestern on Sunday, October 3. Kickoff in Evanston, Ill., is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Missouri State’s next home match is on Saturday, October 16, at 7:00 p.m. against conference foe, Drake, at Plaster Field.

OLE’S NOTES: First, a shout out to MSU Alum Zack Larsen who pulled 60 alumni and fans to the pre-game event tonight. He applied the lessons he learned in Missouri State’s Entertainment Management program well.

The game tonight saw limited offensive opportunities with the Billiken’s coming closest, only one from the run of play if memory serves. When the Billiken’s did get into the box, goalkeeper Alex Riggs and his defensive line delivered. Thomas Vania and Cal Roselieb both made key saves and Rigg’s controlled his box. The first half belonged to the Billiken’s as they controlled the majority of the play while the second half saw the Bear’s take a more aggressive approach that led to a stronger attack. Unfortunately the set pieces were unreliable tonight with balls exceeding players reach. Not a loss, as the defense is strengthening as the Conference schedule begins but not a win. As our enthusiastic SID notes, it’s the first time in 12 meetings that the Billikens were held scoreless.

Sophomore Devon Newport (Glendale/Springfield SC) played the entire match except for the final OT period for the Bill’s. Junior Heath Melugin (Kickapoo/Springfield SC) continues in his starting role for the Bears but was held without a shot in tonight’s game.

Preview:
Saint Louis (2-2-1) hosts Missouri State (3-4-0) Tuesday at Hermann Stadium in a rematch of last year’s NCAA Tournament first-round game, won by the Billikens. SLU is coming off a 1-0 overtime victory against Drake Saturday while Missouri State won at Central Arkansas, in their MVC opener, on an OT goal scored by Gerard Barbero. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m

Pre-Game Event – Facebook Event Page
Tonight is the big “Meet and Greet” at OUR Bears Den to be held at the Buffalo Brewing Company 1 block from Saint Louis University’s Hermann Stadium. Coach Jon Leamy will be in attendance around 5:00PM and will spend some time with Bear Fans, MSU Alumni, and families before the game. Event organizer, Zack Larsen expects 40 or so folks at this point to attend!

The first 50 people who attend OUR “Bears Den” at the Buffalo Brewing Company (located 1 block from the stadium) can sign a pass list and be admitted to the game free of charge. Yes folks this is not a misprint, FREE OF CHARGE!!! Zack will make the pass list available at the admission gates by 6:45PM. Also, any Bear fan can print the special Missouri State Voucherand be admitted to the game for $4 (half price). You can print as many as needed!! Tickets at the gate will be $8 for an adult and $6 for a youth 12 and under (without the voucher).

For information, contact Zack Larsen at (314) 303-9019.
Buffalo Brewing Company website: http://www.buffalobrewingstl.com/

Glendale Falcons Hold First Ever Alumni Game

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A large group gathered Sunday evening on the freshly mowed and lined Glendale pitch for the 1st Annual Alumni game, organized by 2004 graduate Maddy Senkowski. With representation from the class of 1992 to 2010, the game pulled a group that put a smile on Coach Jeff Rogers face as he prepares to begin his 21st year at Glendale.

I’ll try and name as many as I can. Feel free to leave a comment or send me a note using the Contact form with more details.

Back row: Clay Mason, Adam Benton, Jake Meyers, John Reinart, Bryan Horton, Ian Newport, Josh Hunt, Justin Rogers, Brandon Baum, Ryan Frewin, Stephen Conner, Danny Collins, Taylor Hutchens, Todd Buzbee, Jacob Basecke, Ryan Frierson, Andrew Parsons, Josh Keisker, Brian Henderson, Brik Wilson.
Middle: Devon Newport, Chris Pellham, Michael Nesbitt, Ryan Sanders, Ian Shipps.
Front row: Lorin Opfer, Lindsey Sprouse, Maddie Senkosky, Ben Brixey, Ryan Partch, Jamie Keisker, Jamey McLean, Katie Starcke, Kristy Ward, Jeff Rogers

Updated courtesy of Coach Rogers

Moses And Newport Advance To Regional Semifinals

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SLU Billikens Ian Newport, Ryan Moses, Devon Newport

Current SLU Billikens, Ryan Moses and Devon Newport, have advanced to the Semifinals at the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regionals. Their U19 team went undefeated in group play and are facing the KC Wizard Juniors today.

Video highlights for all Age Groups on US Youth Soccer website

Moses (Kickapoo Chiefs) and Newport (Glendale Falcons) both previously played for Springfield SC, earning State Championship titles at U16 and U17. Their new team is a result of recommendations by their college coach to allow for additional playing time with three of their Billiken teammates who are also part of the team.

UPDATE – the Gallagher boys fell to the KC Wizards 0-1 on a 28th minute goal scored by Ethan Bauer for the KC Wizard Juniors who advance to the Regional final where they will face the Columbus Crew Juniors Wednesday at 8am.

Missouri State Wins Spring Exhibition Game At SLU

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Devon Newport (Glendale/SSC) With The Ball

Devon Newport (Glendale/SSC) With The Ball

Beautiful night on a beautiful pitch at Robert E Hermann Stadium in St Louis Wednesday. Missouri State and St Louis University, last seen battling for the opportunity to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament, renewed acquaintances for a Spring exhibition match. As a player and a coach, once you reach this level you never want to lose but I’ve also learned to take these games with a grain of salt. It’s a good opportunity to try things and in the case of new SLU Coach Mike McGinty, learn more about your team under game conditions.

