Men's Soccer
2011 Cincinnati State Men's Soccer
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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.
Nick Merhaut scores game winner against Jackson CC
OCT, 23. 2011 - On Saturday, the Cincinnati State men's soccer team lost to No.1 ranked Schoolcraft Community College (Michigan) by a score of 1-0, which snapped the Surge's 13-game winning streak. Cincinnati State bounced back on Sunday as freshman Nick Merhuat (Canfield, OH) scored the game winning goal with 28 seconds left against Jackson Community College to finish the regular season at 15-4-0. Earning the second seed in the NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Cincinnati State will open the postseason on Saturday, Oct. 29 in Toledo, Ohio against the winner of the Jackson vs. Owens match. For more information on the NJCAA Region XII Tournament, please visit http://www.njcaaregion12.org/msoccertourn.html
Cincinnati State wins final two home games of 2011
OCT, 17. 2011- The Cincinnati State men's soccer team improved to 14-3-0 with wins over Cuyahoga CC and Lakeland CC over the weekend.
On Saturday, the Surge were dominate in time of possession while out shooting Cuyahoga by a total of 15 to 2. Within the first ten minutes of the game, Cincinnati State sophomore Colby Schneider (Fairfield HS) assisted on the opening goal from freshman Justin Mitchell (Carroll HS/ Dayton,OH) and scored the second goal of the game. That would be all the Surge needed to secure victory as Cuyahoga CC were unable to crack the Cincinnati State defense. Eddie Jimenez (St.Patrick/Maysville, KY), Jake Brooks (George Dixon/ Manchester, Eng.) and Andrew Graham (Manchester Academy/ Manchester, Eng.) each tacked on a goal as the Surge cruised to the 5-0 win over their in-conference opponents.
Playing against Lakeland on Sunday, the Surge created many scoring opportunities early on. In the 20th minute, sophomore Ryan Donnelly (Bathgate Academy/ Bathgate, Sco) took advantage of a Lakeland turnover and buried his shot in the back of the net for the opening goal of the game. Lakeland continued to compete while holding the potent Surge attack to the lone Donnelly goal in the first half.
"I thought Lakeland came out more hungry to play than we did and I let my guys know it during our meeting at halftime," head coach Mike Combs said. "It was the last time we would play in front of our home crowd and I wanted the guys to give them something to cheer about."
The Surge came out in the second half with more pace and better passing. Sophomore and team captain Carl Peers (St.Edmunds/ Liverpool, Eng) scored at the 50th minute mark off a setup from Justin Mitchell. Mitchell would provide an exclamation point on the victory with a hard strike from 15 yards out for Cincinnati State's third and final goal of the afternoon. With the win, the Surge extended their winning streak to 13 games in a row and secured the second seed in the NJCAA Region XII Tournament.
Cincinnati State will finish off the regular season schedule with road matches against Jackson CC on Saturday, October 22nd followed by undefeated Schoolcraft CC on Sunday, October 23rd. Earning a first round bye, Cincinnati State will begin the NJCAA Region XII Tournament on Saturday, October 29th against the winner of the #3 vs. #6 seed. This year's tournament will be hosted by Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio.
Surge win seventh conference title in nine year span
OCT, 10.2011 - Adding to the long list of accomplishments over the years, the Cincinnati State Surge men's soccer team clinched the OCCAC regular season conference title with a 3-0 road win over Owens Community College. Freshmen Jake Brooks, Evan Rees and Nick Merhaut each recorded a goal in the victory. Sophomore goalkeeper Ben Steinnecker recorded his first clean sheet of the season. So far, it has been a phenominal week for Brooks who now has 5 goals over the past two games. With the stellar offensive output, Brooks is currently the top goal scorer in NJCAA Region XII.
For head coach Mike Combs and the Cincinnati State soccer program, this marks the seventh conference title in the past nine seasons.
"We have really had a great run in recent years," Mike Combs said. "This is the first accomplishment of what we hope will end up being a very successful 2011 campaign."
On Sunday, Cincinnati State finished up the weekend road trip against Tiffin University. In an 8-0 win, the Surge's Carl Peers recorded his first collegiate career hat trick scoring 3 goals in 30 minutes of play. Due to an injury to goalie Ben Steinnecker in the second half, sophomore Chad Thornton was called upon to play keeper for the remainder of the game.
"It was the first time I have ever played the position. It was a lot of fun to try it out and get a feel for what Ben goes through on a game by game basis."
Thornton recorded 3 saves and did not allow a goal in his goalie debut. Now on a 11-game winning streak, Cincinnati State will play in the last homestand of the year on Saturday, October 15th against Cuyahoga CC at Xavier University followed by Sunday's game on October, 16th against Lakeland CC at Anderson High School. Both games will begin at 2pm.
Jake Brooks earns NJCAA National Player of the Week honors
OCT, 12. 2011 - Jake Brooks, a freshman forward on the Cincinnati State men’s soccer team, has been named NJCAA D-I National Player of the Week.
