November 28 - THREE JACKETS MAKE ALL-AMERICAN
Lamoni, Iowa – Graceland had three players earn All-American honors. Bret Loving (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) and Kevin Souter (So./Glasgow, Scotland) made NAIA Honorable Mention. In addition, Loving and Nick Gay (So./Shawnee Mission, Kan.) were named NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete.Gay started 17 of 22 games he played this year with one goal and one assists for three points. He scored the game winning goal in the NAIA Quarterfinals against Grand View and scored the shootout goal against Azusa Pacific that won the national championship. Loving was the only player to start all 24 games this year and he scored four goals. He had the lone goal against Webber International in the NAIA Semi-Finals, was selected to the NAIA All-Tournament team as well as being named the Outstanding Defensive Player of the NAIA Tournament. Souter had eight goals with 15 assists for 31 points. He was named to the NAIA All-Tournament team and his 15 assists broke the school record of 14 held for 11 years by Bryan Courtney.
November 21 - WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, MY FRIEND
Daytona Beach, Fla. – It is now official, Nick Gay (So./Shawnee Mission, Kan.) is the new Big Man On Campus. Gay’s shootout goal gave Graceland (17-3-4) its first NAIA National Championship in soccer and the fourth team title overall. The Yellowjackets and Azusa Pacific (17-4-3) battled to a 0-0 tie. GU then edged Azusa Pacific 7-6 in a shootout to win.Despite 26 shots, after 110 minutes neither team was able to penetrate the net. It was a surreal scene in the shootout. Both teams got five shots and all 10 shots were made. Onto to a second round we went with new shooters. On the fourth shot, Beau Hayden made the Jacket faithful hearts nearly stop as he scored. Stefan Delas (Jr./Trinidad & Tobago) nailed his kick to even the score. Isaac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) came up with a beautiful diving save to stop APU on its last attempt. Gay then sent the crowd into a frenzy as he scored to end the marathon.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet what we have done,” said Head Coach Ivan Joseph. “I’m really proud of the effort that we have put forth all season long. We weren’t the best team but we just kept finding ways to win. I want people to know that great soccer exists in southern Iowa and that you don’t have to play NCAA Division I soccer to be part of a great soccer program.”
Three Graceland players were selected to the All-Tournament team, Midfielder Kevin Souter (So./Glasgow, Scotland), Defenseman Bret Loving (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) and Goalkeeper Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.). Loving received the BRINE-NAIA Champion of Character Award as well as being named the Outstanding Defensive Player. Unruh was named the Tournament MVP as he made 16 saves and did not give up a single goal in 367 minutes of action.
QUOTES
Loving – ““This team is one that might not be the best team in terms of the stat sheet. However our desire was second to none in the country. And that desire is what carried us to the title.”
Unruh - “I’m worn out now that the adrenaline has run out. It hasn’t yet sunk in that we have won the title. I’m just hanging with my teammates and enjoying the moment.”
Defenseman Isaias Diaz - “It’s a great feeling to win the title. All throughout my high school career, my teams were always so close. And after sitting out last year with an injury, this is a great way to wrap up my career. It’s so fulfilling to finally win a championship.”
Forward Fransisco Serrata – “It’s very exciting for me. I’m having a hard time finding the words to say what I feel. It’s just awesome”
November 20 - GRACELAND GETS SOME LOVING
Daytona Beach, Fla. – We all love loving. Bret Loving (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) that is. Graceland (17-4-2) defeated Webber International (14-5) 1-0 in an NAIA National Semi-Final game. GU will now face Azusa Pacific, Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 7:00 PM (EST) for the NAIA National Championship. This is the first time since 1979 that a Graceland team has advanced to the championship game.Once again Graceland used defense and aggressive offense to take control of the game. They put up 17 shots to just six for Webber International. With 23:40 left in the game, Loving slipped away from the defense and volleyed the ball into the twine. The Jackets remained aggressive the rest of the way to preserve the win. Isaac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) had four saves to record his 11 shutout of the season.
