Kicking It with the Purple Raiders Presented by Pelé Sports

MU Moves On

WILMINGTON, OH - October 31, 2011 - No. 5 seed Mount Union knocked off No. 4 seed Wilmington in the quarterfinals of the Ohio Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Tournament Monday night in Wilmington.

In their seventh OAC Tournament appearance, the Purple Raiders (11-7-2) won their first-ever match (1-4-2) and advance to the semifinals to take on top-seed and regular season champion Ohio Northern Wednesday at 2 pm in Ada.

Sophomore Thomas Beck scored the lone goal of the match as he hit in a header into the goal off a cross from freshman Chris Motley in the 54th minute. The Mount Union defense was strong as it allowed only one shot on goal for the evening and junior goalkeeper Jon Critell posted his eighth shutout of the season.

ISN's coverage of Mount Union soccer is presented by Pelé Sports. Feeling and technique are the two qualities that reflect Pelé Sports: The brand philosophy combines the legendary Brazilian enthusiasm for playing football, along with top products that are designed to completely satisfy a footballer's every demand. The inspiration of the football legend Pelé, who is also directly involved in product development, can be felt in every product: Futebol bonito, regardless of who you are and where and how you play. This desire is combined with an outstanding price-performance ratio. The P-Sports company was founded in 2009 and has its US headquarters in Aspen, Colorado. A selected team of product design specialists and football experts are managing the international launch of the Pele Sports brand under license in June 2010. Sales and distribution through selected specialist sports stores will start with a mixture of the brand's own marketing and distribution subsidiaries and selected distribution partners.

MU Men Headed to OAC Tourney

WESTERVIILE, OH – October 29, 2011 - A first half goal by Kevin Cindric was enough for the Mount Union men's soccer team to earn a 1-0 win on the road over Otterbein.

Cindric's goal came with under a minute remaining in the first half. He was able to gather a ball just outside the box and beat the keeper to give the Purple Raiders a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. This was the third goal of the week for Cindric, who scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Muskingum on Tuesday night. That was all of the scoring junior goalkeeper Jon Critell would need. Critell made two saves in recording his seventh shutout of the season. Otterbein (5-10-2, 3-6-0) goalkeeper Kyle Ripma made six saves.

The win clinches a second straight Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament appearance for Mount Union. The Purple Raiders (9-8-2, 4-3-2) will play Monday night at 7 p.m. and will learn their opponent upon the conclusion of tonight's Heidelberg at Wilmington match.

Mount Union Women’s Soccer Explodes for Seven Goals to Keep OAC Hopes Alive

ALLIANCE, OH - October 26, 2011 - Six players netted scores as the Mount Union women's soccer team defeated Muskingum, 7-0, Wednesday night at Mount Union Stadium. With the win, the Purple Raiders (8-8-2, 3-5-0) pulled into a four-way tie for the final two spots in next week's Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament.

Playing in her final home match, senior Alyssa Flitcraft provided an immediate spark off the bench. The teams had combined for just two shots when the speedy Flitcraft entered in the 24th minute. Flitcraft was able to get off two shots within the next three minutes. Finally, in the 30th minute, she found junior Kylee Kolesar in the box. Kolesar possessed the ball and buried the shot into the back of the net for her seventh goal of the season. Less than a minute later, Ashley Kuhn was able to convert a corner by Ashley Sams into the Raiders' second goal of the night. Jen Sprandel scored off another corner by Sams a few minutes later for a 3-0 lead heading to halftime.

Flitcraft got back into the action in the second half. The OAC's second-leading goal scorer netted a pair of goals to give her 10 on the season. Seniors Kaleigh Stanley and Christin Handley assisted on the scores. Two freshmen, Gina Wall and Nicole Moldovan, also added second half goals. Wall was able to maneuver her way through the defense for her score in the 64th minute. In the 85th minute, Moldovan scored on a header off a corner by Sprandel. Freshman goalkeeper Maria Favorite started and made one save in 45 scoreless minutes in net. Fellow freshman Jackie Podolsky replaced her at halftime and also made one save in 45 minutes. Starter Sara Poling made nine saves for Muskingum (5-13-0, 1-7-0) while Megan Dever made one save for the Muskies.

Mount Union returns to action on Saturday when they visit Otterbein. A win will likely qualify the Raiders for the OAC Tournament for the first time since 2003.

