No. 1 UMKC Takes On No. 4 Oral Roberts In Match One Of The Summit League Tournament On Friday
11/11/2010 7:45:00 PM | Men's Soccer
The No. 1 seeded UMKC men's soccer team will face fourth seeded Oral Roberts in the first match of The Summit League Men's Soccer Championship. The Kangaroos and the Golden Eagles will square off at the OU Soccer Field in Rochester, Mich., at 10 a.m.
The winner will move on to The Summit League Men's Soccer championship game, facing either No. 2 IUPUI or No. 3 Oakland on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Follow The Action Online - Fans can follow Friday's contest via live stats and video at www.ougrizzlies.com.
Scouting Oral Roberts - The Golden Eagles closed out the regular season with a 5-7-4 overall record and a 2-1-2 Summit League record. Oral Roberts finished regular season play with a 2-2 tie to Oakland, despite two overtime periods. Jarrett Hamilton leads the Golden Eagles with five goals and four assists for 14 points. Andrew Techanchuk has 70 saves headed into the match with the `Roos. Oral Roberts is coached by Steven Hays, who is in his 12th season.
The Series - All-time against the Golden Eagles, UMKC is 11-11-2 and Friday's match will mark the 25th meeting. Earlier on in the season, the Kangaroos notched a 4-2 win thanks to a versatile offense by UMKC. Coady Andrews, Jimmy Simon, John Bayron Sosa and David Sarabia all scored goals in the win, with Sarabia's goal serving as the game-winning-goal. Sterling Copeland scored both of the Golden Eagles goals. Ken Cooper recorded six saves in the match.
Last Game - The UMKC men's soccer team dropped its regular season finale on Nov. 6, 2-1 at Western Illinois. Leading the way for the 'Roos in the match was Diego Rojas, as the junior forward scored the 'Roos lone goal in the 90th minute of play. But a pair of goals by the Leathernecks in the first half would be too much for UMKC to overcome. In the match, Cooper notched five saves, all in the first half, while Kyle Martin recorded one in the second half.
`Roos Rack Up Summit League Post Season Awards - UMKC had seven student-athletes and one coach earn end of the year accolades. Senior midfield John Bayron Sosa was voted The Summit League Offensive Player of the Year, while senior defender Brian Quintana was voted The Summit League Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Rick Benben was also voted as The League's Coach of the Year. This is Benben's fourth Coach of the Year accolade in his 13 years with the Kangaroos. Benben was previously named Coach of the Year following the 1999, 2001 and 2003 regular seasons.
This is Sosa's second first team nomination and first Player of the Year accolade. The St. Cloud, Fla., native was an all-Summit League first team selection in 2009 and a second team selection in 2008 and 2007. Sosa was also named to The Summit League's all-newcomer team in 2007. This is the third straight season that the Kangaroos have claimed the Offensive Player of the Year award. Bryan Perez earned the distinction in 2009 and Brian Harris was honored in 2008.
This is the first award for Quintana, who has started in 16 games this season. Quintana has been a force in the back, helping hold opponents to just 15 goals this season. The Miami, Fla., native and the UMKC defense have posted eight shutouts on the year.
Junior forward Jimmy Simon also earned first team all-Summit League honors. Simon leads the Kangaroos this season with seven goals and one assist for 15 points.
UMKC had two student-athletes earn second team all-Summit League recognition, sophomore midfielder Tom Black and senior goalkeeper Ken Cooper. Black has appeared in all 17 games this season and tallied one goal and two assists. Last season, Black was named to The Summit League all-newcomer squad.
Cooper leads The Summit League in shutouts (8) and ranks second in goals-against-average (0.88) and save percentage (.797). The senior has 59 saves on the year.
The Kangaroos also had two student-athletes placed on the all-newcomer team, midfielder Donovann Castro and defender Jeffrey Stezovsky. Castro has appeared in all 17 matches for the `Roos and recorded 13 shots, placing four of them on frame. Stezovsky has also appeared in all 17 games this season, tallying two assists.
