The journey to the NJCAA National Tournament for Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s new men’s soccer team may have come to an abrupt halt on that cold, windy Saturday, Oct. 31 in Chicago when the Triton College team eked out a 1-0 win, but Coach Brady Eichhorn-Hicks is still fired up.

“The season was a fantastic start to a collegiate soccer program,” says Eichhorn-Hicks. “It’s almost unheard of for a first-year program to make it all the way to the Sweet 16. This is a great foundation to build on and take forward next season.”

Though the loss was hard to take, the newly formed program at Anoka-Ramsey made an impressive entrance into collegiate play in their first season - fall 2009. The team completed regular season play with 8 wins, 5 losses, and one tie; then beat Bismarck State College (3-0) and Century College (6-0) to become Region Champs.

“The level of play was fantastic, much higher than expected,” adds Eichhorn-Hicks. “Community college soccer is a hidden gem for four-year institutions. This year, a handful of players will be awarded scholarships to Division I or II schools, and I expect more of the same next year.”

Special Recognition
While Eichhorn-Hicks emphasizes that the successful season was a team effort, he also wants to acknowledge Henok Woldeyes, Zennah Neanue, Anthony Keller and Mulenga Kapungulya who won spots on the All-Region Team.

Defense players Emmanuel Brown, Joey Gustafson and Matt Bodeman, and Eddie Omwega allowed the team five full games without giving up a goal. Midfielder Somo Abdujabar led the way with seven assists and down the wings Jordan Larson and Andy Morris were very strong. Through the middle Woldeyes, Keller, Mario Perez and Henry Russell held the team together and up top Kapungulya and Neanue scored 28 goals through the season.

Eichhorn-Hicks deserves some recognition himself. He was named Region XIII Coach of the Year.

Assisting the team and Eichhorn-Hicks were assistant coach, Meghara Eichhorn-Hicks and the college’s Athletic Director, Dave Alto.

“I honestly believe we can be a power for years to come, not just in our region but, nationally as well,” says Eichhorn-Hicks. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”

For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College new men’s soccer program or other athletics, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu/studentActivities/athletics or call 763-433-1360.

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men’s Soccer Team made an impressive entrance into collegiate play in their first season in fall 2009 with 8 wins, 5 losses, and one tie in regular season play and a win against Century College (6-0) to become Region Champs.