Cindric the Hero for MU

ALLIANCE, OH - October 25, 2011 - Mount Union's men's soccer earned a crucial victory as they continue their quest for a berth in the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament.

Behind a pair of goals by Kevin Cindric, the Purple Raiders defeated Muskingum, 2-0, in their final home match of the regular season. Cindric wasted little time beginning his big night, scoring an unassisted goal in the box just over four minutes into the game. In the 59th minute, Jack Weber fed a beautiful pass in the box to Cindric, who was able to beat the keeper for the 2-0 lead. That is all of the offense that Mount Union goalkeeper Jon Critell would need. The junior made four saves in recording his sixth shutout on the season. Cindric narrowly missed his first collegiate hat trick. The senior put a rebound shot off the post in the 18th minute. Thomas Beck had a breakaway opportunity, but was turned away by Muskingum goalkeeper Hunter Huffman (nine saves). Cindric was in position for the putback, but saw the shot hit off the left post.

The Raiders return to action on Saturday when they travel to Westerville for the regular season finale with Otterbein. Mount Union will secure a spot in the OAC Tournament with a win, tie, or Capital loss to John Carroll. A win or tie paired with a Wilmington loss to Heidelberg will give the Raiders a first round home match for the second straight season.

Beck's Goal Not Enough for MU Men

ALLIANCE, OH - October 22, 2011 - A goal Thomas Beck goal in the 31st minute was not enough as Mount Union dropped an Ohio Athletic Conference game to Capital by a 4-1 margin. Beck drilled in a scissor-kick off a perfectly placed pass in the box by Chris Motley in the 30th minute.

For Capital, Daniel McCarthy scored goals in the 38th and 73rd minute to power the Crusaders to their second league win. Also scoring for Capital was Nick Eley (18th minute) and Tim Rieser (88th minute). The loss drops Mount Union to 2-3-2 in the OAC, and 7-7-2 overall.

The Purple Raiders return to action Tuesday, as they host Muskingum at 7 p.m.

MU Women Blitzed by Capital

ALLIANCE, OH - October 22, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team was defeated in an Ohio Athletic Conference contest by the Capital, 4-0.

Capital's Kaylee Phillips and Hilary Ells both scored twice as the Crusaders won their fifth OAC game of the season. Mount Union kept close for most of the game, but the Crusaders pulled away in the game's final 15 minutes. Goalkeeper Maria Favorite finished with seven saves. For Capital, keeper Maggie Donnellan held Mount Union scoreless while making seven saves. With the loss, Mount Union falls to 2-5 in the OAC, and 7-8-2 overall.

The Purple Raiders will continue to try earning a spot in the OAC tournament when they host Muskingum Wednesday at 7 p.m.

B-W Downs Mount in Men's Soccer Action

BEREA, OH - October 19, 2011 - Mount Union's men's soccer team fell at Baldwin-Wallace, 2-1, Wednesday night. A win would have afforded the Purple Raiders (7-6-2, 2-2-2) some breathing room as they seek a second consecutive berth in the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament. Ben Deighton scored in the 72nd minute to give the Yellow Jackets, ranked fourth in the region, the victory.

Chris Motley discarded a pair of defenders before scoring just before halftime for the Raiders to even the match at 1-1. Baldwin-Wallace struck first when the OAC's leading scorer, Carlin Vandendrirssche, scored on a pass from Noah Eubanks at the 32:08 mark.

Jon Critell made five saves in goal for the Purple Raiders. Ryan Hulings turned away eight shots for Baldwin-Wallace (14-2, 5-1). Mount Union will return to action on Saturday as they host Capital at noon. The team's nine senior players will be recognized prior to the game.

B-W Outduels MU Women

BEREA, OH - October 18, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team was outshot 16-3 and fell to Baldwin-Wallace, 2-0. A win over the Yellow Jackets would have allowed the Purple Raiders (7-7-2, 2-4) to control their own destiny in the hunt for a return to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament.

A shot off the post by Ashley Sams in the 62nd minute was the first shot of the night for Mount Union. They did not attempt a shot on goal until 1:34 remained in the match. Baldwin-Wallace struck early with a goal from Lindsey Cooper at the 3:03 mark of the first quarter. Noelle Fox added a goal in the 16th minute and that was all Baldwin-Wallace needed.