UMKC at The Summit League Tournament - The`Roos are entering with an all-time record of 5-12-4. This is the first time that UMKC has claimed the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
100 and Counting - Head coach Rick Benben received a Gatorade bath from his 'Roos after he notched the 100th win of his UMKC career in the 1-0 victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30. The win was also the team's 10th of the season, which marks the fifth time in Benben's tenure that he has guided a squad to at least 10 victories.
10-Win Barrier - UMKC reached the 10-win barrier with its 1-0 victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30. It is the seventh 10-win season in school history and the most for the program since 2008. With one regular season game and the league tournament, the 'Roos have a chance to break/tie the school record of 12 wins that was set during the 2001 season.
More Records For Cooper - Senior Ken Cooper added to his glowing resume when he guided the 'Roos to a 1-0 shutout victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30. The goalkeeper notched his eighth shutout of the season, which is a UMKC single season record. The win was Cooper's 31st in Blue and Gold, tying him with Beau Williams for the top total in school history.
Make It Four GWG - Junior Jimmy Simon netted his team and league-leading fourth game-winning goal to give the 'Roos the 1-0 triumph over IUPUI. The strike was also Simon's team-best seventh goal of the season. The figure is the second most in The Summit League and tied for the 13th most in a single season in school history.
Honors All Around For Sosa - Senior John Bayron Sosa was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week and as The Summit League Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 25. The midfielder earned the nod after netting a hat trick - the eighth in UMKC history - in the 4-1 victory over IPFW on Oct. 23. Sosa is just the second 'Roo student-athlete to earn the College Soccer News honor, joining teammate Matt Kopsky, who received the nod in 2008.
Sosa Named To ESPN Academic District 7 First Team - Senior John Bayron Sosa was named to the ESPN District 7 First Team on Nov. 2 by CoSIDA. The honor, which is the first of Sosa's career, places Sosa on the national ballot for Academic all-America honors.
Hat Trick History - Senior John Bayron Sosa became the eighth UMKC player to net a hat trick when he accomplished the feat in the win over IPFW on Oct. 23. It is the third straight season that the 'Roos have had a player score a hat trick. Bryan Perez and Brian Harris accomplished the feat in 2008 before current UMKC sophomore netted a hat trick against Memphis last season.
UMKC In The Summit League - In the league statistical rankings on Nov. 6, senior Ken Cooper was leading The Summit League in shutouts (8), while ranking second in goals against average (0.88) and save percentage (.797) and fifth in saves (59). Senior John Bayron Sosa was fourth in the league in points (14) and tied for third in goals (6). Junior Jimmy Simon was also pacing the league with four game-winning goals, while being second in goals (7) and being third in points (15). Junior Luke Harman, meanwhile, was tied for the top spot in the league with four assists.
The Class of UMKC Goalkeepers - Senior Ken Cooper moved into the top spot in both career saves and minutes played in the 1-0 shutout victory over Eastern Illinois. The St. Louis native then moved into the top spot in career shutouts, courtesy of his 1-0 blanking of Centenary.
'Roos Eighth In NSCAA Midwest Region Rankings - UMKC is eighth in the NSCAA Midwest Region rankings that were released on Nov. 9. The 'Roos have been in the rankings since Sept. 13, when they debuted at ninth. It is the team's first ranking since the 2008 campaign when it climbed to as high as third in the region before finishing the year ranked sixth.
Summit League POW Honorees - The 'Roos have been the recipient of The Summit League Player of the Week honor on six occasions this season.
Senior Ken Cooper was the first 'Roo to earn the honor, as he was named the Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 13 after making four saves in 110 minutes of action in the 1-1 draw at Loyola Chicago.
Fellow senior John Bayron Sosa earned the offensive accolade - the second of his 'Roo career - on Sept. 20 after notching a pair of goals in UMKC's 3-2 loss at Drake. Junior Jimmy Simon was the third straight 'Roo to earn the accolade on Sept. 27 following his two goal contest in UMKC's 2-1 win over Memphis.
