2007 Blue Knight Men’s Soccer Review

The Blue Knights finished with a 4-11-2 record in 2007. The season started with a victory. In his collegiate coaching debut, Jeremy Parkins was rewarded with a 2-1 win against Point Park in the season opener on August 26. Sophomore Jon Snyder put away both goals for Urbana.

In its next six games Urbana played four double overtime matches, going 1-1-2 in contests that went into extra time. The Blue Knights hit a rough stretch, losing in double overtime, 1-0, to St. Francis before entering conference play. Urbana then ended a five-game losing skid with a 2-1 overtime victory against Anderson, giving the Blue Knights a 2-1-2 record in overtime contests this season. Parkins got his first conference win after Urbana shut out Shawnee State, 2-0 in Portsmouth.

The Blue Knights were honored with the American Mideast Conference’s Fair Play Award, annually presented to one AMC men’s soccer squad based on its quality sportsmanship.

“Winning that award shows what the guys are capable of,” said Parkins. “I expect the guys to act in a way that reflects the University in a very positive light – be it on or off the field. Their willingness to commit to what it takes and to follow my direction is a big positive and will benefit us as a team moving forward.”

“The leadership of the upperclassmen was a positive for the team,” he said. “They had input and insight into the program and were able to voice an opinion that meant a lot.”

The Blue Knights lose both goalkeepers, seniors Derek Ballas and Ryan Michaels, two senior defenders Nick Guidera and Troy Smith and senior midfielder Eric Miller.

Junior defender Kyle Bertz was named all-AMC and will be back as strong contributor next season, along with fellow classman Will Daniels and freshman Andrew Vazquez.

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