Jackie Podolsky made two saves in goal for the Purple Raiders. Garielle Brodo turned away the only shot on goal she faced for Baldwin-Wallace (9-7, 2-4). Mount Union will return to action on Saturday as they host Capital as part of a double-header with the men's team.

Cindric's Goal Powers MU Men's Soccer over Heidelberg

ALLIANCE, OH - October 15, 2011 - Kevin Cindric's goal in the 25th minute would prove to be all the scoring Mount Union men's soccer team would need as they defeated Heidelberg, 1-0 in Ohio Athletic Conference contest. Both teams seemed to be feeling each other out when Cindric drove the ball into the Heildelberg box and managed to sneak the ball past the keeper. Goalkeeper Jon Critell managed three saves as he recorded his fifth shutout of the year.

Mount Union held the advantage in shots (20-13) and shots on goal (10-3). For Heidelberg, goalkeeper Ryan Smith saved nine of ten shots on goal. The Purple Raiders pull themselves to 2-1-2 in the conference and 7-5-2 overall.

Mount Union returns to action Wednesday, October 19, when they travel to Berea to take on the Yellow Jackets of Baldwin Wallace.

Mount Union Women's Soccer: Purple Raiders Come of Age in OAC Win

ALLIANCE, OH - October 15, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team defended its home turf with an impressive 2-0 win over Heidelberg. The Purple Raiders (7-6-2, 2-3) received contributions from several freshmen and picked up three crucial points in the Ohio Athletic Conference standings.

Freshman Gina Wall gave Mount Union the lead with her third goal of the season in the 18th minute. Wall beat a defender and struck a hard shot off the keeper and into the net. With 7:24 remaining in the second half, the Raiders received an insurance goal from junior Kylee Kolesar.

Freshman Erika Druzina found Kolesar on a long pass down the field for a one-on-one opportunity, which the junior was able to cash in for the goal. Play took place on the Mount Union side of the field most of the game as the Raiders outshot Heidelberg, 17-7. Kelsey Hogan's shot in the 61st minute was the only shot on goal they allowed the entire match. The young Purple Raiders not only controlled the ball, they also controlled their emotions in a physical game. Heidelberg received two yellow cards, including one for running into Mount Union freshman goalkeeper Maria Favorite in the 69th minute. Favorite, who made one save in the game, was forced to leave and was replaced by fellow freshman Jackie Podolsky.

Mount Union will travel to Berea to take on Baldwin-Wallace in an OAC contest Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

Mount Union Women's Soccer Fall to Blue Streaks

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH - October 12, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team was unable to overcome a 1-0 halftime deficit, falling by that same score to John Carroll in an Ohio Athletic Conference women's soccer match Wednesday night. The Purple Raiders (6-6-2, 1-3) gave the Blue Streaks, who are just a game out of first place in the OAC, all they could handle on their home turf.

The Blue Streaks received a goal from Kaylin Akerly in the 24th minute to take a 1-0 lead. They were able to prevent the Raiders from getting the ball within striking distance most of the night, outshooting them 40-7. With under 30 seconds remaining, the Purple Raiders had one final scoring opportunity, but a shot by Kylee Kolesar was turned away by goalkeeper Lexi Korczynski.

Mount Union's Maria Favorite recorded 14 saves, which is the most in a single game by a Purple Raider keeper this season. Korczynski made two saves for John Carroll (9-5, 3-1). Mount Union continues the OAC portion of their schedule on Saturday when Heidelberg pays a visit. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by the men's match at 7 p.m.

MU Men's Soccer Takes Late Loss at John Carroll

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH - October 11, 2011 - John Carroll rallied from a 1-0 deficit in the final two minutes of regulation to score a 2-1 overtime victory over Mount Union in an Ohio Athletic Conference men's soccer match Tuesday night in University Heights.

Mount Union takes its first OAC loss of the season and falls to 6-5-2 overall and 1-1-2 in the OAC, while John Carroll stays unbeated in conference play at 4-0 and is 8-5 overall. The Purple Raiders got on the board in the 41st minute as Leo Hicks and Thomas Beck combined to feed Phil Spagnolo who scored and made the score 1-0 at the half. A physical second half continued and the game stayed 1-0 until Cory Rider scored in the 88th minute to tie the contest. Rider factored in the overtime as he was fouled in the box and converted the penalty kick in the 97th minute to put the game away.

