Missouri State Hosts SIUE Cougars Sunday October 30th

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Ole

HELP US BREAK THE ALL-TIME MISSOURI STATE MEN’S SOCCER ATTENDANCE RECORD
• Final Regular Season Missouri Valley Conference match!

SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 6 p.m.
Plaster Sports Complex
• Theme: “Soccer Salutes Service”
• Pregame tribute to: EMT/First-Responders, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Relief Workers
• Commemorate 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001
• Commemorate rebuilding efforts in Joplin
• Family Fun Zone – 4 p.m.
• First 400 fans receive free t-shirt, compliments of Verizon Wireless

• FREE ADMISSION FOR:
• Missouri State students
• Law enforcement
• Firefighters
• EMT/Rescue/First responders
• Medical personnel
• Military personnel
• High school students
• Children

• $3 admission for Missouri State faculty & staff
• $5 general admission
• $1 from every ticket sold goes to support Code 3 Sertoma, which helps families of service personnel killed in line of duty

• Suites are available!
Pizza, snacks, beverages provided, Additional game tickets provided
Gift from Missouri State men’s soccer team provided
A great location for your Club or Group, protected from the weather

Contact Coach Jon Leamy at

• jonleamy@missouristate.edu
• 417-836-5243

• For more information/to follow us:

• www.msulegacygame.com
• Twitter: @msulegacygame
• Facebook.com/msulegacygame

Missouri State Bears Defeat #4 ranked Creighton Blue Jays

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Ole

Missouri State Bears, Heath Melugin (2012)

Congratulations to the Bears on their great win at home last night. Wish I didn’t have to leave Springfield for them to get over that hump!

The historic win can be viewed on Mediacom, channel 22 on Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m., Sunday, October 16 at 1 p.m. and Tuesday, October 18 at 4 p.m. In addition, the replay of the game will be made available on Mediacom On-Demand. The only other televised Missouri State men’s soccer game was the MSU 5-0 win over Texas-Pan American on October 10, 1996 at Cooper Field.

From MissouriStateBears.com – In its first-ever win over a top-five opponent, the Missouri State men’s soccer team (4-5-2, 2-0 Missouri Valley Conference) upset No. 4 Creighton (10-2, 0-1 MVC) in a 1-0 shutout on Wednesday at Plaster Field. The Bears have won three out of the past four matches and registered their second shutout of the season.

“The defense came out prepared, they were organized, played tight zones,” said head coach Jon Leamy. “That’s how we got the first goal. Heath pressured well, got mixed up with their goalkeeper and buried it and put us on top. It’s a big win for us.”

Missouri State’s game-winner came halfway through the first half on a Creighton defensive breakdown. A ricocheted ball off of Bluejay goalkeeper Brian Holt conveniently made its way back to Heath Melugin who took full advantage of the blunder. From 15 yards out, the senior midfielder chipped the ball into a wide open net to put the Bears up 1-0 in the 23rd minute. Melugin has now scored in two consecutive matches and moved into the team lead in points with seven and tied for the team lead in goals with two.

Alex Riggs Signed By Columbus Crew

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Ole

Missouri State, Alex Riggs (2011)

Congratulations to Missouri State University goalkeeping standout Alex Riggs on turning professional. Following a tryout in Arizona with the team, Alex has signed a contract with the Columbus Crew of the MLS.

The conversation leading up to the signing, according to the Crew Extra Blog went along these lines:

The Crew continues to mull its backup goalkeeping options. It would prefer to sign a young No. 3 who would be roster and cap exempt. But with starter William Hesmer still recovering from a shoulder fracture and No. 2 Andy Gruenebaum out indefinitely with a hip injury the Crew doesn’t want to chance having to rely on an inexperienced No. 3 in its upcoming CCL series. Former Ohio State and FC Dallas keeper Ray Burse is an option but his former experience would command a senior roster spot and a guaranteed contract.

