'Roos Head To Macomb To Close Out Regular Season
11/5/2010 9:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
The Setting - The UMKC men's soccer team will close out the regular on Saturday at Western Illinois. The 'Roos and Leathernecks will square off at John MacKenzie Alumni Field in Macomb, Ill., beginning at 1 p.m.
Follow The Action Online - Fans can follow Saturday's contest via live stats at www.goleathernecks.com or www.umkckangaroos.com.
Scouting Western Illinois - The Leathernecks enter Saturday's contest with a 3-8-6 overall and a 1-2-2 mark in Summit League play. WIU, who is currently fifth in the league standings, needs a win and a Centenary win or tie to earn the No. 4 seed in The Summit League Tournament.
The Leathernecks have 11 players that have netted at least one goal this season with a quartet of student-athletes pacing the squad with two goals apiece. Husref Jupic leads the team with six points courtesy of two goals and two assists. Andy Ryan has played every minute in goal for WIU, where he has posted a 1.24 goals against average with 87 saves and three shutouts.
The Series - Saturday's meeting will be the 29th in the all-time series with Western Illinois holding a 14-12-2 advantage. The two squads have split the past four meetings and prior to that, WIU won or tied five straight contests. Last season, UMKC claimed the regular season meeting in Kansas City before dropping a 1-0 decision to the Leathernecks in The Summit League Tournament final.
Last Game - The 'Roos clinched The Summit League regular season title courtesy of a 1-0 victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30 at Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field. Junior Jimmy Simon netted the game-winner in the 84th minute, and senior Ken Cooper made a single save en route to his eighth shutout of the season.
Regular Season Champions - UMKC clinched its fourth league regular season title in school history in the 1-0 victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30 at DSSRF. It is the team's first title since the 2003. The 'Roos title gives the squad the No. 1 seed in The Summit League Tournament on Nov. 12-14 in Rochester, Mich.
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. 1, senior Ken Cooper was leading The Summit League in shutouts (8), while ranking second in goals against average (0.79) and save percentage (.806) and fifth in saves (54). Senior John Bayron Sosa was tied for second 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 tied for second in points (14). 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. 1. 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.
Home Cookin' - UMKC closed out the 2010 season with a 8-1 record in the friendly confines of Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field this season. DSSRF has been a daunting place for the opposition to play since it opened in 2009, as the 'Roos are 12-3 in 15 games at the venue.
Overall, UMKC has been exceptional at home the past three seasons, as it has compiled a 19-3 record over its past 22 home dates.
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.
'Roos Atop The Summit - UMKC is leading The Summit League with 22 goals and 61 points this season. The squad is also tied for second with 17 assists. This continues the team's trend of being the class of the league offensively.
The 'Roos led the league in goals, points and assists in both 2008 and 2009. The squad finished with 38 goals, 34 assists and 110 points in 2008 before following it up with a 31 goal, 24 assist, 86 point campaign in 2009.
Coop-Tack-ular - Goalkeeper Ken Cooper is having the best season of his collegiate career, as he has posted a 0.79 goals against average, 54 saves, a .806 saves percentage and eight shutouts. The senior has allowed a league-low 13 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.
Iron Man - Senior John Bayron Sosa has played in and started 73-of-74 total games in his UMKC career. Sosa has been among the starting 11 for the 'Roos in each of the past 61 contests.
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.
Cooper in the UMKC Top-10
1st Goals Against Average 1.31
1st Saves 308
1st Minutes Played 6251
1st Shutouts 18
t1st Wins 31
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.
Back-to-Back OPOY - The 'Roos have not only led the league in scoring in each of the past two seasons, but the squad boasts each of the past two Summit League Offensive Player of the Years. Brian Harris earned the post season recognition in 2008 before Bryan Perez took home the top offensive honor in 2009.
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.
Follow The Action Online - Fans can follow Saturday's contest via live stats at www.goleathernecks.com or www.umkckangaroos.com.
Scouting Western Illinois - The Leathernecks enter Saturday's contest with a 3-8-6 overall and a 1-2-2 mark in Summit League play. WIU, who is currently fifth in the league standings, needs a win and a Centenary win or tie to earn the No. 4 seed in The Summit League Tournament.
The Leathernecks have 11 players that have netted at least one goal this season with a quartet of student-athletes pacing the squad with two goals apiece. Husref Jupic leads the team with six points courtesy of two goals and two assists. Andy Ryan has played every minute in goal for WIU, where he has posted a 1.24 goals against average with 87 saves and three shutouts.
The Series - Saturday's meeting will be the 29th in the all-time series with Western Illinois holding a 14-12-2 advantage. The two squads have split the past four meetings and prior to that, WIU won or tied five straight contests. Last season, UMKC claimed the regular season meeting in Kansas City before dropping a 1-0 decision to the Leathernecks in The Summit League Tournament final.
Last Game - The 'Roos clinched The Summit League regular season title courtesy of a 1-0 victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30 at Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field. Junior Jimmy Simon netted the game-winner in the 84th minute, and senior Ken Cooper made a single save en route to his eighth shutout of the season.
Regular Season Champions - UMKC clinched its fourth league regular season title in school history in the 1-0 victory over IUPUI on Oct. 30 at DSSRF. It is the team's first title since the 2003. The 'Roos title gives the squad the No. 1 seed in The Summit League Tournament on Nov. 12-14 in Rochester, Mich.
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. 1, senior Ken Cooper was leading The Summit League in shutouts (8), while ranking second in goals against average (0.79) and save percentage (.806) and fifth in saves (54). Senior John Bayron Sosa was tied for second 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 tied for second in points (14). 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. 1. 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.
Home Cookin' - UMKC closed out the 2010 season with a 8-1 record in the friendly confines of Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field this season. DSSRF has been a daunting place for the opposition to play since it opened in 2009, as the 'Roos are 12-3 in 15 games at the venue.
Overall, UMKC has been exceptional at home the past three seasons, as it has compiled a 19-3 record over its past 22 home dates.
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.
'Roos Atop The Summit - UMKC is leading The Summit League with 22 goals and 61 points this season. The squad is also tied for second with 17 assists. This continues the team's trend of being the class of the league offensively.
The 'Roos led the league in goals, points and assists in both 2008 and 2009. The squad finished with 38 goals, 34 assists and 110 points in 2008 before following it up with a 31 goal, 24 assist, 86 point campaign in 2009.
Coop-Tack-ular - Goalkeeper Ken Cooper is having the best season of his collegiate career, as he has posted a 0.79 goals against average, 54 saves, a .806 saves percentage and eight shutouts. The senior has allowed a league-low 13 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.
Iron Man - Senior John Bayron Sosa has played in and started 73-of-74 total games in his UMKC career. Sosa has been among the starting 11 for the 'Roos in each of the past 61 contests.
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.
Cooper in the UMKC Top-10
1st Goals Against Average 1.31
1st Saves 308
1st Minutes Played 6251
1st Shutouts 18
t1st Wins 31
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.
Back-to-Back OPOY - The 'Roos have not only led the league in scoring in each of the past two seasons, but the squad boasts each of the past two Summit League Offensive Player of the Years. Brian Harris earned the post season recognition in 2008 before Bryan Perez took home the top offensive honor in 2009.
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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