Jon Critell did yeoman's work in goal as he had nine saves for Mount Union. Carl Contrascier had five saves for the Blue Streaks, who out-shot the Raiders 24-15. Mount Union returns home and hosts Heidelberg in an OAC matchup Saturday at 7 pm in Mount Union Stadium.

Key Conference Win for MU Women

MARIETTA, OH - October 8, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team a won their first Ohio Athletic Conference match of the season with a thrilling 3-2 double-overtime win over Marietta. In their victory, the Purple Raiders (6-5-2, 1-2-0 OAC) received a little bit of help from the host Pioneers.

With 5:43 remaining in the second overtime period, a corner kick by Ashley Sams was deflected into the net by a Marietta player to give Mount Union the win. Marietta took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Holly Simms in the fifth minute. Sams evened the score in the 13th minute when she received a pass in the box from Christin Handley and beat the keeper in the lower right corner of the goal.

Marietta regained the lead just two minutes later after a goal by Stevie Reilly. In the 33rd minute, Alyssa Flitcraft responded with a breakaway goal to pull the Purple Raiders even heading into halftime. After combining to score four times in the first 33 minutes of the match, neither team scored again for the next 72 minutes before the own goal.

Freshman Maria Favorite made five saves for Mount Union. Kelly Sommers made six saves for Marietta (1-10-1, 0-3-0). Mount Union returns to action Wednesday night when they travel to University Heights to take on John Carroll.

Mount Union Men's Soccer Battles Marietta to 3-3 Draw

MARIETTA, OH - October 8, 2011 - The Mount Union men's soccer team remained unbeaten in Ohio Athletic Conference play with a 3-3 draw at Marietta Saturday afternoon. The Purple Raiders (6-4-2, 1-0-2) have now tied their last two matches.

Thomas Beck (Poland/Cardinal Mooney) opened the scoring with a goal in the 29th minute. A Marietta goal late in the first half sent the teams into halftime tied at one. In the opening minutes of the second half, Kevin Cindric positioned a cross in the box that Anthony Grenga was able to direct into the net with his head for Mount Union to regain the lead. Marietta responded with two goals of their own, the second coming with 5:13 remaining in the second half, to take the lead.

With defeat seeming inevitable, Joey Trocchio scored his first collegiate goal on a ball that deflected off the keeper as he attempted to clear the ball. Both teams took five shots in the two overtime periods, but neither was able to manage a goal. Jon Critell recorded three saves for Mount Union. Chris Stollar made nine saves for Marietta (1-9-1, 0-2-1).

Mount Union returns to action Tuesday night when they travel to University Heights to take on John Carroll.

MU Women Fall Hard to Kenyon

GAMBIER, OH - October 5, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team rounded out its non-conference schedule with a 4-1 road loss to Kenyon Wednesday night.

Freshman Allison Fouss (Lowell/Marietta) scored the lone goal of the night for the Purple Raiders (5-5-2) in the 85th minute. Despite being outshot 12-1, Mount Union only allowed a goal by Courtney Hague in the 35th minute for a 1-0 deficit at halftime. However, Caddie Durrett scored a pair of goals in the opening five minutes of the second half and Becca Romaine added a goal in the 60th minute for a 4-0 lead.

Taryn Vespoint (Ravenna/Ravenna) made nine saves in 71 minutes of action for Mount Union. Jackie Podolsky (Canfield/Canfield) played 19 minutes in goal and had three saves. Lauren Wolfe saved four shots in 81 scoreless minutes in goal for Kenyon (9-2-0). Anna Walley made one save and allowed a goal in nine minutes of action.

Mount Union travels to Marietta on Saturday for an Ohio Athletic Conference matchup. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.

Beck's Late Goal Ties Game as Men's Soccer Ties Ohio Northern

ALLIANCE, OH - October 1, 2011 - The Mount Union men's soccer team battled visiting Ohio Northern to a 1-1 tie at Mount Union Stadium.

The Purple Raiders (6-4-1) were outshot 36-9, but were able to turn back the Polar Bear attack several times. Thomas Beck scored the game-tying goal in the 77th minute for the Purple Raiders. Beck, tied for the OAC lead in goals scored, was in the right place at the right time to tap the ball in after a shot by Jack Weber ricocheted off the goalkeeper.

