KingsTalent looks back on a busy week on the American pitches! A few of our talents are playing their last non-conference games. Others are playing their first competitive matches. The upcoming weeks will be very important. These weeks are the base for succes. We take a look at a few of our talents.
We start in California. Here Ouren Nikkels and Rowan Mankers played an important game against the #14 nationally ranked VanGuard University. Marymount California University, that had a good pre-season by winning 1-0 three times in a row, eventually lost the game with the smalles possible margin: 2-1. Nikkels has been playing an important role for weeks in the defensive centre of the Mariners. Mankers suffered a minor injury and is starting to make his minutes. Next step is a starting 11 place.
From California to Mississippi – Anoucke Baas had a fantastic week! Baas is starting to play an important role for the Delta State University women’s soccer team. The 17 year old attacker already gave two assists in the home game against Alcorn State University. Friday the matsch against Auburn University at Montgomery was scheduled. In this match Baas scored her first goal. Her goal in the 5th minute of the game became the base for the 2-1 victory!
From Mississippi to Ohio – Captain Olav Sieljes led his team to an explosive victory at Central Community College. CCC obviously was not good enough to put up a fight and had to leave the win to Northeastern Junior College of Head coach David Groves. At half-time the score was 4-0 already. After half-time the Plainsmen rushed to a overwhelming 9-0 victory.
We stay in Ohio – NAIA #1 nationally ranked men’s soccer team, Rio Grande University finally suffered a loss at the hands of #18 University of Northwestern Ohio after winning 16 games in a row to that day. The game ended 0-2. This season the team of Indy van Sas did already note 7 straight wins. In the pursuit of (another) national championship it’s important to take lessons from the loss and get ready for the next game on September 23rd against #23 Lindsey Wilson University.
From Ohio to Pennsylvania –Mercyhurst University has had an excellent start in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. With 6 points in 3 games the lakers are in pursuit of the league leaders. Saturday East Stroudsburg University was beaten 3-1. Thom Derks again played an crucial role. Before half-time he already scored two goals, bringing his season total to 5 already (in six games!). Earlier this week the game against Urbana University (#12) of Lars Blenckers was tied 1-1.
From Pennsylvania to Illinois – DePaul University also had a good pre-season. After an undefeated series of 5 undefeated matches (3-0, 4-0, 1-1OT, 3-0 and 4-0) against strong NCAA D1 teams, the Blue Demons started their conference season against the strong Xavier University team. In a tight match, in front of 700 spectators, the DePaul team of Stijn van der Slot eventually had to admit defeat due to a 82nd minute PK, the first conceded goal of the DePaul team in 551 minutes of play.
We stay in Illinois – Olivet Nazarene University played its first conference game of the season. With the ‘three Dutchies’ Dion Viola, Jurren van der Gun and Roel van Linschoten the Tigers drew their first game 1-1. After overtime the game was still tied. For Van Linschoten this was the first match after a few weeks of absence.
Highlights from earlier weeks:
Weekly Update – Week 36
