Men's Soccer
Cincinnati State Men's Soccer
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Seven sophomores will move on to four year institutions
Seven sophomores from Cincinnati State’s men’s soccer team will continue their education at four-year institutions next fall.
Jaytoe Teh, a defender from Springfield, MA, has committed to play at the University of Kentucky. Teh was named the NSCAA All-Ohio Collegiate 1st Team selection. He will complete his Associate’s Degree at Cincinnati State this summer and then transfer to begin training and taking class in Lexington next fall.
Justin Mitchell, a forward from Carroll High School in Dayton, OH, chose to go to Wright State University. After leading the team in goals (18) and points (44), Mitchell transferred to Wright State after the fall semester. Mitchell was named NSCAA All-American, Region XII 1st Team and OCCAC 1st Team.
Nick Merhaut, a midfielder from Cleveland, OH, committed to Northern Kentucky University. Nick will complete his Associates Degree and graduate from Cincinnati State this spring then transfer to Northern Kentucky University to continue his education while playing college soccer. Merhaut was named Cincinnati State’s “Scholar Athlete” in 2012 and 2013 for earning the highest GPA among all student-athletes at the college. He was also the recipient of Cincinnati State’s “President’s Award” which is given to the individual who best represents Cincinnati State on the field, on campus and in the community.
Eduardo Zavala will go on to play for the University of Pikeville. University of Pikeville is an NAIA program which competes in the Mid-South Conference. Zavala, who is from Maysville, KY, was given the team’s “Unsung Hero” award for providing a spark off the bench during Cincinnati State’s run to the national tournament. Zavala’s signature goal of the season came in a 3-2 overtime win against Ancilla. Zavala scored the game winner in the 110th minute of extra time.
Logan Gumbert, who leaves Cincinnati State after being the only soccer player to compete in two national tournaments (2010, 2012); will move on to NAIA perennial powerhouse Rio Grande University. During his time at Cincinnati State, Logan showed his versatility by efficiently playing multiple positions. He became a constant presence at outside back during the Surge’s 2012 run to nationals.
Brandon Klepach, a defender from Centerville, OH, will continue his playing career at Wilmington College. At Cincinnati State, Klepach focused on earning his degree while completing a Co-Op in law enforcement. He plans to major in criminal justice at Wilmington.
Kyle Cobbs will attend the University of Cincinnati as a student next fall and will major in engineering.
In their two seasons, Teh, Mitchell, Zavala, Merhaut, Klepach and Cobbs combined for an overall record of 34-11-1 while claiming two conference championships, a regional title, district title and a national tournament appearance.
Gumbert, who redshirted in 2011, won two conference, regional and district titles while competing in two NJCAA national tournaments. He helped lead the Surge to a 41-9-2 record.
This past season, the Surge finished nationally ranked in both major polls NJCAA #8 and NSCAA #10.
Seven incoming players sign with Cincinnati State for upcoming 2013 season
The Cincinnati State men’s soccer program has signed seven Tri-State recruits for the 2013 season.The recruiting class takes in three OHSAA state champions and players from public and parochial schools in Cincinnati, Colerain Township, Dayton (OH) and Hamilton:
- Vonne Byrd, Carroll High School (Dayton)
- Trae Collins, Carroll High School (Dayton)
- Grant Geigle, Badin
- Ryan Hall, Summit Country Day
- Brandon Isaacs, Centerville
- Austin Root, Colerain
- Brad Schluter, Centerville
Hall, a goalkeeper, set a state record with 47 career shutouts while leading Summit Country Day to the 2012 Div. III state title. He was named one of Top Drawer’s Top 100 Prospects, and last year also earned 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-Southwest Ohio honors.
Geigle was named the GCL Central “Player of the Year” in 2012 and was a three-time 1st Team All-Southwest Ohio selection.
Root was a three-time 1st Team All-Conference selection and earned Colerain’s “Scholar Athlete” award for outstanding academic achievement.
High school teammates Trae Collins and Vonne Byrd led Carroll to three consecutive state championships, and proved to be the top college prospects to come out of the Greater Cincinnati League. Byrd was named 1st Team All-Region, 1st Team All-State and GCL “Player of the Year.” Collins earned 1st Team All-Region and 1st Team All-Conference honors while leading the GCL in scoring. Collins was also named Metro FC’s “Player of the Year.”
Schluter and Isaacs, teammates at perennial soccer powerhouse Centerville, were each 1st Team All-Conference selections during their senior seasons. Isaacs, a two-year starting goalkeeper, posted a 0.58 goals against average and 7 shutouts in 2012.
"We have a strong group of freshman coming in,” said Head Coach Mike Combs. “Coming from successful high school programs, we feel each of our incoming players will help continue our tradition of success at Cincinnati State.”
Cincinnati State returns 13 players from last year’s team, which played its way into the 2012 National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament. Last year the Surge soccer program finished the regular season with an overall record of 18-6-1 while claiming the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title, a regional championship and district title.
In the last ten seasons, Cincinnati State has produced 13 All-Americans, 47 First Team All-OCCAC players, 34 All-Region players, 8 OCCAC “Player of the Year” recipients and 7 National Junior College Athletic Association “Player of the Week” recipients.
The men’s soccer program at Cincinnati State has paved the way for student-athletes to continue their athletic careers on scholarship at four-year schools. Over the past decade 18 players have transferred to D-I programs, 19 to D-II programs, six to D-III programs and 12 players to NAIA institutions.
Cincinnati State soccer alumni include:
- Ashton Bennett (2010), who finished the 2011 NCCA Div. I regular season as the national leader in goals and points and was a top five goal scorer in 2012 while playing at Coastal Carolina University. He was recently drafted by Toronto FC of the MLS.
- Omar Cummings (2006), who led the Colorado Rapids to the MLS Championship in 2010 and was named the playoff’s MVP. He currently plays for the Houston Dynamo of the MLS.