Christian Huelsman gave Ohio Northern a 1-0 lead with his goal in the 63rd minute. With 6:31 remaining in regulation, Huelsman appeared to score the go-ahead goal, but he was called offside and the goal was disallowed. Jon Critell stopped 11 shots for the Purple Raiders. The line of defense in front of him aided him with six blocks in the final 25 minutes of the match. Mac Church saved four shots for Ohio Northern (8-2-2).

Mount Union returns to action when they travel to Marietta for an Ohio Athletic Conference match next Saturday.

Mount Women Fall to Ranked Rival

ALLIANCE, OH - October 1, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team was unable to recover after allowing four first half goals and lost 4-1 in an Ohio Athletic Conference match to #25 Ohio Northern Saturday afternoon.

The Polar Bears are ranked 25th in the lastest National Soccer Coaches Assocation of America poll.

Ashley Sams scored the only goal of the match for the Purple Raiders (5-4-2, 0-2 OAC) on a free kick in the 55th minute.

Ohio Northern's Sami Atkinson scored a pair of goals, both assisted by Alyssa Merrick, in the opening 17 minutes as the Polar Bears quickly took control of the game. Kristina Klusek and Sandra Thorarensen added goals for a 4-0 lead heading into halftime. The ball remained on the Ohio Northern side of midfield most of the match as the Polar Bears (7-1-2, 2-0 OAC) outshot the Purple Raiders, 18-2. Taryn Vespoint made three saves for Mount Union.

The Purple Raiders Return to action this Wednesday when they travel to Kenyon for their final non-conference contest of the season.

MU Women Struggle in Conference Opener

WILMINGTON, OH - September 24, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team dropped their Ohio Athletic Conference opener to Wilmington, 4-0.

Coming off an 8-0 win over Pitt-Greensburg on Wednesday, the Purple Raiders (5-3-1) were unable to score a goal for the fourth time this season. Despite equaling the Quakers with five shots on goal, the Purple Raiders trailed 3-0 at halftime. Camille Gentile scored a pair of goals for Wilmington. Sarah Watters and Lauren Price added goals for the Quakers.

Jackie Podolsky and Taryn Vespoint both saw time in goal for Mount Union. Podolsky made their only save of the game. Hannah Riffel made five saves for Wilmington (3-4-2, 1-0-0 OAC). Mount Union travels to Grove City (Pa.) on Thursday for a non-conference match.

Late Kowalewski Goals Helps MU Beat Wilmington

WILMINGTON, OH - September 24, 2011 - Kevin Kowalewski scored in the 89th minute to give the Mount Union men's soccer team a 1-0 victory over Wilmington.

The Purple Raiders (6-4) snapped to their two-game losing streak to begin Ohio Athletic Conference play 1-0. With the match in a scoreless tie, the Purple Raiders seemed to be headed to their first overtime game of the season. At the 88:41mark, Kevin Cindric sent a cross into the box to Kowalewski, who beat the goalie for his first goal of the season. Jon Critell made six saves for Mount Union to record his fourth shutout of the season. Wilmington goalkeeper Antonio Trujillo recorded four saves for the Quakers.

Mount Union returns to action next Saturday for a showdown with Ohio Northern, ranked 13th in the nation.

MU Women Dominant in Weekday Match

ALLIANCE, OH - September 21, 2011 - Alyssa Flitcraft had a hat trick and Gina Wall added two goals as the Mount Union women's soccer team defeated Pitt-Greensburg, 8-0. The Purple Raiders (5-2-1) are off to their best start since 2001 (5-3-0) and have already surpassed their goal total from each of the past seven seasons.

The Purple Raiders were the aggressors throughout the match, dominating possession of the ball to outshoot the Bobcats, 45-0. Wall put the Raiders on the scoreboard in the 9th minute when she beat the keeper off a pass from Allison Fouss. Flitcraft scored her first goal of the night in the 25th minute, shortly after entering the game. A goal by Jackie Lowdermilk and Flitcraft's second goal gave the Purple Raiders a 4-0 lead heading into halftime. Ashley Sams, Jessica Finkler, and Nicole Moldovan scored their first collegiate goals in the second half. In the 80th minute, Flitcraft received a pass in the box from Moldovan and buried the ball in the back of the net for her first collegiate hat trick. She also recorded an assist to finish the night with seven points. Moldovan added two assists to go with her goal.