November 18 - FINAL FOUR
Daytona Beach, Fla. – Revenge is a dish best served cold. Graceland (16-4-2) realized that this afternoon after its 3-0 win over Grand View (19-5). The Vikings had beaten the Yellowjackets, 3-0, August 25 in Lamoni. GU will now play the Webber International, Monday, Nov. 20 in the NAIA National Semi-Finals. The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. (EST).With just 11:42 gone in the game, Nick Gay (So./Shawnee Mission, Kan.) slipped by the defenders and blasted the ball into the net to make it 1-0. At the 36:28 mark, Kevin Souter (So./Glasgow, Scotland) served up a perfect corner kick that Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo.) headed in. The goal that broke Grand View’s back came with 1:26 left in the first half. Klaus found Santiago Ricaute (Fr./Bogata, Columbia) in traffic and he scored.
Graceland allowed just four shots the entire game and they were all saved by the goalie tandem of Isaac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) and Carlos Oritz (Fr./Bogata, Columbia).
November 16 - NO MULLIGAN FOR MILLIGAN
Daytona Beach, Fla. – In golf, you are allowed a mulligan. That means you can take a shot over. Graceland (15-4-2) is glad that mulligans are not allowed in soccer. The Yellowjackets defeated Milligan (18-7) 1-0 in an NAIA National Championship 2nd Round game. This moves the Jackets into the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. GU will play the Grand View/Concordia-Irvine winner, Saturday, Nov. 18 in the NAIA Quarterfinals. The match is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m.Defense was the name of the game as both teams combined for just 12 shots on the day. At the 37:11 mark, Kyle Wilcox broke free and blasted a shot at the right corner. Isaac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) make a great dive to rob the Buffaloes of a goal. With 3:48 left in the first half, Filip Prostran (So./Oakville, Ontario, Canada) served up a free kick to the outer edge of the box. Facundo Rinaldi (Jr./Buenos Aires, Argentina) got a foot on the ball and blasted it into the net. GU used ball control and defense to hold Milligan to just one shot in the second half to preserve the win.
November 8 - JACKETS SHOOT THEIR WAY TO VICTORY
Hannibal, Mo. – A long drive home is always better after a win. #18 Graceland (14-3-2) battled #14 Hannibal-LaGrange (15-3-1) to a 1-1 tie. In a case of déjà vu, the shootout score was the same as the women’s, 4-3 but with the Jackets on top. GU will face William Jewell on the road for the regional championship. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.Hannibal-LaGrange scored with 15 minutes left in the first half for a 1-0 advantage. That remained the score until Santiago Ricaute (Fr./Bogota, Columbia) scored off a pass from Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo.). That made it 1-1 with 25 minutes to go. Neither team scored again and off to the shootout we went. Things looked bleak for the Yellowjackets as they missed their first attempt and HLG hit their first two to make it 2-0. Kevin Souter (So./Glasgow, Scotland) hit his PK and Isaac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) came up with two huge saves. GU hit two in a row to make it 3-2 but Hannibal-LaGrange came back on their last attempt to score. Francisco Serrata (Fr./Los Fresno, Texas) then drilled his PK to send the Jackets to the regional final.
November 6 - YELLOWJACKETS CUT THROUGH THE FOG
Lamoni, Iowa - The fog covered the field but was not enough to stop #18 Graceland (14-3-1). The Yellowjackets beat McKendree (12-7-2) 4-0 in an NAIA Region V First Round game. GU will hit the road to play #14 Hannibal-LaGrange, Wednesday, Nov. 8 in a regional semi-final. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.For the first 62 minutes, Graceland and McKendree slugged it out on even terms. At the 62;25 mark, Filip Prostran (So./Oakville, Ontario, Canada/Queen Elizabeth Park HS) slotted the ball in the upper left corner to make it 1-0. With 78:04 to go, Santiago Hampton knocked away the first shot. But Edson Edward (Fr./Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) somehow got his foot on the ball and slid the ball into the net. The Jackets scored twice in the last eight minutes to seal the game.
November 2 - THREE JACKETS MAKE ALL-HAAC
Lamoni, Iowa - #18 Graceland (6-2-1 HAAC, 13-3-1) took home one award and had three players named to the All-Heart of America Athletic Conference team. Midfielder Kevin Souter (So./Glasgow, Scotland) was named the HAAC Offensive MVP. He was joined on the 1st team by Midfielder Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo.) and Defender Bret Loving (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.).Souter has scored eight goals with 10 assists for 26 points in 16 games. He has three game-winning goals and has 13 goals with 16 assists for 42 points in two seasons. Klaus has scored eight goals with seven assists for 23 points in 17 games. He has six game-winning goals this season and has 11 goals with 14 assists for 36 points in three seasons. Loving has scored three goals in 17 games and has keyed a defense that has allowed just 12 goals on the season. He has 11 goals with eight assists for 30 points in his four-year career.