Cincinnati State competes in the OCCAC and in the NJCAA Div. I, Region XII, which includes programs from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
Former Surge soccer star Ashton Bennett to play in MLS
Former Cincinnati State men's soccer player Ashton Bennett was selected by Toronto FC in the MLS supplemental draft.
Ashton played at Cincinnati State during the 2009 and 2010 season. He helped the Cincinnati State men's soccer program to two OCCAC Conference Championships, a Region XII Championship, a District Championship and an appearance.
After graduating from Cincinnati State, Bennett transferred to Coastal Carolina University where he led the country as a junior in scoring and points. This past season, Ashton finished nationally ranked in the top 5 for goals and points.
In his two season at Coastal Carolina, he led the team to a 38-7-2 overall record, two NCAA Tournament appearances, three NCAA Tournament wins and a pair of Big South regular season championship with a perfect 19-0 record (9-0 in 2011 and 10-0 in 2012). In addition, Bennett was a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist in both 2011 and 2012 and was named the Big South’s Player of the Year award in back-to-back seasons.
Bennett, a native of Clarendon, Jamaica, was selected by Toronto FC with the first pick of the second round.
NSCAA honors Head Coach Mike Combs and four Surge players
The National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association named Cincinnati State defender Jaytoe Teh (right-center), defender Austin Klueh (right), midfielder Liam Doyle (left-center) and forward Justin Mitchell (not pictured) to the All-Ohio Collegiate 1st Team. Head Coach Mike Combs (left) has been named NSCAA's North Region "Coach of the Year."
For departing sophomore Jaytoe Teh and Justin Mitchell, the honor was their last athletic accomplishment as members of the Cincinnati State soccer team before transferring to play at the Div. I level. Mitchell, who committed to play at Wright State University next fall, has already transferred and began taking classes at WSU earlier this month. Teh, who committed to the University of Kentucky on Thursday, will complete one more semester at Cincinnati State before moving to Lexington. In their two season with the Surge, Mitchell and Teh combined for an overral record of 34-11-1 while claiming two conference championships, a regional title, district title and a national tournament appearance in 2012.
Austin Klueh, originally a highly recruited player out of Loveland High School, and Liam Doyle, an international player from the Isle of Man, made tremendous impacts as freshmen. Klueh, who started 19 games, scored the game winning goal in the regional finals against Schoolcraft to send the team on to districts. Doyle, who transitioned from defender to midfielder midway through the season, scored back to back goals in the 83rd and 84th minute of the North Central District Final against CCBC-Essex to give Cincinnati State its second national tournament birth in three seasons.
Head Coach Mike Combs, who has compiled a career coaching record of 166-37-1, won his eighth OCCAC conference title in ten seasons. Mitchell, who was named an All-Aemrican earlier this month, marked the program's 13th All-American during Combs' tenure. Combs holds a USSF “C” National Coaching License, and is a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. In addition to his work at Cincinnati State, he directs the Playmaker's Soccer Academy, which provides youth soccer camps around the Greater Cincinnati area.
Justin Mitchell named NSCAA All-American
Cincinnati State forward Justin Mitchell has been named to the All-American team by the National Soccer Coaches’ Athletic Association.
A highly recruited high school player after leading Caroll to back-to-back state championships in 2009 and 2010, Mitchell evolved into a top goal scorer on the collegiate level, leading Cincinnati State with 19 goals and 9 assists this past season. He recorded a hat trick on two occasions against Cuyahoga Community College and in the opening round of the regional tournament against Ancilla College.
“Justin put together an incredible season,” Cincinnati State Head Coach Mike Combs said. “He is very deserving of this award.”
In addition to earning All-American recognition, Mitchell, a sophomore from Dayton, Ohio, was named to the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference 1st Team, NJCAA Region XII 1st Team, All-Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Team and MVP of the regional tournament.
“It is a tremendous honor,” Mitchell said. “Being an All-American caps off a great year for me and for the team.”
Academically, Mitchell made the Dean’s List for achieving a 3.5+ GPA. He has committed to play at Wright State University and has begun taking classes with the intent on earning a degree in business management.
Surge's national tournament run comes to an end with 3-0 loss to Louisburg
In a winner take all scenario in Group C of pool play, the Surge were unable to answer a Louisburg Hurricane offense, which came into the game nationally ranked 1st in average shots taken per game and 3rd in goals scored per game.
Louisburg's Andrea Chrysostomou opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, maneuvering past two Surge defenders and finding the back of the net. Adrian Gonzales would capitalize off a rebound from a Louisburg penalty kick to give the Hurricanes a 2-0 lead in the 67th. Rene Legien scored the games 3rd and final goal in the 75th minute as Louisburg, which improved to 20-0 on the season, advanced to the national semi-final.
Cincinnati State ends the season with a 18-6-1 record, while capturing a share of the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season title and winning the NJCAA Region XII regional tourney with victories over Owens and Schoolcraft.
Surge beat Northwest in opening game of national tournament
Tyler Gumbert and Kyle Grothaus led Cincinnati State offensively in a 2-0 win over Northwest College (Wyoming) on Tuesday in the opening round of the NJCAA national tournament.
Although Cincinnati State out-shot the Northwest Trappers 7-3 in the first half, the match remained scoreless until the opening minute of the second half when Gumbert, a graduate of Anderson High School, scored off a cross from Bradley Gale. Grothaus gave the Surge breathing room late in the game, scoring off a rebound after a direct free kick from Liam Doyle.
Goalkeeper Ryan Strunk made 5 saves in the shutout victory.
"We played solid for 90 minutes, which is what it takes to compete on the national stage against the best junior college has to offer,” said Cincinnati State Head Coach Mike Combs. “With today's win, we are in control of our own destiny as far as advancing out of the group stage. A win and we move on."
The No. 6 seeded Surge concludes pool play against No. 3 seed Louisburg Community College (N.C.) on Wednesday at 2:30 pm. In order to advance out of Group C, Cincinnati State must win.
