(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's soccer will enter the 2019 season with one goal in mind - finishing strong. In 2018, 9 of their 12 losses came from a one goal deficit. The season culminated with a controversial 3-2 loss at Indiana Tech in the WHAC Quarterfinal matchup, with the winning goal coming from a penalty kick in the 89th minute.
The Cardinals won 5 of their last 7 games to end the 2018 season and after a productive off-season, positive momentum is expected to carry over. Nine seniors will be provide the necessary leadership and experience both on and off the field for the Cardinals. Jacob Campbell (SR/Macomb, MI) and Anthony Tucker (SR/Canton, MI) will anchor the Cardinals leadership as senior captains. Head Coach Erik Schultz will be going into his 4th year at the reigns of the men's soccer program. Schultz is 25-31 overall as the head coach and 13-20 in WHAC conference play.
2019 Schedule Outlook
The Cardinals kick off their season on the road on August 16th against Taylor University. The Cardinals stay on the road for two more games on August 24th and 29th against Robert Morris and Shawnee State respectively.
Concordia's home opener falls on September 2nd as the Cardinals will face Missouri Baptist at Cardinal Stadium. The Cardinals stay home as they face the University of the Cumberlands (KY) on September 8th before going back on the road for a match with Cincinnati Christian University.
The Cardinals open up conference play at home against Cornerstone on September 28th. Concordia is set to face 4th ranked Madonna University on October 2nd in Ann Arbor. Concordia will then have two more game against WHAC opponents that are currently receiving votes in the forms of Lawrence Tech University and University of Northwestern Ohio.
After their two game road trip, the Cardinals come home for one game against University of Michigan Dearborn on October 12th before heading back out on the road to face Indiana Tech and Aquinas. Concordia will return for their final homestand on October 23rd to face Cleary. The Cardinals will celebrate senior day on October 25th as they take on the Saints from Sienna Heights.
The men's program will conclude their season on the road against Lourdes and Rochester before the WHAC playoffs.
Roster Breakdown
The 2019 men's team will feature a talented veteran group with a mix a young and versatile newcomers. Senior goalkeeper Spencer Ward (SR/Rochester, MI) will look to build off of his historical 2018 campaign where he was named WHAC All-Conference 1st Team. Senior Marino Moraccini (SR/Shelby Township, MI) also offers tremendous depth to the goalkeeper position.
Senior defensemen Jacob Campbell and Daniel Lynch (SR/Brampton, Ontario) will anchor the Cardinals defense this season.
Junior Anthony Tucker (currently 7th in program history in goals with 14 goals) will spearhead the Cardinals offensive and playmaking skills in the mid-field. Steven Soboslay (SO/Chesterfield, MI) recorded three goals and an assist last season as a forward.
Austin Corona (JR/Livonia, MI), Jordan Martindale (SR/Northville, MI), Dylan Hayes (JR/Royal Oak, MI), Boris Illic (JR/Clinton Township, MI), Noah Jankulovski (JR/Woodhaven, MI), Felipe Lopez (JR/Imlay City, MI), Derek McComas (JR/St. Clair, MI), and Matthew Pearson (SO/San Diego, CA) will provide additional depth and experience having started some games last season for the Cardinals.
2019 WHAC Preseason Poll
After finishing the 2018 campaign strong with a sixth place (5-6) finish in the WHAC standings, the Cardinals are projected to finish 2019 in the same spot as voted on by WHAC coaches. The Cardinals accumulated 78 votes just behind Cornerstone. Madonna was voted to repeat as WHAC champion with 142 total votes and 10 first place votes. Lawrence Tech totaled 2 first place votes and 130 total.
2018 Team Stats
Connect with the Cardinals
For the most updated information and news throughout the season, follow the Concordia Men's Soccer team on their social media platforms. The Cardinals are on Twitter (@CUAAMensSoccer) and Instagram (cuaa_ms). Fans can also subscribe for text alerts and the Cardinals' YouTube page for video interviews from players and coaches.
