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Moraine Valley looks to expand international sports program 2007 Season Review The men's soccer team again showed why they are considered one of the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference's perennial competitors, posting a 5-2 record in conference play (10-3-1 overall) and earning a second seed in the National Junior College Athletic Association's Region IV Tournament. The Cyclones, however, fell to the College of Lake County in an offensive shootout in the quarter-final round of the Region IV Tournament. "Our team played really well throughout the season, and I'm proud of everything they've accomplished," said head coach Chuck Bales. "Of course, we would have liked to advance to the finals, but hopefully we can use this experience to motivate our returning players next season and earn another shot at the Region IV championship." Several Cyclone players earned post-season recognition for their performances. They included:
The Cyclones have had a history of success, earning conference championships in 1995-96 and 2005, conference runners-up in 1997 and 2002-04, and NJCAA Region IV runners-up in 1996-97 and 2003. Bales expects next year to be no different. "We've been so successful in large part because of the talent that comes from the student-athletes at the high schools we serve," Bales said. "There's a lot of talent in the region, and many high school athletes decide to continue their academic and athletic successes at Moraine Valley."
2007 Season Preview
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Downloadable 2007 Season Program (pdf) Since last season's gut-wrenching defeat in the Region IV tournament, the men's soccer team has further committed to earning success during the 2007 season. As a testament to that commitment, the Cyclones return 10 veteran players for this year's campaign, including T.J. Evans (Andrew High School), Takuya Mamada (Japan), Ignacio Arroyo, Matthew Michaels, and James Voutiritsas (all of Stagg High School), Miguel Gallardo, Julio Pinedo, and Jonathan Zaragoza (all of Eisenhower High School), Mohamed Metwally (Oak Lawn), and Dong Ha Lee (South Korea). Head coach Chuck Bales believes this strong second-year class will give the team the experience it needs as it readies for a demanding 2007 conference schedule. In addition to the returning players, Bales is confident about the abilities of the team's first-year student-athletes. "There's reason to believe that this team is the most talented and experienced squad I've seen in the past several years," Bales said. "Of course, the ultimate test will be whether they can reach their huge potential as a team." Adding to that potential are several highly touted local prospects, including Adrian Gonzalez and Eduardo Pena (both of Argo High School), Miguel Enciso and Alejandro Diaz (both of Reavis High School), Mark Hermann (Andrew High School), Marcin Gacek (Stagg High School), and Enrique Marmolejo (Eisenhower High School), who are all set to play their inaugural year for the Cyclones. Additionally, Orlando Esparza (Olivet Nazarene University) and Chris Allen (Millikin University) will add to the overall experience of the team. Chase Jones (Fort Wayne, Indiana) and Aleks Beal (Kenosha, Wisconsin) also will add power to the Cyclones' attack. As an additional part of their preparation, the men's soccer team traveled overseas in August to compete in a combination sporting event/cultural exchange hosted by the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. The team's visit to Germany—which was self-funded—came on the heels of Moraine Valley's hosting duties when the University of Nürnberg's women's soccer team visited the college last fall. The event was organized as part of Moraine Valley International Sports Exchange Initiative—a nationally acclaimed program that promotes widespread cultural diversity through athletics. In Germany, the Cyclones were able to compete against the Post SV FC (Football Club) of Nürnberg, the 1. FC Nürnberg U18 team, and the men's soccer team from the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. In addition, Moraine Valley team members spent their free time exploring the historical sites of Munich, Nürnberg, and Swiss Franconia. "Our visit to Germany was fantastic in several ways," Bales said. "We were able to hone our skills against some tough international competitors as we prepare for our season, and it also gave us an opportunity to explore the rich traditions and people that Germany has to offer. It was a great way to start our season, and I hope we can finish it on just as positive a note." Extras 2006 Highlights
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