Sophomore David Sarabia was the latest UMKC player to earn the accolade, as he received the nod on Oct. 4 after scoring the game-winning strikes in the team's victories over Oral Roberts and Eastern Illinois.
Sosa then earned his second honor of the season on Oct. 25 following his hat trick in the 4-1 win over IPFW on Oct. 23. Cooper then tallied his second honor of the season on Nov. 1 after shutting out IUPUI on Oct. 30 to give the 'Roos the regular season title.
Offensive Outburst - UMKC has netted four goals in a pair of game this season - in victories over Oral Roberts (4-2) and IPFW (4-1). The scoring outputs matches Oakland for the team-high in The Summit League this season.
Coop-Tack-ular - Goalkeeper Ken Cooper is having the best season of his collegiate career, as he has posted a 0.88 goals against average, 59 saves, a .797 saves percentage and eight shutouts. The senior has allowed a league-low 15 goals on the year.
Mr. Shutout - Senior Ken Cooper has posted a UMKC single season record eighth shutouts this season. The St. Louis native did not allow a goal for a 515:36 minute stretch from Oct. 1 through Oct. 23, where he posted four consecutive shutouts.
Sosa In The Record Books - Senior John Bayron Sosa currently ranks as the second most prolific assist man in school history with 20 career assists. Sosa is also fifth in the annals with 46 career points.
Cooper Among UMKC Career Leaders - Senior Ken Cooper already ranks as one of the best goalkeepers in UMKC history when you look at his career statistics. The St. Louis native is the school recordholder in four categories and he is tied with Beau Williams for the career wins mark.
Markey Sidelined For '10 Season - Senior Chris Markey, who is one of UMKC's co-captains for the 2010 season, suffered a foot injury during the exhibition contest against Drake on Aug. 27. The midfielder broke his foot while going in for a tackle, which will force him to miss the remainder of the 2010 season.
Markey is the second UMKC senior to suffer a serious injury this season. Matt Kopsky, a returning starter and three-year letterwinner, went down with a knee injury prior to the beginning of preseason practice. He too will miss the entire 2010 campaign.
'Roos Tabbed As Preseason Favorites - UMKC was picked as the preseason favorite to claim the 2010 Summit League title. The 'Roos received three first place votes en route to 33 points to edge Oakland by a single point for the top spot.
Sosa Named To MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List - Senior John Bayron Sosa has been named to the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. The St. Cloud, Fla., native is the first UMKC player to be named to the Watch List and is one of 39 Division I men's soccer players and the lone representative of The Summit League to be recognized.
Considered the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer, the recipient of the MAC Hermann Trophy is selected by Division I head coaches who are current members of the NSCAA.
Team Captains - Seniors John Bayron Sosa and Chris Markey have been selected to serve as the team co-captains for the 2010 'Roos.
A Look Back To 2009 - The 'Roos posted a 7-10-2 overall record during the 2009 campaign, which included a 2-2-2 mark in Summit League play. UMKC upset top-seeded Oakland in The Summit League Championship semifinals to advance to the final for the third time in the last four years before dropping a 1-0 decision to Western Illinois.
UMKC had a total of six student-athletes earn post season recognition in 2009 with two players - Bryan Perez and David Sarabia - earning individual honors. Perez was named The Summit League Offensive Player of the Year, while Sarabia was named The Summit League Newcomer of the Year.
The pair were a part of a school record five first team selections, as they were joined on the first team squad by teammates Chris Markey, John Bayron Sosa and John David Hernandez. Additionally, Sarabia and Tom Black were named to the all-Newcomer squad.
Giant Killers - The 'Roos have been making a name for themselves in scheduling and beating ranked foes. UMKC has taken down a ranked opponent in each of the past two seasons, shutting out No. 23 Drake, 3-0, in 2009 after beating No. 3 Creighton (1-0) and No. 19 Drake (4-3) during the 2008 campaign.