The national tournament is being played at Darton State College in Albany, Ga. All matches will be televised via the NJCAA on-line network, www.njcaatv.ihigh.com.
Surge seeded No. 6 in upcoming national tournament
Cincinnati State’s men’s soccer team, making its second appearance in the NJCAA nationals in the past three seasons, has been seeded No. 6 in this year’s 12-team finals field.
The Surge, 17-5-1, will begin pool play vs. No. 10 seed Northwest College (Wyoming) at noon on Nov. 13, and faces No. 3 seed Louisburg College (N.C.) at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. The winners of the four pools advance to the tournament finals on Nov. 16-17.
The national tournament is being played at Darton State College in Albany, Ga. Cincinnati State will leave for the tournament on Saturday. All matches will be televised via the NJCAA on-line network, www.njcaatv.ihigh.com.
Cincinnati State, ranked No. 9 in the most recent NJCAA poll, qualified for the nationals with a 2-1 victory over CCBC-Essex in the North Central District tournament last Saturday. Liam Doyle, a freshman from the Isle of Man, scored a pair of goals late in the second half to power the victory.
After capturing a share of the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season title, the Surge won the NJCAA Region XII regional tourney with victories over Owens and Schoolcraft, both nationally-ranked teams.
Liam Doyle sends Surge to national tournament with two late goals in district final
Freshman Liam Doyle scored goals in the 83rd and 84th minute of Saturday's North Central District title game to propel Cincinnati State past the Community College of Baltimore County - Essex as to earn a spot in the NJCAA National Tournament.
A game that remained scoreless until the 52nd minute, CCBC-Essex struck first with a goal by forward Bungson Kim. CCBC-Essex held onto the lead and appeared poised to claim the district title until Doyle, an international student-athlete from the Isle of Man, scored off a rebound to tie the game.
"Liam's first goal with one of the biggest goals in our program's history. His second goal may have been the biggest," Head Coach Mike Combs said.
With extra time looming, Cincinnati State drew a penalty in CCBC-Essex's box. Doyle converted on the penalty kick to send Cincinnati State to its second national tournament appearance in three season.
"We had generated so many chances throughout the game. It is an incredible feeling to deliver for my team. It was one of the most dramatic wins I have been a part of," Doyle said after the game.
Now at 17-5-1 and ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA national poll, the Surge will have a week to prepare for the NJCAA National Tournament hosted by Darton State College in Albany, Georgia. The tournament begins Nov. 12 and concludes with the national finals on Nov, 17.
Surge win regional title with wins over Owens and Schoolcraft
The Cincinnati State men's soccer team beat Owens Community College 2-0 and Schoolcraft College 2-1 to win the NJCAA Region XII tournament championship this past weekend.
In Saturday's semifinal match featuring the OCCAC co-champions, Cincinnati State proved to be the superior team as Justin Mitchell scored goals in the 6th and 71st minute. Goalie Ryan Strunk, who made a key save off an Owens penalty kick, recorded 7 saves in the shutout victory.
On Sunday, the Surge were able to earn retribution from last year's 2-1 regional final loss to Schoolcraft thanks to goals by freshmen Bradley Gale in the 30th minute and Austin Klueh in the 65th. Schoolcraft quickly countered with a goal in the 70th minute but were unable to even the score as Head Coach Mike Combs and the Surge claimed their second regional title in three seasons.
Cincinnati State sophomore Justin Mitchell was named tournament MVP. Goalie Ryan Strunk, defender Austin Klueh, and midfielders Liam Doyle and Joe Bradley were named to the All-Tournament Team.
Cincinnati State, who improved to 16-5-1, will host the district championship game against Baltimore County Community College- Essex on Saturday at 2:00 pm. The game will be played at the Xavier University Soccer Complex.
The winner will advance to the NJCAA National Tournament hosted at Darton State in Albany, Georgia.
Cincinnati State beat Owens 4-1; earn share of conference title
OCT. 21. 2012 - The Cincinnati State men’s soccer team beat Owens Community College 4-1 to earn a share of the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season title on Saturday.
Cincinnati State, which have won at least a share of the OCCAC conference title 8 times in the past 10 seasons, were led by forward Bradley Gale, who scored goals in the 5th and 60th minute of the game. Sophomore Justin Mitchell finished with a goal and assist. Freshman Tyler Gumbert also chipped in with a goal off a penalty kick.
“Our energy was fantastic from start to finish. We needed a big game from Brad and he delivered today. As a team, we have built some good momentum heading into the postseason,” Head Coach Mike Combs said.
Finishing the regular season on Sunday with a 10-0 win against Ohio-Midwestern to improve to a 13-5-1 record , Cincinnati State will host Ancilla College in the opening round of the NJCAA Region XII Tournament on Wednesday at 5:00 pm. The game will be held at Xavier University.
"The tournament is what it is all about. You really have to play your best to move on. This is our chance to make run for a national title and we are ready to make some noise this year," sophomore Jaytoe Teh said.
The tourney semifinals and finals will be hosted by Muskegon on Oct. 27-28.
Surge beat Cuyahoga 8-0; set to play Owens for conference title
OCT. 16, 2012 - The Cincinnati State men’s soccer team beat Lakeland Community College and Cuyahoga Community College over the weekend to clinch a spot in the Region XII tournament as well as positioning themselves to play for the conference title against Owens Community College in next weekend's regular season finale.
In Saturday's 2-0 win against Lakeland, Justin Mitchell, who leads the team in goals and points, opened the Surge scoring in the 15th minute. Liam Doyle, who assisted on Mitchell's goal, scored in the 35th minute off a free kick. Starting keeper Ryan Strunk recorded a three save shutout.
In the 8-0 win over Cuyahoga, Kyle Grothaus, Kyle Cobbs, and Nick Merhaut scored twice. Mitchell and Bradley Gale each scored once and recorded assists.
“We played really well this weekend. Our defenders did an incredible job of keeping everything in front of them and our offense clicked at the right time. Our focus now turns toward our game against Owens and competing for a conference title,” Head Coach Mike Combs said.