All this to preface a result that was a positive one for our local boys as Jordan Hoffman, as promised at half time, scored for the Bear’s in the 66th minute. The young man was also removed from the game before the ensuing restart when his ‘banter’ with SLU forward Mike Roach reached a level that the referee felt warranted a red card. So much for a simple Spring match between these two teams.

For the Billikens, both Devon Newport (Glendale/SSC) and Ryan Moses (Kickapoo/SSC) were in the starting line up and played the majority of the match. Good stuff tonight which you can see in the photos and I’ll throw up one or two videos tomorrow.

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Missouri State Bears At SLU Billikens Wednesday

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Devon Newport, SLU

Devon Newport (Glendale)

The Billikens face Missouri State Wednesday, April 14, in a rematch of last season’s NCAA Tournament first-round tilt. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Saint Louis is 1-0-1 on the spring campaign after playing to a 2-2 draw against AC St. Louis and topping SIU Edwardsville 1-0 in its last outing. James Dice, Adnan Gabeljic and Alex Sweetin have scored the Billikens’ three goals this spring. The Billikens wrap up the spring season April 24 with a 2 p.m. matchup at Bradley.

Last year, Missouri State finished 12-5-2 and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament after winning its first outright regular-season Missouri Valley Conference title. Saint Louis eliminated MSU from the NCAA Tournament with a 2-1 victory in the first round. Wash. U., coached by former Billiken player and head coach Joe Clarke, finished 9-7-3 last season.

SLU Billikens Shut Out SIU-Edwardsville, Face Missouri State April 14

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SLU Billikens and SIU Edwardsville Cougars - Bronze Boot 2010

SLU Billikens and SIU Edwardsville Cougars - Bronze Boot 2010

From the SLU Billiken website: Alex Sweetin’s goal in the 79th minute against SIUE broke a scoreless tie and lifted the Saint Louis Billikens to a 1-0 win Saturday in a men’s soccer exhibition match at AB Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo.

“It’s always positive to get a win, but I don’t think we started terribly well,” first-year head coach Mike McGinty said. “As the game went on we got better as the guys found some rhythm and got more involved. The second half was definitely better than the first. I again would like to thank AC St. Louis for helping to make this game happen. It was a fun night of soccer.”

SIUE out-shot the Billikens in the match, but it was Sweetin’s goal at 78:04 that proved to be the difference. Charles Bryce carried the ball just outside the box, where he found a wide-open Mike Roach on the right side. Roach passed up a shot, and fed an even more wide-open Sweetin, who buried a shot from the top of the box for the game’s only goal.

Billiken keeper Mark Pais played all 90 minutes and made eight saves, several of them from point-blank range. No word on whether any of our three local representatives made an appearance although I did see a picture of Devon Newport on the pitch in the last exhibition game. Anyone with news on that front?

Saint Louis moves to 1-0-1 in its five-match spring exhibition season. The Billikens are next in action Wednesday, April 14, when they host Missouri State at 7 p.m. at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. All spring matches at Hermann Stadium are free and open to the public.

The Post-Dispatch also has an interesting article on new SLU Head Coach Mike McGinty titled Mike McGinty takes control of SLU soccer that pretty well defines the content of the story.

Springfield Soccer Club Alumni Are Going Dancing – Part II

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SLU Billikens Ian Newport, Ryan Moses, Devon Newport

SLU Billikens Ian Newport, Ryan Moses, Devon Newport

The Springfield Soccer Club is again well represented in the NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament which begins on campus sites across the nation on November 19, 2009. Last weekend saw several Springfield Soccer Club alumni representing their schools in the NCAA Division II and III Men’s Tournament and the NCAA Division III Women’s Tournament.

Missouri State University Bears will attempt to garner their first NCAA Tournament victory as they take on the Saint Louis University Billikens at Hermann Stadium on Thursday November 19th with kick-off starting at 7:00pm. The Bears are represented by Heath Melugin, Nick Dryden, and Justin Scicluna. Across the field the Billikens will also have three Springfield Soccer Club alumni with Ian Newport, Devon Newport and Ryan Moses wearing the Billikens blue and white.

Other NCAA Division I Men’s matchups will see Andrew Parsons and the University of New Mexico Lobos against the University of Portland Pilots. Northwestern University and Chris Tombridge out of the Big Ten Conference received a first round bye and will face the winner of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the University of Notre Dame. Drake University Bulldogs and Colin Lawter will have a first round game vs. Western Illinois University in Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday November 19th. Seeking their eighth NCAA Championship the Indiana University Hoosiers and Graham Basecke will begin post-season play by hosting the Cardinal from the University of Louisville.

In the NCAA Division III Men’s Tournament Loras College will host Dominican University on Saturday November 21st in the round of Sweet 16. The Duhawks are seeking their third straight NCAA Division III College Cup appearance.

On the Division III Women’s side Emily Jordan and the Concordia College Cobbers will have a Sweet 16 matchup vs. Lynchburg College out of Virginia on Saturday November 21st and the games are being held in San Antonio, TX.

Follow all of the action at www.ncaa.com and locally at www.SGFsoccer.com

This information was provided by Springfield SC