Championship Soccer - UMKC earned its third NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008 after winning The Summit League Tournament as the No. 3 seed. The 'Roos, who have played in championship game of the league tournament in three of the last four years, have won four Summit League regular season titles (1999, 2001, 2003, 2010) and three league tournament crowns (2001, 2003, 2008), all of which led to NCAA Tournament appearances.
The winner will move on to The Summit League Men's Soccer championship game, facing either No. 2 IUPUI or No. 3 Oakland on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Follow The Action Online - Fans can follow Friday's contest via live stats and video at www.ougrizzlies.com.
Scouting Oral Roberts - The Golden Eagles closed out the regular season with a 5-7-4 overall record and a 2-1-2 Summit League record. Oral Roberts finished regular season play with a 2-2 tie to Oakland, despite two overtime periods. Jarrett Hamilton leads the Golden Eagles with five goals and four assists for 14 points. Andrew Techanchuk has 70 saves headed into the match with the `Roos. Oral Roberts is coached by Steven Hays, who is in his 12th season.
The Series - All-time against the Golden Eagles, UMKC is 11-11-2 and Friday's match will mark the 25th meeting. Earlier on in the season, the Kangaroos notched a 4-2 win thanks to a versatile offense by UMKC. Coady Andrews, Jimmy Simon, John Bayron Sosa and David Sarabia all scored goals in the win, with Sarabia's goal serving as the game-winning-goal. Sterling Copeland scored both of the Golden Eagles goals. Ken Cooper recorded six saves in the match.
Last Game - The UMKC men's soccer team dropped its regular season finale on Nov. 6, 2-1 at Western Illinois. Leading the way for the 'Roos in the match was Diego Rojas, as the junior forward scored the 'Roos lone goal in the 90th minute of play. But a pair of goals by the Leathernecks in the first half would be too much for UMKC to overcome. In the match, Cooper notched five saves, all in the first half, while Kyle Martin recorded one in the second half.
`Roos Rack Up Summit League Post Season Awards - UMKC had seven student-athletes and one coach earn end of the year accolades. Senior midfield John Bayron Sosa was voted The Summit League Offensive Player of the Year, while senior defender Brian Quintana was voted The Summit League Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Rick Benben was also voted as The League's Coach of the Year. This is Benben's fourth Coach of the Year accolade in his 13 years with the Kangaroos. Benben was previously named Coach of the Year following the 1999, 2001 and 2003 regular seasons.
This is Sosa's second first team nomination and first Player of the Year accolade. The St. Cloud, Fla., native was an all-Summit League first team selection in 2009 and a second team selection in 2008 and 2007. Sosa was also named to The Summit League's all-newcomer team in 2007. This is the third straight season that the Kangaroos have claimed the Offensive Player of the Year award. Bryan Perez earned the distinction in 2009 and Brian Harris was honored in 2008.
This is the first award for Quintana, who has started in 16 games this season. Quintana has been a force in the back, helping hold opponents to just 15 goals this season. The Miami, Fla., native and the UMKC defense have posted eight shutouts on the year.
Junior forward Jimmy Simon also earned first team all-Summit League honors. Simon leads the Kangaroos this season with seven goals and one assist for 15 points.
UMKC had two student-athletes earn second team all-Summit League recognition, sophomore midfielder Tom Black and senior goalkeeper Ken Cooper. Black has appeared in all 17 games this season and tallied one goal and two assists. Last season, Black was named to The Summit League all-newcomer squad.
Cooper leads The Summit League in shutouts (8) and ranks second in goals-against-average (0.88) and save percentage (.797). The senior has 59 saves on the year.
The Kangaroos also had two student-athletes placed on the all-newcomer team, midfielder Donovann Castro and defender Jeffrey Stezovsky. Castro has appeared in all 17 matches for the `Roos and recorded 13 shots, placing four of them on frame. Stezovsky has also appeared in all 17 games this season, tallying two assists.
UMKC at The Summit League Tournament - The`Roos are entering with an all-time record of 5-12-4. This is the first time that UMKC has claimed the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
100 and Counting - Head coach Rick Benben received a Gatorade bath from his 'Roos after he notched the 100th win of his UMKC career in the 1-0 victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30. The win was also the team's 10th of the season, which marks the fifth time in Benben's tenure that he has guided a squad to at least 10 victories.