The Surge, who improved to 11-5-1 overall with a 4-1 record in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference, will host Owens Community College on Saturday beginning at 1pm. The game will be held at Xavier University.
Surge earn tie and overtime victory in weekend games against Muskegon and Ancilla
OCT. 8, 2012 - The Cincinnati State men's soccer tied Muskegon and beat Ancilla this past weekend.
While outshooting Muskegon 12-6 and earning twice as many corner kicks, the Surge were unable to convert as the game ended in a 0-0 tie after regulation and two overtime periods. Although not earning a victory, starting goalkeeper Ryan Strunk saved all six shots he faced including a penalty kick from just outside the box in the closing minutes of extra time.
“Both goalies made huge saves today. We generated some great chances on net and their keeper continued to make save after save,” Head Coach Mike Combs said.
On Sunday, sophomores Justin Mitchell and Eduardo Zavala led the Surge to 3-2 overtime victory against Ancilla.
The men were propelled to the victory by Zavala’s first goal of the season, which came in the opening minutes of the first overtime period. Justin Mitchell, who assisted on Zavala’s goal, scored twice as the Surge improved to 9-5-1 on the season.
The team will return to action as they travel to play Lakeland Community College on Saturday.
Justin Mitchell named OCCAC Player of the Week
SEPT. 27 , 2012 - Cincinnati State sophomore Justin Mitchell has been named the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference "Player of the Week."
Mitchell, a graduate from Carroll High School in Dayton, recorded 6 goals and 1 assist while leading Cincinnati State to three victories over Ohio-Midwestern, Lakeland and Cuyahoga last week.
Mitchell now leads the team in goals (9) and points (20). He scored one goal in a 2-0 win at Ohio-Midwestern on Tuesday, Sept. 18, followed by a two-goal performance in a 4-0 win over conference rival Lakeland on Saturday, Sept. 22. He recorded his first hat trick of his collegiate career to go along with one assist in an 8-2 win over Cuyahoga on Sunday, Sept 23.
Cincinnati State has compiled an 8-3 overall record to date this season, and stands 2-1 in conference play. The team will return to action on the road Saturday, Sept. 29 against Schoolcraft, a team ranked No. 9 in the junior college national poll.
Cincinnati State wins 2-0 against Ohio Midwestern
SEPT, 18. 2012 - The Cincinnati State men's soccer team beat Ohio-Midwestern College 2-0 on Tuesday night.
The Surge offense generated 22 shots to Ohio Midwestern's six. Scoring the Surge's first goal was sophomore Justin Mitchell off a set up from Kyle Grothaus.
Grothaus would later make a 40-yard run through Ohio-Midwestern defenders to record a goal of his own.
"Kyle has tremendous speed. He was by far the best player of the field tonight," Head Coach Mike Combs said.
In a combined effort, Cincinnati State goalies Ryan Strunk, who played the first half, and Hunter Kautz, the second half keeper, recorded the shutout, making three saves each.
The Surge, who improved to 6-3 overall, will return to action against conference rivals Lakeland Community College on Saturday and Cuyahoga Community College on Sunday.
Saturday's game against Lakeland will be held at the University of Cincinnati starting at 1 pm. Sunday's game against Cuyahoga will also start at 1 pm and will be held at Xavier University.
Kevin Nkrumah's late game heroics propel Surge past Jackson
SEPT, 16. 2012 - Cincinnati State's Kevin Nkrumah scored the game winning goal in Sunday's match against Jackson Community College (MI).
Scoring his first goal of his collegiate career, Nkrumah, a Fairfield High School graduate, dribbled past defenders and chipped the ball past the keeper to put his team ahead 3-2 in the 82nd minute of the match.
"It was a great feeling to make an impact for this team. We all worked extremely hard to earn the victory," Nkrumah said.
In a game that had three lead changes, three players from the Cincinnati tri-state area, including Nkrumah, contributed in the victory. Nkrumah's game winner was preceded by goals from Kyle Grothaus (Milford High School) and Francis Gyau (Winton Woods High School), who scored off a set up from Tucker Beerman (Highlands High School).
Recording one assist on Grothaus's goal was sophomore Eduardo Zavala, who came off the bench to give the Surge a lift in the midfield. Zavala was a constant threat offensively while maintaining possesion and creating multiple scoring chances for his team.
"We can always rely on Eddie to give us everything he has. I thought he took his game to another level today," Head Coach Mike Combs said.
With Sunday's win, Zavala and the Surge were able to bounce back from Saturday's 3-0 loss to Schoolcraft, improving to 5-3 overall. They will return to action Tuesday against Ohio-Midwestern. The game, which will be held at Winton Woods High School, is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm.
Cincinnati State splits weekend road trip
SEPT. 9, 2012 - The Cincinnati State men's soccer team beat Ancilla and lost to Muskegon over the weekend.
In a 6-0 win against Ancilla on Saturday, sophomores Justin Mitchell, Logan Gumbert and freshman Brad Gale scored two goals each. Gumbert, a graduate of Anderson High School, also added two assists giving him a game high six points.
After falling behind 1-0, the Surge tied the game when freshman Joe Bradley scored his second goal of the season on a penalty kick in the 20th minute of the second half. The game remained tied until the 90th minute when Muskegon countered on a Cincinnati State turnover and scored to win the game.
The loss, which snapped Cincinnati State's four game winning streak, drops the team's overall record to 4-2-0.
Cincinnati State hosts rival Schoolcraft Community College Saturday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m. at the Blue Ash Sports Complex. Last year, Schoolcraft eliminated the Surge in the National Junior College Athletic Association regional tournament.
Surge take two at Parkland Community College Invitational
In the Surge's 2-1 over tournament host Parkland, Cincinnati State's Bradley Gale opened the scoring in the sixteenth minute of the first half. Tyler Gumbert, a graduate from Anderson, scored in the thirty fifth to give the Surge a 2-0 advantage at the half. Defender Liam Doyle assisted on both goals.