October 28 - TIME FOR SOME "LOVING"
Lamoni, Iowa - Loving will be the new favorite word for head coach Ivan Joseph. As in Bret Loving (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.). #7 Graceland (6-2-1 HAAC, 13-3-1) took a hard fought 1-0 win over Baker (3-4 HAAC, 8-9) tonight. GU will now play the waiting game to see where and who they play in the NAIA Regionals.Defense and physical play were the trademarks of this game. Both teams were playing for high stakes as evident by the 29 fouls and six cards that were issued. Both teams had their first half chances. Brett Porter (Jr./Raytown, Mo.) had a shot just miss to the right and Isaac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) was just able to tip away a high shot.
With less than 17 minutes remaining in the game, Porter served up a beautiful ball off a corner kick. Loving knocked the ball in the net to make it 1-0. With under five minutes to go, Baker fans erupted as the Wildcats put the ball in the back of the net. In the blink of an eye, it was the Graceland fans turn for joyous celebration as the goal was disallowed due to Baker being offsides.
October 24 - WHAT A BATTLE
Lamoni, Iowa - Everything was left on the field tonight. Graceland (5-2-1 HAAC, 12-3-1) and Benedictine College (5-2-1 HAAC, 11-4-1) battled to a 2-2 tie. GU will close out the regular season, Saturday, October 28 at home against Baker. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.The game got off to a fast and furious start with three goals in the first 9:18 of the match. David Seefeldt went the length of the field to score just 6:46 into the contest to make it 1-0. 50 seconds later, Facundo Rinaldi (Jr./Caracas, Venezuela) got the ball in the middle of the box and blasted one through to make it 1-1. At the 9:18 mark, two passes found Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo.) who slipped the ball past the keeper. The Jacket fans were stunned, when with 9:08 left in the first half, Seefeldt’s shot from 30 yards away somehow found the net.
The second half and overtime periods were ones of complete agony for Graceland. The Yellowjackets had six shots that just missed being goals by inches. The crowd got excited as Edson Edward (Fr./Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) was taken down in the box with 3:34 to go in the second overtime period. That joy turned to disappointment as Edward was called for a yellow card. Another yellow card with under a minute to go, gave the Ravens a free kick at the top of the box. The GU wall deflected the shot to preserve the victory.
October 17 - GRACELAND TAKES SLOPPY WIN
Lamoni, Iowa - Graceland (5-1 HAAC, 12-2) gutted put a 2-0 win over Culver-Stockton (1-5 HAAC, 3-11) tonight. GU hits the road to take on William Jewell, Saturday, Oct. 21. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.Graceland drew first blood as Isaias Diaz (Sr./Brownsville, Texas) passed the ball in to Edson Edward (Fr./Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) who banged it in. That made it 1-0 with 13:29 remaining in the first half. A minute and a-half later, Eric Van Kuiken (So./Shawnee Mission, Kan.) blasted the ball into the middle of the net to make it 2-0. GU held the Wildcats to six shots while taking 30 themselves.
October 16 - SOUTER HAAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Lamoni, Iowa - It was a clean sweep as Graceland won both Heart of America Conference Player of the Week awards. Leesa Church (Fr./North Bay, Ontario, Canada) nabbed her second straight award and Kevin Souter (So./Oakville, Ontario, Canada) picked up his first.Souter scored four goals with one assist for nine points in helping the Yellowjackets to two victories last week. He scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Mid-America Nazarene. In a 3-0 win over Dordt, Souter assisted on the first goal and scored the last two of the game. He leads the team with eight goals, eight assists and 24 points.
October 11 - GRACELAND BOUNCES BACK
Olathe, Kan. - #5 Graceland (4-1 HAAC, 10-2) rebounded after a tough loss to defeat Mid-America Nazarene (2-3 HAAC, 5-7-1) 2-0 tonight. Kevin Souter (So./Glasgow, Scotland) scored both goals for the Jackets. GU closes out the non-conference season this Saturday, Oct. 14 at home against Dordt. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.Ocotber 7 - HEARTBREAKING LOSS
St. Charles, Mo. - #19 Lindenwood (3-1 HAAC, 8-3) spoiled a comeback attempt with a 2-1 victory over #4 Graceland (3-1 HAAC, 9-2) Saturday night. The loss snapped a nine game winning streak. GU looks to bounce back on the road, against Mid America Nazarene University, Wednesday, Oct. 11. the game is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m.In what solidified a heated rivalry, the game matched up last years co-conference champions and two top 25 teams. A Lindenwood homecoming crowd saw two tough teams battle each other for nearly 120 minutes with back and forth action. With less than five minutes to go, Edson Edwards (Fr./Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) scored to tie the game at 1-1. With just 2.4 seconds left in the second overtime period, the Jackets were called for a foul in the box. The Lions converted the penalty kick for the win.