Kylee Kolesar also recorded two assists for the Purple Raiders. Jackie Podolsky, Taryn Vespoint, and Maria Favorite all saw time in net for Mount Union and did not face a shot. Trish Douglass made 15 saves for Pitt-Greensburg. Mount Union opens Ohio Athletic Conference play Saturday when they travel to Wilmington.

MU Men Fall Again to PA Team

GROVE CITY, PA - September 20, 2011 - Shutout for the first time all season, the Mount Union men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision at Grove City (Pa.) in their final non-conference match of the season. The Purple Raiders (5-4-0) will enter conference play on a two-game skid. An uneventful first half ended with the Purple Raiders and Grove City (4-3-0) in a scoreless tie. Both teams were only able to get one shot on goal in the half.

As in their previous match, the Purple Raider defense lapsed shortly after halftime. In the 47th minute, Grove City's Richie Kocur entered a cross into the box and teammate Mike Shupp was able to head it into the net to put the Wolverines ahead. Jon Critell had three saves in goal for Mount Union. Grove City's Caleb Koch stopped the only shot on goal by Mount Union.

The Purple Raiders open Ohio Athletic Conference play on Saturday when they head to Wilmington.

MU Men Fall to Point Park

ALLIANCE, OH - September 18, 2011 - The Mount Union men's soccer team fell to Point Park (Pa.) by a score of 2-1. This was the second match for the Purple Raiders (5-3-0) in as many days.

After a scoreless first half, three goals were scored in the opening nine minutes of the second half. Point Park's Matt Annecchiarico opened the scoring with a goal off a pass from Jack Pilkinton in the 48th minute. Thomas Beck scored the lone goal for Mount Union in the 53rd minute when he gathered a deflection off the keeper and buried it into the net. Beck has now scored a goal in four straight games. In the 54th minute, Alex Sala scored to give Point Park a 2-1 lead. Beck had an opportunity to tie the match in the 88th minute, but goalkeeper Mitchell Kelman made a great save to preserve the victory. Kelman made four saves for the Pioneers. Jon Critell saved two shots on goal for Mount Union.

The Purple Raiders will play their fourth straight match against a school from Pennsylvania when they travel to Grove City (Pa.) on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Beck Scores Another

ALLIANCE, OH - September 17, 2011 - Thomas Beck scored his seventh goal of the season as the Mount Union men's soccer team picked up a 2-1 victory over Washington & Jefferson. The Purple Raiders (5-2) have won both of their home matches this season.

Photo Credit: Gary L. Moody Sr. Mount Union actually knocked fewer balls in goal than the visiting Presidents (2-3) despite winning on the scoreboard. The Purple Raiders got on the board first in the 29th minute when a cross by midfielder Chris Motley deflected off a Washington & Jefferson defender for a goal. The keeper stopped the ball mid-air just before crossing the goal line, but his momentum carried him across the line for the goal. Beck added a goal in the opening minutes of the second half off a giveaway by the defense to give the Purple Raiders a 2-0 lead. Goalkeeper Jon Critell made six saves in goal for Mount Union. Pete Tomlinson also made six saves for Washington & Jefferson. Ryan Suess scored their lone goal.

Mount Union returns to action tomorrow when they host Point Park (Pa.) at 1 p.m.

MU Dominates Allegheny

ALLIANCE, OH - September 14, 2011 - The Mount Union men's soccer team defeated previously unbeaten and 24th-ranked Allegheny (Pa.), 3-0. Thomas Beck scored a pair of goals for the Purple Raiders (3-2) in the first half to help lead them to victory.

In the 9th minute, Beck took a pass from Chris Felker down the sideline, cut back to the middle, and buried the ball in the top of the net to give the Purple Raiders a 1-0 lead. Beck netted his second goal of the game shortly before halftime when he stole the ball from an Allegheny defender in the box and was able get his shot past the goalkeeper.

Chris Motley added the final score for Mount Union. After a shot by Beck, he was able to knock the ball free from the goalkeeper and into the net to seal the victory.

Jon Critell recorded the shutout for the Purple Raiders. He made six saves as Mount Union outshot Allegheny, 23-14.

The Gators had their best opportunity to score in in the 76th minute when Critell made a diving save of an Andrew Zimmer shot to the upper corner of the goal.