Jake has been having a phenomenal freshman season for Cincinnati State. In his best offensive performance to date, Brooks scored 4 goals and assisted on another in Cincinnati State’s 7-2 victory over Wilmington on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Brooks also scored a goal against Owens Community College and recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in 30 minutes of play on the road against Tiffin. Jake is currently tied for first in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region XII in points with 14 goals and 7 assists.
Coming all the way from Birmingham, England to earn a college education while playing for Cincinnati State, Jake has been a key player in clinching Cincinnati State's 2011 OCCAC conference championship. The Surge claimed their seventh conference championship in nine seasons after the 3-0 victory over Owens Community College last weekend.
The men’s team will play its last home stand of the year against Cuyahoga Community College on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Xavier University followed by a game against Lakeland Community College at Anderson High School on Sunday, October 16. Both games will begin at 2pm.
Cincinnati State improves to 3-0-0 in OCCAC play
SEPT. 25, 2011 - The Surge beat Lakeland Community College and Cuyahoga Community College this weekend to stay undefeated in OCCAC play (3-0-0) and improved to 8-3-0 overall. In a 3-1 road win over Lakeland, Jake Brooks (Birmingham, England) scored twice and Justin Mitchell (Dayton, Ohio - Carroll HS) scored once in very wet and muddy conditions. In Sunday's road game against Cuyahoga, Andrew Graham (Manchester, England), Colby Schnieder (Fairfield HS)and Ryan Donnelly (Bathgate, Scotland) each recorded a goal in the 3-1 victory.
Cincinnati State will return to action next weekend on the road against Delta Community College in Michigan.
Surge beat Muskegon and Ancilla over the weekend
SEPT. 18, 2011 - Cincinnati State beat Muskegon CC(MI) and Ancilla CC(MI) over the weekend to climb up the standings in the NJCAA Region XII. While winning both games, Cincinnati State had to play two very different styles to grasp each victory.
Saturday against Muskegon, the teams remained close throughout the entire game. The Surge opened up the scoring at the 30th minute mark as Justin Mitchell (Caroll) scored off a set up from Heitor Martins (Rio de Janeiro, Bra - Icaro) to go up 1-0. The score remained the same until Muskegon captalized on a corner kick with a minute and twenty three seconds left in the first half. Drew Maus from Muskegon put the ball past Ben Stiennnecker to tie the game at 1-1
The Surge would have to play down a man early in the second half after two yellow cards were issued to freshman Jake Brooks at the 55 minute mark. A minute later, Ben Steinnecker (Finneytown) would make the save of the game off a Muskegon break away shot. With the score still tied at 1 goal a piece in the 87th minute, Cincinnati State defender Christian Johnson was issued his second yellow card. The Surge managed to force overtime despite being two men down.
"We really played a sloppy game, " head coach Mike Combs. "I felt we were in control until the cards started coming out. It was frustrating because our guys know better."
In the opening minute of the first overtime period, Heitor Martins was pulled down by a Muskegon defender just outside of the Muskegon box. Colin Murray (Dublin, Ire. - Confey) took the free kick and struck it in the back of the net as his teammates rushed the field to celebrate the win off of Murray's golden goal.
"A win like this can change the whole demeanor of the season," team captain Carl Peers said. "We have had some bad luck - some self inflicted. It's nice to get a big win when the chips are stacked against you."
The Surge would return to action Sunday against an Ancilla team coming in with an overall record of 5-2. In the opening minutes, Heitor Martins (pictured) worked his way down the field and set up Justin Mitchell for the first goal of the game. The Surge would not look back as they capped off the first half with goals from Evan Rees(Sidney,OH - Sidney) and Carl Peers (Liverpool, Eng - St. Edmunds).
"Our ball movement was night and day compared to the Muskegon game. Justin and Heitor really worked well together up top. We really seemed to be firing on all cylinders," Mike Combs said.
Ancilla did score in the second half, however the Surge answered with three more goals from Bush Yormie (Kensington, MD - Northwood), Kyle Cobbs (Finneytown) and Jerry Solorio (Fairfield) to win 6 to 1 over the Chargers and improving to 5-3-0 overall.
Now on a 4-game win streak, the Surge will play Tiffin University JV on Tuesday at the University of Cincinnati soccer complex starting at 7pm.
Cincinnati State wins 5-0 over Owens CC
SEPT.10, 2011 - Cincinnati State men's soccer won 5-0 against Owens CC (Toledo, OH) on Saturday.
For the Surge, the win against Owens marked the best performance both offensively and defensively of the year thus far.
Forward Jake Brooks (Birmingham, Eng - George Dixon) broke open the scoring for the Surge with an early goal in the 4th minute mark. Brooks would later assist on a goal scored by defender Bush Yormie (Kensington, MY- Northwood). Late in the half, freshman midfielder Evan Rees (Sidney) entered the game and scored his first goal of the season off of a cross from the corner. Cincinnati State went into the break with a 3-0 lead.