10-Win Barrier - UMKC reached the 10-win barrier with its 1-0 victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30. It is the seventh 10-win season in school history and the most for the program since 2008. With one regular season game and the league tournament, the 'Roos have a chance to break/tie the school record of 12 wins that was set during the 2001 season.
More Records For Cooper - Senior Ken Cooper added to his glowing resume when he guided the 'Roos to a 1-0 shutout victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30. The goalkeeper notched his eighth shutout of the season, which is a UMKC single season record. The win was Cooper's 31st in Blue and Gold, tying him with Beau Williams for the top total in school history.
Make It Four GWG - Junior Jimmy Simon netted his team and league-leading fourth game-winning goal to give the 'Roos the 1-0 triumph over IUPUI. The strike was also Simon's team-best seventh goal of the season. The figure is the second most in The Summit League and tied for the 13th most in a single season in school history.
Honors All Around For Sosa - Senior John Bayron Sosa was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week and as The Summit League Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 25. The midfielder earned the nod after netting a hat trick - the eighth in UMKC history - in the 4-1 victory over IPFW on Oct. 23. Sosa is just the second 'Roo student-athlete to earn the College Soccer News honor, joining teammate Matt Kopsky, who received the nod in 2008.
Sosa Named To ESPN Academic District 7 First Team - Senior John Bayron Sosa was named to the ESPN District 7 First Team on Nov. 2 by CoSIDA. The honor, which is the first of Sosa's career, places Sosa on the national ballot for Academic all-America honors.
Hat Trick History - Senior John Bayron Sosa became the eighth UMKC player to net a hat trick when he accomplished the feat in the win over IPFW on Oct. 23. It is the third straight season that the 'Roos have had a player score a hat trick. Bryan Perez and Brian Harris accomplished the feat in 2008 before current UMKC sophomore netted a hat trick against Memphis last season.
UMKC In The Summit League - In the league statistical rankings on Nov. 6, senior Ken Cooper was leading The Summit League in shutouts (8), while ranking second in goals against average (0.88) and save percentage (.797) and fifth in saves (59). Senior John Bayron Sosa was fourth in the league in points (14) and tied for third in goals (6). Junior Jimmy Simon was also pacing the league with four game-winning goals, while being second in goals (7) and being third in points (15). Junior Luke Harman, meanwhile, was tied for the top spot in the league with four assists.
The Class of UMKC Goalkeepers - Senior Ken Cooper moved into the top spot in both career saves and minutes played in the 1-0 shutout victory over Eastern Illinois. The St. Louis native then moved into the top spot in career shutouts, courtesy of his 1-0 blanking of Centenary.
'Roos Eighth In NSCAA Midwest Region Rankings - UMKC is eighth in the NSCAA Midwest Region rankings that were released on Nov. 9. The 'Roos have been in the rankings since Sept. 13, when they debuted at ninth. It is the team's first ranking since the 2008 campaign when it climbed to as high as third in the region before finishing the year ranked sixth.
Summit League POW Honorees - The 'Roos have been the recipient of The Summit League Player of the Week honor on six occasions this season.
Senior Ken Cooper was the first 'Roo to earn the honor, as he was named the Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 13 after making four saves in 110 minutes of action in the 1-1 draw at Loyola Chicago.
Fellow senior John Bayron Sosa earned the offensive accolade - the second of his 'Roo career - on Sept. 20 after notching a pair of goals in UMKC's 3-2 loss at Drake. Junior Jimmy Simon was the third straight 'Roo to earn the accolade on Sept. 27 following his two goal contest in UMKC's 2-1 win over Memphis.
Sophomore David Sarabia was the latest UMKC player to earn the accolade, as he received the nod on Oct. 4 after scoring the game-winning strikes in the team's victories over Oral Roberts and Eastern Illinois.