Allegheny (5-1) suffered their first loss of the season as goalkeeper John Lichina allowed three goals and made seven saves.

The Purple Raiders return to action Saturday, when they host the team that eliminated them from the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament last season, John Carroll at 1 pm. This will be both the first OAC game of the season for both teams.

Mount Women Back to Winning Ways

ALLIANCE, OH - September 13, 2011 - Mount Union's women's soccer team snapped a two-game losing streak and posted its fifth shutout of the season as the Purple Raiders blanked Oberlin, 1-0 Tuesday night at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance.

Ashley Kuhn posted the game's lone goal in the 58th minute as she streaked down the right side drove into the box and put it past the keeper from five yards out.

Jackie Podolsky had five saves to post her fourth shutout of the season in goal for the Raiders.

Mount Union moves to 4-2-1 with the win while Oberlin falls to 3-3-1 with the loss. The Raiders are now off for eight days before hosting Pitt-Greensburg on Wed., Sept. 21 at 7 pm at Mount Union Stadium.

Mount's Men Soccer Falls to Kenyon

SPRINGFIELD, OH - September 11, 2011 - Thomas Beck scored his fourth goal of the season, but it was not enough as the Mount Union men's soccer team dropped their second match in a row, 2-1 to Kenyon.

The match was delayed for nearly an hour in the first half due to lightning.

The Purple Raiders (3-2) trailed 1-0 when Beck netted his goal on a shot from the far side in the 34th minute.
With the score still tied the teams took cover after a streak of lightning with 4:13 remaining in the first half. The match was delayed for almost an hour before play resumed.

The match remained tied until Logan Konkol scored from 20 yards out in the 69th minute to give Kenyon (1-2-1) the lead.
A physical match from the onset, a total of six cards were given with five of them coming in the final 20 minutes of the match.

Jon Critell made two saves for Mount Union. Kenyon goalkeeper James Smith also made two saves for the Lords.
The Purple Raiders will play their next game against Wednesday against Allegheny (Pa.) at Mount Union Stadium. This will be their first home match of the season.

Rochester Too Much for MU Women

FREDONIA, NY - September 10, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team fell to Rochester (N.Y.), 2-0, Saturday afternoon.

The Purple Raiders (3-2-1) struggled to create scoring opportunities and only managed four shots in the match.
After scoring 14 goals in their first three games, the Purple Raiders have failed to score in their last three. The team has had a hectic beginning to the season, playing six times in the past 10 days.

Jackie Podolsky started the game in net for Mount Union and made five saves while allowing two goals. Taryn Vespoint played the second half and made seven saves without allowing a goal.

Elizabeth Martens and Ellen Coleman scored the goals for Rochester. Bridget Lane made two saves in goal for the Yellow Jackets.

Mount Union returns to action Tuesday when they host Oberlin. Kickoff is set for 3 pm at Mount Union Stadium.

Wittenberg Slip Past MU Men

SPRINGFIELD, OH - September 10, 2011 - Freshman Chris Motley scored his second goal of the season, but it was not enough as the Mount Union men's soccer team lost their first match at the Wittenberg Invitational. The Purple Raiders (3-1) fell to host Wittenberg, 2-1, for their first defeat of the season.

After falling behind, 2-0, Motley got the Purple Raiders on the scoreboard in the 38th minute. Phil Spagnolo sent a cross into the box that Motely was able to head into the back into the net. Unfortunately, that was the lone goal of the match for Mount Union.

Mount Union outshot Wittenberg (2-1), 11-7. Goalkeeper Jon Critell made three saves for the Purple Raiders.

Daniel Broidy and Stefan Latham scored goals for Wittenberg. Goalkeeper Michael Lambeck made six saves.

The Purple Raiders will play Kenyon tomorrow in their second match as part of the Wittenberg Invitational.

Good Start for MU Men's Soccer

NEW WILMINGTON, PA - September 7, 2011 - Freshman Chris Motley and sophomore Thomas Beck propelled the Mount Union men's soccer team to a 3-0 win on the road at Westminter (Pa.). The 3-0 start is the Purple Raiders' best since head coach John Witkowski took over the program in 2007.

