2022 Men's Soccer Season in Review
Waleska, GA - For those who were a part of the 2022 men's soccer team and staff; the season will serve as a testament for future players to the value of resiliency, a positive outlook in spite of circumstance, and the power of unity within a program.
"The lessons learned through this season will surely benefit the young men in our program as they journey forward through life. I am pleased to reflect on a season whereby the players overcame challenges, embraced the adversity, and together, worked hard for each other as they represented our program." – Coach Johnson
The Eagles narrowly missed achieving a 5th AAC championship title in the past 6 seasons by virtue of a one-goal margin in the AAC standings. Reinhardt experienced only one loss in conference play among the 13 AAC fixtures, finishing with an 8-1-4 record in the AAC and a 9-5-4 record overall. The season was full of adversity for the Eagles but the players embraced the challenges with a team-driven attitude and finished the regular season with a 10-match unbeaten streak. In AAC play, Reinhardt earned 8 shutouts in 13 matches while outscoring opponents 43-10. The graduating players, with the benefit of an additional year of eligibility, completed their collegiate careers at Reinhardt having earned 60 wins, a 42-9-6 record in AAC competition, and 3 AAC championship titles.
As the AAC released its post-season honors; the Eagles were very well represented with five players collecting AAC All-Conference selections and fourteen players named to the AAC All-Academic team.
Reinhardt team captain Gabriel Stefansson, midfielder Rafael Pais, midfielder Blake White and forward Pavel Dashin were all selected to the AAC 1st team for their stand-out play this season. Defender Paul Nitsch was named to the AAC 2nd team for his efforts. Midfielder Nathan Seery was selected to the AAC Champions of Character team representing Reinhardt.
Matching a program best; there were 14 student-athletes selected to the AAC All-Academic team (3.25 GPA) this season which pushed the program's total under Coach Johnson past the century mark with 101 AAC All-Academic team selections in the past nine seasons. In addition, seven student-athletes were selected nationally as NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athletes (3.5 GPA as Junior or Senior) which allowed the program's total to eclipse the half-century mark at 50 selections in the same time period. The men's soccer program was recognized nationally this year as they were ranked #2 in the country among all NAIA programs with a 3.66 Team GPA.
" As a coach at a university level; I am grateful to be entrusted with young men who not only strive towards their full potential on the soccer field but in the classroom as well." – Coach Johnson
At the team awards ceremony; players were honored for their contributions this season as team awards were voted on exclusively by the players themselves. Most Valuable Player honors were handed out to Senior midfielder, Blake White. The Defensive Player of the Year award was given to captain Gabriel Stefansson. The Offensive Player of the Year award was given to Pavel Dashin. With a tie vote, Newcomer of the Year went to both Paul Nitsch and Maximilian Correia. Lastly, Raphael Mospanyuk was selected to receive the coveted Player's Player of the Year award.
Reinhardt's Developmental Team (RU2) excelled this season with an undefeated season going into their final fixture which in the end, proved to be the only blemish on their record in narrow 1-0 fashion. With a mix of experienced returners and some dynamic newcomers; Reinhardt outscored opponents 21-5 this season with a steady improvement tactically, technically, and physically throughout the season. This past season, seven players from the RU2 squad were called up for match-day experience with Reinhardt's first team based on their monitored development, training level, and match performance. With positive results against AAC opponents, elite academy programs, and top area clubs; the team enjoyed an outstanding season and the future of the program has never been brighter.
At the team awards ceremony; players were honored for their contributions this season as team awards were voted on exclusively by the players themselves. Most Valuable Player honors were handed out to goalkeeper, Carlos Guerrero. The Defensive Player of the Year award was given to central defender Graham Guerrero. The Offensive Player of the Year award was given to freshman sensation Beau Beldon. Newcomer of the Year went to defender, Ovie Egberie. Lastly, Javonni Blake was selected to receive the coveted Player's Player of the Year award.