(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's soccer is about to embark on their 2021-22 campaign. The Cardinals made a WHAC tournament appearance last year, moving up to the #7 seed after several teams dropped out due to COVID protocols. Head coach Erik Schultz enters his 6th year at the helm of the program, returning a grand total of 27 total players while adding 14 talented newcomers for a deep roster.
2020-21 Season Review
The Cardinals played a split season last year due to the pandemic, beginning their campaign in the fall and continuing in the spring. Concordia went 2-4 in the fall, downing Rochester 1-0 and picking up a 2-0 victory over rival Siena Heights. CUAA picked their season back up in the spring, starting with a 4-3 win over Indiana Wesleyan at the Legacy Center. The team received the #7 seed in the WHAC conference tournament, falling 2-0 at #2 UNOH in the first round.
2021 Schedule Outlook
Concordia kicks off the 2021 season with a home match against Olivet College on August 30. The Cardinals head on the road for 3 games in September, traveling to Alma, Indiana Wesleyan, and Ohio Northern. CUAA hosts Georgetown on September 13 before starting another 3-game road trip. After playing at Thomas More and Marian, the team begins WHAC conference play at Rochester on September 25. The month concludes with a home tilt against Madonna on September 29.
The new month begins with the Cardinals hosting Cornerstone on October 1. The team plays away at UNOH and then hosts back-to-back home games versus UM-Dearborn and Cleary. After road matches at Lawrence Tech and Indiana Tech, CUAA will host rival Siena Heights on October 23. Road contests at Lourdes and Aquinas close out the month.
If the Cardinals finish among the top 8 teams in the WHAC, the team will qualify for the postseason tournament. The first round will begin on November 6.
Concordia Personnel
Head coach Erik Schultz brings back a total of 27 players including 9 seniors. Seniors Austin Corona and Tanguy Flachez recorded 2 assists apiece last season. Senior Nyle Ellis played in all 13 games last year while matching senior Christian Margilaj with one goal each. Senior Steven Soboslay recorded an assist last season.
Senior Brody Smith fired two shots on goal last year. Senior defender Matthew Pearson competed in 9 games last season while senior midfielder Brandon Miotke saw action in 4 games. Senior Logan Avila-Burns will provide depth and leadership to the team.
Junior goalkeeper Jose Garcia recorded 8 saves in 1 game of action last year. Junior midfielder Luca Ruffino competed in 12 games last season. Junior Nestor Cevallos also saw a game of action. Juniors Jaime Salazar, Jared Welch, and Jefferson Garcia will provide additional depth.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Webb returns after recording 2 shutout wins and a total of 61 saves. Sophomore Brett Kuhlman led the team last year with 5 goals including 2-gamewinners. Sophomore goalkeeper Kyri Wixom recorded a win and 21 saves last year. Sophomore Alexander Valencia scored a goal last season. Sophomore Luke Neuhaus returns after playing 12 games and taking 4 shots on goal.
Sophomores Caleb Comstock, Carl Pierce, Chandler Wilson, Elijah Harns, Giovanni Potestato, Logan Kittle, and Nicholas Corona all saw action at various times last year and will provide depth to the team.
Head coach Erik Schultz has brought in 14 newcomers to the team: sophomore transfer Bryce Schaner and freshmen Adam Dahl, Elijah Garrabrant, Ignacio Garcia, Jacari Jackson, James Swanson, Jose Garcia Garrues, Juan Sepulveda, Lane Craig, Luis Ramirez, Raul Elizondo, Santiago Gordillo Martinez, Tyler Holland, and Zachary Kubisiak.
2020 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.