After a scoreless first half, Motley scored in the 48th minute. Senior Kevin Cindric provided the assist on the play, his third of the season. The score remained 1-0 until the 68th minute when Beck was able to bury a shot in the back of the net. Motley and junior Leo Hicks contributed the assists on the goal. Beck added a goal for insurance in the 88th minute. Junior goalkeeper Jon Critell made four saves for his second shutout of the season and tenth of his career.

Adam Kephart made five saves for the Titans (1-1). The Purple Raiders complete their stretch of five games on the road to open the season when they participate in the Wittenberg Invitational this weekend. They will face host Wittenberg on Saturday and Kenyon on Sunday.

Scoreless Minutes Streak Broken in MU Women's Soccer Loss to Penn State-Behrend

FREDONIA, NY - September 9, 2011 - Mount Union's women's soccer team allowed their first goal of the season in a 2-0 loss to Penn State-Behrend at the Clarion Classic. The Purple Raiders (3-1-1) are off to their best start since 2002 and had not allowed a goal in 380 minutes played prior to today.

The streak held for the first 45 minutes and it was scoreless at halftime. In the 52nd minute, Penn State-Behrend's Glennis Robash controlled a corner kick near the net and found teammate Lindsey Steinsdorfer for the goal. The Lions (2-2-0) scored again on an own goal off a corner kick in the 65th minute.

Goalkeeper Jackie Podolsky had seven saves for Mount Union. Podolsky and Taryn Vespoint combined to play 431:37 without allowing a goal to begin the season, the longest streak for Mount Union since 1996. It is the longest streak to begin a season in program history.

Heather Klimuszka had four saves for Penn State-Behrend (2-2-0).

Mount Union returns to action tomorrow when they face Rochester (N.Y.). Kickoff is set for 3 pm.

MU Women's Soccer Remains Unbeaten in Scoreless Tie at Westminster

NEW WILMINGTON, PA - September 7, 2011 - The Mount Union women's soccer team played Westminster (Pa.) to a scoreless 0-0 tie in double overtime Wednesday night. The Purple Raiders (3-0-1) are unbeaten through four games for the first time since 2002 and have yet to allow a goal this season.

The Purple Raiders were outshot for the first time this season, 11-7.

Senior Taryn Vespoint made nine saves in the shutout. Jenn Cantella had seven saves in net for Westminster.

Mount Union returns to action this weekend when they participate in the Clarion Classic in Fredonia, N.Y. The Purple Raiders will play Penn State-Behrend (Pa.) on Friday and face Rochester (N.Y.) on Saturday.

Soccer at a Football School

The University of Mount Union is best known for its American football team that has dominated the Division III landscape for many years. A closer look reveals a "sleeping giant" on the Mount campus, the men's soccer team. A trip to the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) playoffs last fall certainly raised expectations for the 2011 season as the Purple Raiders are viewed as one of the top contenders for the conference crown.

Photo Credit: Gary L. Moody Jr. Mount Union has a unique blend of youth and experience that has yielded a tremendously talented squad. Five of the newcomers are expected to compete for starting spots on an already stacked team.

It all starts at the goalkeeper position as junior Jon Critell returns to find himself among the top keepers in all of Division III. Critell, who finished 2010 with 92 saves and a 1.25 GAA, will anchor the defense along with a veteran backline that includes 1 junior and 3 seniors.

"I think a lot of coaches would love to have a goalkeeper like Jonathan Critell," Head Coach John Witkowski stated. "He is so smart and athletic and I feel very comfortable with him in the back."

Captain Anthony Grenga will be looked to provide leadership from his center back position, while junior Leo Hicks will be the key player in the middle after starting 19 games last season and registering 2 goals and 8 assists.

Senior Kevin Cindric and sophmore Thomas Beck will provide a potent 1-2 scoring punch upfront. Beck was a freshman sensation last fall, tallying 7 goals and 2 assists. Cindric is sure to improve on his 4 assists from 2010.

Blue-chip recruit Christopher Motley looks to be a player that could have a big impact early. The Saint Vincent/St. Mary's grad is versatile and could find himself in the mix as an outside mid or a striker. Motley even cracked the starting lineup for a scrimmage against Carnegie Mellon.

"He has a nose for the goal and he is also a tough defender," Witkowski declared. "I expect him to win a lot of 50/50 balls and get good pressure on the ball."

Mount Union will open conference play against Wilmington on September 24th after 8 non-conference matches that begin with the Lycoming Kick Off Classic on September 3.