Riggs was named the 2010 Missouri Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Year after leading the league in goals against average (0.73), save percentage (.857) and shutouts (9) among full-time starting keepers. He was also named to the All-MVC first team and MVC All-Tournament team. Riggs ended his career second on the MSU career list in start in net (62), minutes played in net (5,934), goals against average (0.93), shutouts (23) and saves (279). He was selected as the MVC Defensive Player of the Week six times in his career including twice this season (Oct. 11 and Oct. 25).

Elmar Bolowich Leaves North Carolina For Creighton

Posted on February 12, 2011 by Ole

Elmar Bolowich with 2001 NCAA Trophy

I think this story speaks to the commitment Creighton has to their soccer program, attracting a proven winner from the ACC.

Daily Tar Heel – UNC men’s soccer loses head coach Bolowich after 22 years

If North Carolina men’s soccer coach Elmar Bolowich returns to his fourth consecutive College Cup next season, he won’t be taking the Tar Heels with him.

After 22 years at the helm in Chapel Hill, the winningest men’s soccer coach in UNC history resigned Wednesday in order to become the head coach at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.

“I am very honored and excited to formally accept the head coaching position for the men’s soccer team at Creighton University,” Bolowich said in a press release. “(Creighton Athletic Director) Bruce Rasmussen has made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, as he is willing and able to provide the resources to make Creighton soccer a national power.”

Here’s his Bio from the Tar Heels website as well as the press release from Creighton.

Jamie Clark Leaves Creighton After One Year

Posted on February 5, 2011 by Ole

jamie clark, creighton blue jays

After one season as head coach at Creighton, Jamie Clark is on the move again. He has accepted the heading coaching position at the University of Washington.

SEATTLE – Former Stanford All-American Jamie Clark will take over the reins of the Husky men’s soccer program as its new head coach, athletic director Scott Woodward announced today.

Clark comes to Seattle after a very successful season at Creighton. The Blue Jays went 13-5-2 in 2010, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In one season in Omaha, Clark coached five all-region players, two All-Americans and a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy while leading the team into the national rankings.

OMAHA, Neb. – After a successful season with the Bluejays in 2010, Creighton men’s soccer head coach Jamie Clark has resigned.

This is obviously a bittersweet time for many of us,” said Rasmussen. “When we hired Jamie this past summer we believed he was one of the outstanding soccer coaches in the country, and during his time here, Jamie exceeded our expectations in every way. While we are disappointed to lose him, we thank him for his influence and commitment to our men’s soccer program, and wish him the best of luck at Washington.”

Clark spent just one season in Omaha, leading the Bluejays to a Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship in 2010. The Bluejays posted a 5-1-1 record in conference play, earning Clark and his staff MVC Coaching Staff of the Year honors. Creighton earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament, defeating New Mexico 4-1 in the first round before being eliminated in penalty kicks following a 2-2 draw at seventh-ranked SMU in the second round.

Jeremy Alumbaugh Joins SIU-Edwardsville Staff

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Ole

Jeremy Alumbaugh, SIU-E soccer assistant coach

In a move long rumored (I first heard about it in late May) former Missouri State Bear’s assistant and Springfield SC Director Jeremy Alumbaugh has returned to the Missouri Valley Conference. Alumbaugh has joined the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars staff, one of two new members of the MVC. The Cougar’s will visit Springfield on Saturday November 6th for the final regular season home game for the Bears. Might be time to buy a box at Plaster Stadium now for that cold weather match up as the Bear’s will be looking to defend their regular season Conference championship, a title won at home on the last day of the regular season in 2009.

Here’s the formal announcement of Alumbaugh’s hiring

EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. – As Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s soccer embarks on its first season in the Missouri Valley, Coach Kevin Kalish has announced the addition of Jeremy Alumbaugh to his coaching staff.