Starting keeper Hunter Kautz faced nine ICC shots, saving eight.
"We gave a quality effort against a quality team on their home field. Brad (Gale) and Tyler (Gumbert) presented mismatches upfront and Hunter played extremely solid in net , " Head Coach Mike Combs said.
In a 4-2 victory over ICC, Logan and Tyler Gumbert, who graduated from Anderson High School, combined for 3 goals and 2 assists. Logan finished the game with 1 goal and 1 assist. Younger brother Tyler scored 2 goals and recorded 1 assist, including the eventual game winner in the closing moments of the first half.
"They both had excellent matches this weekend against two of the top teams in junior college soccer. They each do a great job of playing off the other brother's momentum. It is exciting to see both of them playing their best soccer at the same time," Combs said.
Sophomore Justin Mitchell, who caught the Illinois Central keeper out of position with a 50 yard strike for Cincinnati State's first goal of the afternoon, weighed in on the victory.
"We are starting to click offensively. Today we showed what type of team we are capable of being," Mitchell said.
Improving to 3-1 on the season, the Surge will attempt to extend their winning streak to four games when they return to action on the road against Ancilla College (MI) on Saturday, Sept. 8.
Surge go 1-1 in the opening weekend of the season
The Cincinnati State men's soccer team lost to Owens Community College and won in double overtime against Spartanburg Methodist over this past weekend.
Losing to Owens 5-1, the loss marked the first time the team had lost to Owens in the regular season in over 5 years. It also marked the worst loss the team has taken since the 06' season when they lost to Georgia Perimeter College by a score of 4-9.
Head coach Mike Combs expressed disappointment but said he looked forward to a quick turnaround in Sunday's home opener against Spartanburg Methodist.
"I thought we played somewhat soft against Owens. This game should serve as a wake up call for all of us from here on out. Owens simply wanted it more. We have to come out every game and play with intensity and sharpness if we expect to win," Combs said.
The Surge bounced back against Spartanburg Methodist, a top 15 team in last year's junior college national poll, winning in double overtime by a score of 2-1.
Head coach Mike Combs was pleased with his team's improvement.
"We came out with a little bit more energy and motivation to play, " Combs said.
Austin Klueh, a defender from Loveland High School, contributed offensively by scoring the Surge's first goal at the 54th minute of the second half to give his team the lead.
Spartanburg Methodist answered with a converted penalty kick by Jose Parker after Klueh committed a penalty in the box.
The team's exchanged chances throughout the conclusion of the 2nd half and 1st period of extra time. With 3 minutes left in the 2nd period of extra time, freshman Joe Bradley from Scotland broke through the Spartanburg Methodist line and drew a penalty kick. Bradley would cash in on the kick to give Cincinnati State the victory.
"We got the win against a quality team. We still have things to improve on, but the morale is a lot more positive now than it was after the Owens game," Combs reiterated after the game.
Opening the season at 1-1, the Surge will return to action on the road against Parkland Community College next Saturday followed by Sunday's match up against Illinois Central. Both teams are ranked in the top ten in the latest junior college national poll.
Incoming freshman Austin Klueh named Loveland Herald's "Sportsman of the Year"
JUNE. 20, 2012 - Austin Klueh, who signed his letter of intent with Cincinnati State back in February, has been named the 2012 Loveland Herald's "Sportsman of the Year."
Klueh, a three-time Fort Ancient Valley Conference first-teamer while playing for Loveland High School, won a ballot in which 596,000 votes were casted for the 21 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year in Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
“It’s a big honor,” said Klueh, who was named 1st-Team All-State in 2011. “I worked hard to improve throughout this year. I took great pride in that.”
A four year starting varsity defender, Klueh led Loveland to a FAVC Buckeye Division title as a sophomore and FAVC East Division crown during his junior year.
"Austin has an incredible work ethic and can make an immediate impact for us on the field," Cincinnati State head coach Mike Combs says. "This another great accomplishment to add to his long resume. I think there will be many more to come in the future."
Klueh will be one of 18 incoming freshman joining the Cincinnati State soccer program in August. A standout high school student, Klueh received the Cincinnati State Presidential Academic Scholarship and will begin class work towards a business administration degree in the honors program next fall.
Read more on Klueh's accomplishments in Jeff Willner's article on Cincinnati.com
Nick Merhaut named Cincinnati State's "Scholar Athlete of the Year"
JUNE 15. 2012 - As the academic year comes to an end, Freshman Nick Merhaut (pictured) has been named Cincinnati State's 2012 "Scholar Athlete of the Year."
The award is given annually to the Cincinnati State student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA. Merhaut, who is working towards a degree in business management, finished his freshman year with a 3.63 GPA.
Other end of the season awards included the soccer team's Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player, and Unsung Hero. Sophomore and team captain Carl Peers earned MVP after a 8 goal, 3 assist season while leading the team to a 16-5 overall record. He was also named to the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference's 1st Team. In addition, Peers was a constant fixture during morning and off-season workouts.
"Carl may have been the most conditioned athlete we have ever had. I don't think he ever missed a workout," strength and condition coach Ron Pharr says.
Sophomore Ryan Donnelly was named as the team's "Unsung Hero." Donnelly, who earned OCCAC 2nd Team honors, finished the season with 4 goals and 4 assists. Donnelly and Peers have both signed with Urbana University to continue their collegiate soccer career.
The "Most Improved Player" award went to freshman Jaytoe Teh, who was called upon to play outside defender, a position he was not accustomed to playing in high school.
"Jaytoe did whatever we needed to help the team," head coach Mike Combs said. "He played a position he was not familiar with and drastically improved by the end of the year."
Teh and Merhaut will be among seven returning players for the 2012-2013 roster.
Ten new faces sign letter of intent to play for the Surge in 2012
FEB. 5, 2012 - The Cincinnati State men’s soccer program has signed 10 Tri-State recruits for the 2012 season.