Oct. 3 - GRACELAND CONTINUES THEIR WINNING WAYS
Kansas City, Mo. - # 5 Graceland (3-0 HAAC, 9-1) kept the win streak alive with a 5-0 win over Avila last night. GU stays on the road to take on #10 Lindenwood, Saturday, October 7. The Yellowjackets will be looking for their first victory against the Lions on the road. The game is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m.Graceland drew first blood early and was up 2-0 within the first ten minutes of the game with goals from Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo.) (3rd min. assisted by Eddie Edwards (Fr./Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and a blistering free kick by Brett Porter (Jr./Raytown, Mo.) (9th min). The momentum slowed and the match became sloppy in the remainder of the first half as the poor field conditions began to take their toll on the game. Graceland went into the half with a 3-0 advantage after a corner kick from Porter found Brett Loving (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) who headed it into the back of the net(37th min).
The second half saw better play from the Yellowjackets as the center-midfield held the ball and dictated the rhythm of the game. Santiago Ricaute (Fr./Bogata, Columbia) increased the lead to 4-0 (55th min) after a long pass from Nick Gay (So./Shawnee Mission, Kan.) sprung him into a one on one situation against the Avila keeper. Minutes later, Ricaute tallied his second goal of the game (67th min) as he finished a cross from Klaus who got past his defender on the right side of the field.
Graceland’s keeper Isaac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) saw very little action as solid defense stopped Avila’s attempts on goal. Freshman keeper Matt Nuttel the “animal” shared the shut-out with Unruh.
Oct. 1 - YELLOWJACKETS TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE BULLDOGS
Lamoni, Iowa – #5 Graceland (8-1) continued their winning ways with a 2-0 win over Truman State (4-5-1) today. This was the eighth straight win for the Jackets. GU begins a three game road trip, October 3 against Avila. The game is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m.Graceland looked very sluggish in the first half. They had just two shots while Truman State got off 11 shots. The Bulldogs were clearly the more aggressive team in the first half. In the second half, a lucky break got the Yellowjackets going. Isaac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) punted the ball about 20 yards from the TSU net. The Bulldog goalie mistimed the ball and it bounced over his head. Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo./Kearney HS) settled the ball and got the empty netter to make it 1-0. With less than 29 minutes left, Diego Gonzalez (Jr./St. Joseph, Mo.) took a header from Santiago Ricaunte (Fr./Bogota, Columbia) and scored to seal the game.
9-30-06 - JACKETS PLUCK THE EAGLES
Lamoni, Iowa – A blitzkrieg attack and a smothering defense led the way to victory. #5 Graceland (2-0 HAAC, 7-1) beat Central Methodist (0-2 HAAC, 2-5) 4-0 tonight. This was the seventh straight win for the Jackets. GU is back at home tomorrow against Truman State. The game is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m.Graceland wasted no time as they scored twice in the first 15 minutes to seal the deal. The Jackets had 27 shots on goal while the Eagles had just four shots. Edson Edwards (Fr./Ontario, Canada) had two goals while Diego Gonzalez (Jr./St. Joseph, Mo.) and Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo./Kearney HS) had one each.
M. Soccer - LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE
Lamoni, Iowa – The game tonight resembled more of a boxing match than a soccer game. Graceland (1-0 HAAC, 6-1) took a 4-1 decision over Missouri Valley (1-1 HAAC, 6-3). This was the sixth straight win for the Jackets while the Vikings saw their six game streak come to an end. GU stays at home, Sept. 30, taking on Central Methodist. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.A total of 34 fouls, 10 yellow cards and two red cards were assessed, making this a very physical game. At the 20:13 mark, Kevin Souter (So./Aberdeen, Scotland/Aberdeen College) served up a free kick to Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo./Kearney HS). Klaus proceeded to blast the ball past the goalie to make it 1-0. With one second left in the first half, Klaus grabbed a rebound and scored again. GU would score twice in the second half before surrendering a goal with 1:40 to go.