Alumbaugh joins the staff as an assistant coach at a key time in SIUE’s history. The Cougars are fully eligible for the NCAA Division I Championships this season as well as the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Alumbaugh has a wealth of coaching experience at various levels. He previously was an assistant coach at Missouri State, an assistant coach for the Chicago Fires Reserves of the United Soccer Leagues, a staff coach for the Chicago Magic, and the Director of Soccer Operations for the Springfield (Mo.) Soccer Club.

Missouri State Bears Sign Tyler Vieth and Cole Alexander

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Ole

Tyler Vieth, Memorial HS (IN)

I found stories on a couple of players who have chosen the Missouri State Bears for soccer. More to come I’m certain.

The first player, Tyler Vieth, is from Evansville, IN but chose not to stay at home for school although he’ll see plenty of the Ace’s as they compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. As noted in yesterday’s story on Jesse Williams who signed with Drury, both played for the Football Club of Evansville’s U-17 boys’ state championship team last summer. The team is coached by former Drury Panther head Coach, now Evansville Ace’s assistant, Marshall Ray.

Memorial’s Tyler Vieth chooses Missouri State

Tyler, who was named first-team all-state as a junior and senior by the Indiana Soccer Coaches Association, signed a national letter of intent with Missouri State University on Thursday. As a senior midfielder, Tyler had six goals and was second in the state with 26 assists last season.

Missouri State, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, advanced to the NCAA Tournament and was ranked in the Top 20 most of last season. Vieth also was impressed by the coaching staff, the school’s academics and the Springfield, Mo., community. Vieth, who also made official visits to DePaul and Eastern Illinois, did not consider the University of Evansville. He said he wanted to get away from home.

Vieth, whose father played for Saint Louis University, said he needs to improve his strength and technical skills to prepare for the next level.

Cole Alexander, Oakmont Vikings (CA)

and the second player, Cole Alexander, follows a former San Juan club teammate to the Midwest. Johannes Demarzi graduated in December and is now involved in a tryout with 3rd Division Crewe Alexander in England (more on that later). The link to Demarzi played a role in Leamy noticing Alexander and his eventually winding up at Missouri State. That’s how Alexander came to Scoring a Spot in Springfield

His high school coach at Oakmont, Mark Broers, saw something in Alexander very early on. Elite scorers are rare at the high school level, and Alexander clearly was one.

“I was always very impressed with Cole’s ability to beat defenders from the time I met him his sophomore year,” Broers said. “He was also able to finish and score many goals in each of his three varsity seasons at Oakmont. As an avid soccer fan and constant student of the game, I recognize that any player possessing both of these attributes is special.”

Johannes Demarzi named to 1st Team Scholar All-American Squad

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Ole

Missouri State Bears, Johannes Demarzi

Missouri State senior defender Johannes Demarzi was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas men’s Scholar All-America first team, it was recently announced.

Demarzi, who holds a 3.37 GPA in political science, recorded a Missouri Valley Conference-high 10 assists during the 2009 season. His 0.53 assists per match ranked 15th in the nation. He also added three goals and led the Bears with 16 points.

Demarzi earned MVC Scholar-Athlete first team honors and was named MVC Scholar Athlete of the Week on September 23. For his on-field play, he was named to the All-MVC first team, MVC Defensive Player of the Week (Nov. 9), MVC Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 21 & Oct. 19) and NSCAA All-Midwest Region.

His play on the backline contributed to nine shutouts this season. Demarzi helped the Bears win the regular season title outright and reach the NCAA Tournament for the third time in team history.

Missouri State Bears Ranked 4th In MVC Poll, Host Missouri S&T Tonight

Posted on August 18, 2009 by Ole

The Missouri State Bears were picked to finish fourth behind Creighton, Drake and Evansville. Creighton received four first-place votes in the poll, while the Bears and Drake each received one. Bradley and Eastern Illinois round out the poll.

The MVC also announced the preseason All-MVC team today. Junior goalkeeper Alex Riggs was the lone selection from the Bears squad. Riggs played every minute last season and was an All-MVC first team selection. He was also named to the MVC All-Tournament team in 2008. Riggs recorded six shutouts and was named defensive player of the week in consecutive weeks during October.