The recruiting class takes in three defensive players, including Austin Klueh from Loveland, named to Ohio’s All-State 1st Team in 2011; three midfielders, including Tucker Beerman from Highlands, who earned Kentucky All Region 1st Team honors while recording 65 points last season; and four attacking players, including Anderson's Tyler Gumbert, an Ohio All-District 1st Team honoree in 2011.
"We really have a strong group of freshman coming in,” said Head Coach Mike Combs. “A lot of our recruits passed up the opportunity to go on to four-year schools for the chance to play here right away and make an impact."
Other notable players to sign with Cincinnati State include:
• Michael Anthony, Xenia Christian
• David Elwer, Elyria Catholic
• Kyle Grothaus, Milford
• Johnson Mensah, Fairfield
• Logan Niswonger, Tippecanoe
• Kevin Nkrumah, Fairfield
• Ryan Strunk, Anderson (goalkeeper)
Cincinnati State’s pre-season roster also includes seven returning players and four international first-year players, including Billy Whitcomb from Essex, England; Brad Gale from Poole, England; Liam Doyle from Douglas, Isle of Man; and Joseph Bradley from Glasgow, Scotland.
Last year the Surge soccer program finished the regular season nationally ranked in both major polls with an overall record of 16-5-0 while claiming its seventh Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title with a 6-0-0 conference record. The 2010 Cincinnati State men’s team finished the season as national runners-up with an overall record of 23-3-0.
In the last nine seasons, Cincinnati State has produced 12 All-Americans, 42 First Team All-OCCAC players, 32 All-Region players, 6 OCCAC “Player of the Year” recipients and 5 National Junior College Athletic Association “Player of the Week” recipients.
Over the past decade the men’s soccer program at Cincinnati State has paved the way for many participants to continue their athletic careers on scholarship at four-year schools. We have sent 15 players to D-I programs, 18 to D-II programs, four to D-III programs and 11 players to NAIA institutions. Among the more notable Cincinnati State alumni: Ashton Bennett (2010), who finished the 2011 soccer regular season as the national leader in goals and points while playing at D-1 Coastal Carolina University; and Omar Cummings (2006), who led the Colorado Rapids to the MLS Championship in 2010 and was named the playoff’s MVP.
Cincinnati State competes in the OCCAC and in the NJCAA Div. 1, Region 12, which takes in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
Former Cincinnati State player signs professional contract
FEB. 3, 2012 - Marc Hansson, a recent standout for the men’s soccer team at Cincinnati State, has just signed a professional soccer contract with TJ Sokol Hostivice in League II just under the Gambrinus League. This is a professional league in the Czech Republic.
Marc was a major contributing player for Cincinnati State during the 2010 season. In 2010, Cincinnati State finished the season with an overall record of 23-3-0 and 6-0-0 in the OCCAC while advancing to play in the NJCAA Division I National Championship game. During the 2010 season, Marc recorded 14 goals and 10 assists while earning 38 total points while playing for Cincinnati State.
Current NCAA and former Cincinnati State standout visits President Owens and staff over the holidays
JAN. 4, 2012 - Ashton Bennett, a former Cincinnati State soccer standout, came back to pay a visit to President Owens and the Cincinnati State staff over the holiday season.
Bennett, who currently plays for Coastal Carolina, expressed his thanks to Dr. Owens and Cincinnati State for providing him with the tools necessary to improve his education and continue his soccer career at the next level. In his two years at Cincinnati State, Ashton earned All-American honors while leading Cincinnati State to the 2010 NJCAA National Final.
"Ashton has helped shaped a legacy at Cincinnati State. We are all very proud of his accomplishments," Dr. O'dell M. Owens said.
Bennett continued his success at Coastal Carolina where he far exceeded expectations. Bennett finished the season as the NCAA D-I leader in three offensive categories including goals with 23, points with 53 and points per game at 2.41. In addition, Ashton was a finalist for the 2011 Herman Trophy, the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer.
Despite being projected to go 4th overall in the year's MLS draft, Ashton decided to go back for his senior year and finish his degree in Sport Management at Coastal Carolina.
"I made a promise to myself that I would get my degree when I came here from Jamaica," Bennett said. "A degree opens up more opportunities once my playing days are over. Cincinnati State and Coastal Carolina have provided me with a great pathway to keep my promise"
As a senior, Bennett will be a premier player to watch when he gets back on the field in August as he looks to build upon his stellar junior season.
Surge lose hard fought regional championship in final minutes of overtime
OCT, 30. 2011 - In what has become somewhat of an annual theme in the NJCAA Region XII Final, Cincinnati State and Schoolcraft played for the championship on Sunday with the winner moving on to districts.
For Cincinnati State, who won 4-0 against Jackson CC in the regional semifinal, Sunday's match up against Schoolcraft was all that stood in the way of a second consecutive trip to districts. In a highly contested and physical match up, the Surge jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a Justin Mitchell (Carroll HS/Dayton, OH) goal at the 36th minute mark. With a one goal lead at half, Cincinnati State hoped to stay disciplined and play solid defense.
Unfortunately for the Surge, cards would become a major factor in the outcome. Playing a man down after a red card was accessed to a starting defender, the Surge gave up the game tieing goal off a deflection in front of the net that slipped past keeper Ben Steinnecker. Despite the emotional letdown of allowing Schoolcraft to tie the game late, the Surge continued to generate chances on offense. Jake Brooks and Colby Schneider nearly won the game for Cincinnati State with shot attempts which narrowly missed the target.
With five minutes to go in the second overtime and penalty kicks looming, Schoolcraft would cash in on the advantage with a golden goal off of a rebound in front of the net. Schoolcraft, the number one ranked team in the nation, claimed the 2011 NJCAA Region XII championship with the victory.
"It hurts being up and losing the way we did, " Head Coach Mike Combs said after the game. "Still, Schoolcraft is a great rivalry. Year in and year out, we know that we will have to beat them to get where we want to be."