GRACELAND TAKES A WALK IN THE PARK
Parkville, Mo. – It was a beautiful day for a walk in the park. Graceland (5-1) defeated #16 Park 3-0 this afternoon. This is the Yellowjackets fourth straight win over a top 16 squad. GU opens the HAAC season home, September 26 against Missouri Valley. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.Graceland wasted no time in getting on the board. Kevin Souter (So./Aberdeen, Scotland/Aberdeen College) went around the defense and blasted the ball into the twine just three minutes into the contest. Ten minutes later, Filip Prostran (So./Oakville, Ontario, Canada) pushed the ball forward to Bret Porter (Jr./Raytown, Mo.). Porter then knocked the ball past the goalie to make it 2-0. Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo./Kearney HS) scored an insurance goal with 69:35 to go.
Isaac Unruh (Sr./St, Joseph, Mo./St, Joseph HS) must have felt like he was at D-Day. The Pirates blasted 17 shots at Unruh who came away with 12 saves for his third shutout in the last four games.
YELLOWJACKETS WANT SOME LOVE
Azusa, Calif. – Graceland (4-1) shocked #1 Azusa Pacific (4-1) 2-1 last night. With three straight wins over teams in the top 13, the Yellowjackets are hoping to see their name in the rankings next week. GU stays on the road taking on Park, Sat., Sept 23. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.For almost the first 61 minutes, there was a lid on both goals. Finally, at 60:55, Kevin Souter (So./Aberdeen, Scotland/Aberdeen College) opened the lid blasted the ball in the net. About 10 minutes later Steven Lenhart countered for APU. With just under 13 minutes to play, Souter served up a crossing pass that Bret Loving (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo./St. Joseph Central HS) knocked in. It was Loving’s first goal of the season.
TWO TO THE 3RD DEGREE
Santa Barbara, Calif. – For the third straight game, two was the number of the day. Graceland (3-1) knocked off #13 Westmont (3-2) 2-0 today. This is the second straight win against a nationally ranked opponent for the Jackets. GU stays out west taking on Azusa Pacific, Sept. 16. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.With just over 25 minutes gone, Kevin Souter (So./Aberdeen, Scotland/Aberdeen College) found Edson Edwards (Fr./Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) open in the middle of box. Edwards blasted the ball through to make it 1-0. At the 63:15 mark, Brett Porter (Jr./Raytown, Mo.) found the lower right corner of the goal to make it 2-0. Issac Unruh (Sr./St. Joseph, Mo.) faced eight shots and had two saves for his second straight shutout win.
GRACELAND STUNS THE BEARCATS
St. Louis, Mo. – After a rough loss in the opener, it looked like it might be a long season. Graceland (2-1) knocked off #5 McKendree (1-2) 2-0 today. This is the second straight win for the Jackets. GU heads west to take on Westmont, Sept. 14. The game is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m.15:20 into the game, Matt Klaus (Jr./Kearney, Mo./Kearney HS) threaded a pass to Kevin Souter (So./Aberdeen, Scotland/Aberdeen College) who knocked it in. Less than 13 minutes later, Souter scored again. The Yellowjacket defense held the Bearcats to just five shots.
JACKETS GET GOLDEN GOAL
Lamoni, Iowa – It was an all out war tonight at the Razz. Graceland (1-1) came out on top by a 2-1 score against Northwestern (Iowa) (0-3) in overtime. GU hits the road, Sept. 9 taking on Missouri Baptist. The game, which is in St. Louis, in scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m.Northwestern struck first as Brad White connected on a pass from Jordan Born at the 18:28 mark. At the 29:32 mark, Jim Ellis was called for a foul in the box. Filip Prostran (Fr./Oakville, Canada) converted the penalty kick to tie the game at 1-1.
The second half became very physical due to the amount of fouls being called. There were 21 in the second half combined and a total of 43 fouls were called for the entire game. Less than a minute to go in the first overtime, Kevin Souter (Fr./Aberdeen, Scotland/Aberdeen College) blasted a shot that bounced off a NW player. Matt Klaus (So./Kearney, Mo./Kearney HS) blasted the rebound in the net at the 99:05 mark for the victory. Isaac Unruh (Jr./St. Joseph, Mo./St. Joseph Central HS) came away with four saves on the night.