The Bears were 7-10-5 last season, going 3-1-1 in conference play. Missouri State advanced to the finals of the State Farm MVC Tournament in 2008 before falling to Creighton, 1-0.

“It’s always an honor to have one of your players recognized among the elite in this conference,” stated head coach Jon Leamy. “It is a well-deserved honor for Alex and I am looking forward to him raising the bar this season.”

The men’s soccer team opens exhibition play today against Missouri S&T. Kickoff at Plaster Sports Complex is at 6 p.m. The Bears’ regular season opener is September 1 at the University of Tulsa.

Team (1st-Place Votes) Total Points
1. Creighton (4) 34
2. Drake (1) 27
3. Evansville 23
4. Missouri State (1) 18
5. Bradley 15
6. Eastern Illinois 9

2009 MVC Men’s Soccer Pre-Season Team
Alex Riggs (Missouri State) – GK
Grant Campbell (Bradley)
Chris Cutshaw (Bradley)
Chris Schuler (Creighton)
Seth Sinovic (Creighton)
Jeff Thayer (Creighton)
Julien Edwards (Drake)
Luke Gorczyca (Drake)
Matt Kuhn (Drake)
Kevin Shrout (Drake)
Garrett Webb (Drake)
Mike Luttrull (Evansville)
Robby Lynch (Evansville)
Richie Menjivar (Evansville)

Missouri Valley Conference Has 3 Preseason All-American’s

Posted on July 8, 2009 by Ole

College Soccer News has named their Pre-Season All-American teams and there are 3 representatives from the MVC. Creighton, who reached the Final 8 in the NCAA last year after defeating Missouri State 1-0 in the Conference Title game.

Seniors Chris Schuler and Byron Dacy of the Creighton men’s soccer team have been named Preseason All-Americans by College Soccer News. Schuler was honored on the first team and Dacy was tabbed to the second team. The duo is part of a seven member senior class which will look to lead the Bluejays to their fourth straight Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title and 18th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

Schuler, who’s father Chris is a local referee and is 1st cousin to Michael and Tyler Bennett (Kickapoo), a second-team All-America honoree by both College Soccer News and the NSCAA last year, returns to lead one of the top defenses in the NCAA. The MVC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior last season, Schuler and the Bluejay defense posted a school record 13 shutouts to lead the nation in shutout percentage (.650). Creighton’s 0.48 goals against average ranked second in the country. A leader on CU’s backline, the 6-foot-4 defender paced the team by playing 1,852 of the team’s 1,864 minutes last year.

Dacy has been named to the preseason MAC Hermann Trophy watch list three times in his career and enters his fifth season at Creighton as the active leader in goals (17), assists (19) and points (53). Last year he returned following a medical redshirt due to a torn ACL in 2007 and started 10 of 20 matches for the Bluejays. The forward had two goals and four assists for eight points last year, after leading the team in points scored in both of his first two seasons on campus. The MVC Freshman of the Year in 2005, Dacy had career bests with nine goals and nine assists for 27 points during his rookie campaign.

Garrett Web has been named to the 3rd team after scoring 7 goals and passing out 5 assists last season en route to All-MVC honors.

Creighton and Drake have also been ranked in the Top 30 Preseason poll by College Soccer News.

2. Creighton – The Bluejays return nine starters from the 2008 team that was 16-2-2 overall and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Byron Dacy and Ethan Finlay return to give the Jays a talented one-two punch up top while Chris Schuler and 5th year senior Seth Sinovic anchor a very solid Creighton backline.
21. Drake – Things are looking up in Des Moines as head coach Sean Holmes welcomes back ten starters from the 2008 team that will be looking for a return trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs earned their first ever trip to the NCAA Tourney and secured a school record thirteen wins last year. Seniors Garrett Webb and Kevin Shrout return up-top.

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