Cincinnati State finishes the year with an impressive 16-5-0 overall record while claiming the OCCAC championship and finishing as NJCAA Region XII Runners- Up. Defender Colin Murray and keeper Ben Steinnecker were named to the NJCAA Region XII 1st Team. Carl Peers, Bush Yormie and Christian Johnson were named to the 2nd team.
Former Cincinnati State standout Ashton Bennet excelling at D-I level
OCT, 27. 2011 - Former Cincinnati State forward Ashton Bennett has been amongst the top attacking players in the NCAA throughout this season. Bennett, who transferred to Coastal Carolina, currently is second in the nation in points per game and sixth in the nation in goals per game. He has helped lead Coastal Carolina to the second best ranked offense in the nation and a national ranking of 21st.
Bennett, who was an NSCAA All-American for Cincinnati State in 2010, has been named this week's Big South Attacking Player of the Week - the third time he has won the award. Bennett will no doubt be a top candidate for the NCAA D-I All-American team as he prepares for the final stretch of NCAA 2011 soccer season.
Further reading on the highlights of Bennett's season can be found at the following links:
http://www.goccusports.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/102511aad.html
http://www.uncabulldogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19200&ATCLID=205317076
http://www.goccusports.com/sports/m-soccer/recaps/102111aaa.html
http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/10/27/2468192/ccu-soccer-player-strives-to-be.html
Five Cincinnati State players make OCCAC All-Conference 1st Team
OCT, 26. 2011 - Sophomores Colin Murray (pictured), Christian Johnson, Carl Peers and Bush Yormie were each named to the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference 1st Team for their tremendous play in the 2011 regular season. Co-captain Carl Peers scored 8 goals and recorded 3 assists in only 8 games played. The defensive combination of Murray, Yormie and Johnson stifled opposing offenses as the Surge allowed an average of only 0.73 goals per game. Goalie Ben Steinnecker was named OCCAC Keeper of the Year. Steinnecker saved 64 of the 73 shots he faced over the course of the season with 3 shutouts. Ryan Donnelly and Colby Schneider were named to the OCCAC 2nd Team. In their two years at Cincinnati State, the sophomores have compiled an overall record of 37-7-0. Mike Combs was named OCCAC Coach of the Year for the 7th time in his coaching career at Cincinnati State.
"These guys have shown a great dedication to the team concept," Combs said. "They know how to lead and know how to win."
Cincinnati State will begin postseason play on Saturday, October 29th in the NJCAA Region XII Tournament in Toledo, Ohio. against Jackson CC starting at noon.
Cummings named to MLS All-Star team
Former Cincinnati State men's soccer player Omar Cummings is a 2011 MLS All-Star, having made the 22-player roster.
Cummings, of the Colorado Rapids, has earned the right to be named as one of the Top 6 forwards in Major League Soccer. Cummings and the MLS All-Stars will play Manchester United on July 27 in New York City. The game will be televised on ESPN2 starting at 8:30 pm EST.
Last season, Manchester United won the English Premiere League Championship for the 19th time. Manchester United is the most successful soccer club in the English Premiere League. For more information, please visit - http://www.njcaa.org/newsArticle.cfm?articleId=14872
Jake Jones named NJCAA All-Academic Student Athlete
JUNE. 30, 2011 - Jake Jones, a member of the nationally-ranked Cincinnati State men's soccer team the past two years, was named today (Thursday, June 30) as a 2011 Academic Student-Athlete by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Jones, who graduated Magna Cum Laude earlier this month from Cincinnati State, helped lead the Surge to the NJCAA Finals this past season. The team finished second in the national tournament.
Jones is a graduate of Glen Este High School, where he played on the varsity soccer team as a freshman and for most of his career was a team leader in goals and assists. On his club team, the CSA Magic, he was a starting outside midfielder.
In his two years at Cincinnati State, Jones was named to the First Team of the Ohio Community College Athletic Association in 2009 and again in 2010. He was also a member of the Honors Experience at Cincinnati State, and was recently awarded the Academic Achievement Award for Men’s Soccer at the college’s 2011 Athletic Awards Banquet. He graduated with an Associate's Degree in Science, and plans to continue his studies at a four-year institution with aspirations of becoming a physical therapist.
For more information on Jake and the NJCAA 2010-2011 awards, please visit - http://www.njcaa.org/athletes_of_distinction_academic_all_americans.cfm?ltr=j&yr=7&collegeid=0
Omar Cummings honored at White House
JUNE. 27, 2011 - Omar Cummings, a graduate from Cincinnati State in 2004, visited President Obama in the White House in honor of leading the Colorado Rapids to the 2010 MLS Championship. Read more on the Colorado Rapids Official Website - http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2011/06/president-obama-honors-rapids
Cummings scored 16 goals and recorded 10 assists in the 18 games he played his first year at Cincinnati State. In 2004, he played in 20 games and scored 23 goals with 19 assists. Not surprisingly, he won All-American honors both years.
After graduating from Cincinnati State, Cummings was recruited by the University of Cincinnati, where he was twice named to the All Big-East Team.
After leaving UC, Cummings was drafted in the third round by the Colorado Rapids, where he has blossomed into one of the league’s biggest game-changers. (ESPN, in fact, recently named that the best draft pick in the history of the MLS.) In 2009, he scored 8 goals and recorded 12 assists. In 2010, he accounted for a team-high 14 goals to help lead the Rapids to the MLS championship. For his individual scoring achievement, he was awarded the team’s 2010 "Golden Boot" award.
In late 2010, Cummings played on loan from the Rapids with Aston Villa in the English Premier League –one of the most competitive venues in the soccer world. He returned to the Rapids by mid-March to help the team defend its 2010 MLS championship.
Former Cincinnati State standout signs with professional team in Thailand
MAY. 25, 2011 - Former Cincinnati State soccer player Lister Warren has agreed to terms with Muang Thong United of the Thai Premiere League.
