Cincinnati State men’s soccer team ends season, looks ahead

By Robert White/Cincinnati State Sports Information

Tyler, TX---The Cincinnati State men's soccer season came to an end this week.

Making its second consecutive appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament – and third in the last four seasons – Cincinnati State won its first-round game before falling Wednesday to the No. 3 seed, San Jacinto – South, 3-0.

"Earning back to back appearances in the national tournament is something that no previous team at Cincinnati State has ever done," said Cincinnati State Head Coach Mike Combs.

"I am so proud of this group of players. For our sophomore class, each player can say that they left with the legacy of two conference titles, two regional titles and two trips to the national tournament," Combs added.

The Surge's appearance at the NJCAA National Tournament in Tyler, Texas consisted of two games in the tournament's pool stage. Cincinnati State defeated Cloud County 2-1 on the first day of the tournament before losing to San Jacinto - South to end the season.

"Obviously, we wish we could have advanced out of the pool stage," Combs said. "That said, we were one of 12 teams still standing at the end of the season, which further solidifies our program as one of the best in all of junior college."

The Surge finished with an overall record of 18-2-2 on the year.

Of the 22 man roster, Cincinnati State will see 11 sophomores depart next season, including leading goal scorer Kyle Grothaus, point leader Liam Doyle, and top defenders Austin Klueh and Tucker Beerman.

Two members of the sophomore class have already committed to play at NCAA Div. I programs next fall. Doyle will continue his career at Ohio State University. Forward Kevin Walker, who was named OCCAC "Offensive Player of the Year," will play at Bowling Green University. Other members of the sophomore class have been contacted by Div. I, II & NAIA programs and are expected to announce their plans over the next few months.

Combs said 11 freshmen are expected to return, including six players who have started at least one game in 2013.

Starting goalkeeper Ryan Hall returns after posting seven shutouts and earning All-Region honors in 2013.

Brad Schluter, Trae Collins and Vonne Byrd – who started a combined 34 games in 2013 – will bring experience to the midfield positions in 2014, Combs said. Defenders Okama Thompson and Grant Geigle will be relied upon to anchor a defensive unit that is losing five of the eight defenders on the 2013 team to graduation.

For more information on Cincinnati State soccer, please visit www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics/mens-soccer-1