Beaver Falls, PA – Apparently a 14-3-2 overall record can go a long way when it comes to passing out post-season hardware. The Geneva College men′s soccer team closed out a memorable season with an abrupt loss in the NCCAA East regional semi-finals. Despite that loss, the NCCAA All-American committee took note of the great work that had been done throughout the entire season by first year head coach Gary Dunda and the Golden Tornadoes.
Three players were named to the NCCAA All-American team this week including a second team selection by junior midfielder Jake McCracken. “It comes as no surprise to anyone associated with our program,” said Dunda. “Jake is just one of those guys that can dominate a game. He has every possible attribute necessary to be solid college player.” Those attributes came to light in 2010 as McCracken posted a team best nine goals and 22 points for Geneva. He also led the way with 27 shots. Perhaps the most impressive statistic was his five-game winning goals.
“There is a difference between being a good player and being a good player when it matters the most,” said Dunda. “Jake stepped up several times for us with big goals and big plays all over the field. It is a well deserved award and I′m sure Jake would agree that it is a tribute to our entire program.”
Two others that played essential roles in Geneva′s success were handed honorable mention All-American selections. Seniors Kenton Burckhart and Matt Weaver were both honored as All-Americans for the first time. Burckhart scored two goals and added four assists but was an essential part of Geneva′s offensive and defensive tactics. Meanwhile, Weaver was one of the foundations on a Geneva defensive front that allowed just less than one goal per game. “An outstanding accomplishment for both guys,” said Dunda. “Neither guy had great seasons on the stat sheet, but it becomes an even more impressive accomplishment when you are viewed as a difference maker in the eyes of opponents and coaches despite not scoring many goals.”
Geneva finished the season as the number two seed in the NCCAA East region but bowed out of the post-season with a home loss to Roberts Wesleyan in the semi-finals. Roberts Wesleyan eventually upset top-seeded Mt. Vernon to gain an automatic bid to the NCCAA national tournament.
Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College′s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
© Geneva College | All rights reserved