During his time at Cincinnati State, Lister Warren was awarded All-American, All-Region, All-OCCAC, Player of the Week in the OCCAC and helped lead the soccer program to an OCCAC Championship. After graduating from Cincinnati State with his associate's degree, Warren transferred to the University of Tampa. The program was nationally ranked in the Top 10 during Warren's time with the program.
Now a graduate of the University of Tampa, Lister will compete on one of soccer's highest stages as he will join the defending Thai Premiere League Champions, Muang Thong United.
Surge celebrate 2010 season with Board of Trustees
APRIL. 26, 2011 - The Cincinnati State men's soccer team capped off their celebration of the 2010 season by receiving their rings infront of the Cincinnati State Board of Trustees. The Surge, who made it all the way to the 2010 NJCAA Finals, were joined by President O'dell M. Owens and Chairman Michael Oestreicher.
"Its a great symbol to show how hard we all worked," defenseman Colin Murray said. "We want to do it again next year."
The Surge had the best season in the program's history finishing 22-3-0 and NJCAA National Runner-Up.
What's next...
Several members of the 2010 Cincinnati State soccer program have committed to play at four year institutions as listed below:
Division - I
Austin Morgan - Coastal Carolina
Ashton Bennett - Coastal Carolina
Grant Kercher - U.S.C. Upstate
Dylan Hoop - U.S.C. Upstate
Division - II
Zach Moss - Anderson
Cody Clark - Slippery Rock
Chris Nieto - Slippery Rock
Ben Rescona - Northern Kentucky
Garret Listo - Charleston
Division - III
Brad Baumer - Thomas More
Nathan Hudson - Thomas More
Morgan and Bennett headed to Coastal Carolina
FEB, 2011- After spectacular junior college careers at Cincinnati State, teammates Austin Morgan and Ashton Bennett will take their talents to the University of Coastal Carolina next fall.
Morgan, who graduated early with a secondary education associate's degree, proved to be one of the best goalkeepers in the NJCAA ranking 15th in the nation with a 0.68 goals against average. He was named Ohio Community College Athletic Association's Goalie of the Year in 2009 and 2010. Austin was also a tremendous presence off of the field and in the Cincinnati State community. A standout student in math, Morgan served as a student-tutor to any student seeking help in the subject. He also served as the Cincinnati State mascot during Surge basketball games and campus events.
"Austin is a guy who everyone liked and everyone will miss," Head Coach Mike Combs says.
Since leaving Cincinnati State, the Cincinnati native from Colerain High School has moved down to South Carolina to get a head start on transitioning to his new school and team.
Teammate and standout forward Ashton Bennett will be joining Morgan at Coastal Carolina in the summer after he graduates with a degree in business. Bennett, who ranked 4th in the NJCAA in goals (24), assists (19), and points (67), selitified himself as a premier player in 2010.
"Ashton seemed to score goals when we needed them most this year. He is a guy who hates to lose," Combs says.
Bouncing back from a sub-par and injury plagued freshman season, the Jamaican forward led a potent Cincinnati State offense as the Surge outscored opponents 108 to 24. Perhaps, Bennett's biggest goal came in the NJCAA District Championship in which he scored at the 30 minute mark by retrieving the cross, dribbling past defenders and sliding the ball just past the CCBC-Essex keeper to make it a 2-1 game as Cincinnati State earned its first trip to the NJCAA National Championship.
During their time together at Cincinnati State, Morgan and Bennett won two conference titles, a regional championship, and a district championship.
Cincinnati State makes 2010 NJCAA Finals; finish National Runner-Up
NOVEMBER, 2010- Cincinnati State soccer made school history this past season reaching the D-I NJCAA National Championship in Tyler, Texas. Finishing as NJCAA Runner-Up, the Surge proved to be a power both offensively and defensively. The Surge outscored opponents 108 to 24 finishing with a overall record of 22-3-0 earning a ranking of second in the National Junior College poll. On the march to the finals, the Surge also were crowned OCCAC champions, Region XII champions, and District Champions. For more information on Cincinnati State's historic run, visit NJCAA Soccer.
Men's soccer ends with outstanding individual achievements in 2010
DECEMBER, 2010- The 2010 soccer season ended with a string of individual honors for members of the Cincinnati State men’s soccer team, which captured the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference championship, Region XII championship, and finished as NJCAA D-I National Runner Up.
2010 Region XII First Team
• Ashton Bennett
• Cody Clark
• Dylan Hoop
2010 OCCAC First Team
• Cody Clark
• Ashton Bennett
• Dylan Hoop
• Zak Moss
• Austin Morgan
Zak Moss, Collin Murray, and Austin Morgan were name to All- Region Second Team. Jake Jones and Grant Kercher were named to the All Conference Second Team.
Colin Murray also won OCCAC Defenseman of the Year, Austin Morgan won OCCAC Goalkeeper of the Year and head coach Mike Combs was named the Region XII and OCCAC Coach of the Year for 2010.
This marked the sixth time in eight seasons that Cincinnati State has won the OCCAC league championship and the first time appearing in the NJCAA National Finals. This is also the sixth year since 2003 that Combs has been named OCCAC Coach of the year.
Two players named to All-American Team
DECEMBER, 2010- Midfielder Cody Clark and forward Ashton Bennett earned NJCAA and NSCAA All-American honors. This is the second time Clark has been honored and the first time for Bennett. Clark captained Cincinnati State to the NJCAA National championship in 2010. Bennett finished fourth among junior college players with 67 points. During their time together at Cincinnati State, the Surge won two conference titles, a regional championship, and a district championship.
Coach Combs Earns 100th Win
With victories over Mt. St. Joseph (9/24/09) and Schoolcraft CC (9/25/09) in consecutive days, Coach Combs recorded his 100th victory as a head coach.
CINCINNATI STATE ALL-AMERICANS
A.J. Pitzer 2000
Jaquin Palemeque 2001
Josh Piermon 2003
Omar Cummings 2005
Patrick Baxter 2006
Cody Clark 2009, 2010
Ashton Bennett 2010