Sosa then earned his second honor of the season on Oct. 25 following his hat trick in the 4-1 win over IPFW on Oct. 23. Cooper then tallied his second honor of the season on Nov. 1 after shutting out IUPUI on Oct. 30 to give the 'Roos the regular season title.
Offensive Outburst - UMKC has netted four goals in a pair of game this season - in victories over Oral Roberts (4-2) and IPFW (4-1). The scoring outputs matches Oakland for the team-high in The Summit League this season.
Coop-Tack-ular - Goalkeeper Ken Cooper is having the best season of his collegiate career, as he has posted a 0.88 goals against average, 59 saves, a .797 saves percentage and eight shutouts. The senior has allowed a league-low 15 goals on the year.
Mr. Shutout - Senior Ken Cooper has posted a UMKC single season record eighth shutouts this season. The St. Louis native did not allow a goal for a 515:36 minute stretch from Oct. 1 through Oct. 23, where he posted four consecutive shutouts.
Sosa In The Record Books - Senior John Bayron Sosa currently ranks as the second most prolific assist man in school history with 20 career assists. Sosa is also fifth in the annals with 46 career points.
Cooper Among UMKC Career Leaders - Senior Ken Cooper already ranks as one of the best goalkeepers in UMKC history when you look at his career statistics. The St. Louis native is the school recordholder in four categories and he is tied with Beau Williams for the career wins mark.
Markey Sidelined For '10 Season - Senior Chris Markey, who is one of UMKC's co-captains for the 2010 season, suffered a foot injury during the exhibition contest against Drake on Aug. 27. The midfielder broke his foot while going in for a tackle, which will force him to miss the remainder of the 2010 season.
Markey is the second UMKC senior to suffer a serious injury this season. Matt Kopsky, a returning starter and three-year letterwinner, went down with a knee injury prior to the beginning of preseason practice. He too will miss the entire 2010 campaign.
'Roos Tabbed As Preseason Favorites - UMKC was picked as the preseason favorite to claim the 2010 Summit League title. The 'Roos received three first place votes en route to 33 points to edge Oakland by a single point for the top spot.
Sosa Named To MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List - Senior John Bayron Sosa has been named to the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. The St. Cloud, Fla., native is the first UMKC player to be named to the Watch List and is one of 39 Division I men's soccer players and the lone representative of The Summit League to be recognized.
Considered the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer, the recipient of the MAC Hermann Trophy is selected by Division I head coaches who are current members of the NSCAA.
Team Captains - Seniors John Bayron Sosa and Chris Markey have been selected to serve as the team co-captains for the 2010 'Roos.
A Look Back To 2009 - The 'Roos posted a 7-10-2 overall record during the 2009 campaign, which included a 2-2-2 mark in Summit League play. UMKC upset top-seeded Oakland in The Summit League Championship semifinals to advance to the final for the third time in the last four years before dropping a 1-0 decision to Western Illinois.
UMKC had a total of six student-athletes earn post season recognition in 2009 with two players - Bryan Perez and David Sarabia - earning individual honors. Perez was named The Summit League Offensive Player of the Year, while Sarabia was named The Summit League Newcomer of the Year.
The pair were a part of a school record five first team selections, as they were joined on the first team squad by teammates Chris Markey, John Bayron Sosa and John David Hernandez. Additionally, Sarabia and Tom Black were named to the all-Newcomer squad.
Giant Killers - The 'Roos have been making a name for themselves in scheduling and beating ranked foes. UMKC has taken down a ranked opponent in each of the past two seasons, shutting out No. 23 Drake, 3-0, in 2009 after beating No. 3 Creighton (1-0) and No. 19 Drake (4-3) during the 2008 campaign.
Championship Soccer - UMKC earned its third NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008 after winning The Summit League Tournament as the No. 3 seed. The 'Roos, who have played in championship game of the league tournament in three of the last four years, have won four Summit League regular season titles (1999, 2001, 2003, 2010) and three league tournament crowns (2001, 2003, 2008), all of which led to NCAA Tournament appearances.
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