Owens CC had no answer in the second half as the Surge would go on to score two more goals. Forward Heitor Martins (Rio de Janeiro, Bra. - Icaro) weaved passed two Owens defenders to score his second goal of the season. Jerry Solorio (Fairfield) added the fifth and final goal by scoring off a penalty kick.
"We have had a tough start to the year," head coach Mike Combs said. "We looked at today as a new beginning from this point forward. It is good to see our guys take the first step with the win today against one of our rival opponents."
With the win, Cincinnati State improves to 3-3-0 on the year. The Surge will return to action against Muskegon CC (MI) at Xavier University on Saturday, September 17th starting at 1pm.
Jake Brooks scores twice in win over Delta CC
SEPT. 7, 2011 - The Cincinnati State men’s soccer team defeated Delta Community College at home Wednesday, 4-2, in a game played under wet and rainy conditions at the University of Cincinnati.
Cincinnati State forward Jake Brooks (Birmingham, England) scored two early goals. In the opening minute, Brooks placed a shot in the upper right corner of the net on a perfect cross from sophomore midfielder Ryan Donnelly (Bathgate, Scotland). Minutes later, Brooks again cashed in from another perfect ball from sophomore midfielder Colby Schnieder (Fairfield High School). For Brooks, the goals marked his first two of the 2011 season.
Early in the second half, freshman Nicklas Savolainen (Boras, Sweden) came off the bench to play midfield for the Surge. Playing in his first collegiate game, Savolainen scored his first goal in just his second minute of play by out hustling two Delta defenders and the keeper and chipping the ball into the back of the net.
Delta followed with a goal off a free kick just two minutes later to make the score 3-1. In the 85th minute, Justin Mitchell (Carroll High School) scored off a set up from Eddie Jimenez (St. Patrick - Maysville, Ky). Delta would score once more with 3 minutes to go but could not overcome the deficit as Cincinnati State earned the 4-2 victory.
"I thought it was a good win," assistant coach Russell Lewis said. "The guys played well, we got the win and we got out without any major injuries."
With the win, Cincinnati State improves to 2-3-0 heading into Saturday's game against Owens Community College. The game will be held at Xavier University beginning at 1 p.m.
Cincinnati State splits two game road trip in Michigan
SEPT. 2, 2011 – The Cincinnati State men’s soccer team won against Muskegon CC and lost against Ancilla CC in very physical games over this past weekend.
On Saturday, the Surge beat Muskegon 2-1 in a highly contested and highly defensive game which went into overtime. Heitor Martins (Rio de Janiero, Brazil) scored his first goal of the season off of a penalty kick in the first half. Nearly 40 seconds later, Muskegon would answer with a goal of their own to tie the game before the end of the half.
In a scoreless second half, both teams exemplified a very physical style of play as neither team was willing to give away a potential game winning goal. For freshman Andrew Graham (Manchester, England), the style was a realization that collegiate soccer takes on a whole new definition of athlete.
“After these first two weeks, it feels like I have been playing for a month or two with the level of soreness and exhaustion,” Graham said after the game. “It is a different style of play and officiating over here.”
The freshman midfielder Graham would turn out to be the hero on Saturday afternoon. With a direct kick off of a Muskegon penalty in overtime, Graham struck the ball into the back of the net; propelling the Surge to the first victory of the 2011 season.
“It was perfectly struck. A great shot from distance,” head coach Mike Combs explained.
On Sunday, the Surge soccer team found themselves in another tightly contested and physical game. Late in the scoreless first half against Ancilla CC, freshman Mike Carpentier would fall victim to the physicality of the game. Off a vicious slide tackle from an Ancilla player, Carpentier suffered an open compound fracture to his tibia and fibula.
"Its dissappointing to see a guy who worked so hard up to this point go down and lose his season," Combs said. "His work ethic served as motivation for the other incoming freshman."
Carpentier would be rushed to the local hospital as Cincinnati State and Ancilla players, staff, fans and spectators were left wondering about Carpentier’s health status.
“It was one of the most grotesque sites I have seen in my coaching career,” assistant coach Russell Lewis said. “I am sure it was difficult for our guys to keep playing without worries of Mike on their mind."
Being dealt a red card due to the incident with Carpentier, Ancilla would play down a man for the rest of the match. Cincinnati State could not take advantage as the game went into overtime. At the 3 minute mark of the second overtime period, Ancilla scored in what turned out to be the game winner and beat the Surge by a score of 1-0.
“This has been a tough two weeks to open up with,” Mike Combs said. “Having said that, I would rather have us experience these set backs now than at the end of the season and during tournament time. We just have to focus on the big picture and put these past two weekends behind us.”
Cincinnati State is now 1-3-0 heading into Wednesday’s home matchup against Delta CC. The game will be held at the University of Cincinnati’s soccer complex starting at 5 pm.
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
