Historic Season for Men's Soccer Team

by Erica Baumgardner

It was a historic season for the Prairie Fire men's soccer team, who won the regular season Midwest Conference title, had a 13-game winning streak (the first in Knox men's soccer history), and advanced to the championship game of the Midwest Conference tournament, which ended with a 1-0 loss to Carroll University.

The team also took all four major awards handed out by the Midwest Conference. Junior Nathaniel Logie (Trinidad and Tobago) was named Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Junior Charles Edemba (Nigeria) took home Defensive Player of the Year honors. Junior Abulsalam Oganla (Nigeria) was named second team midfielder and Senior Sean Dockrell (Ireland) was named second team goalie. Dockrell led the Midwest Conference with 10 shutouts in goal, which ties the league's all-time single season mark and established a new school record. His 19 career shutouts rank #1 all-time by a Knox keeper and fourth in Midwest Conference history.

Coach Matt Edwards earned Coach of the Year honors. Edwards, who took his position in 2012, arrived as the Prairie Fire had just finished their 2011 season 1-16. Under Edwards' leadership, the team made their first appearance in school history at the Midwest Conference Tournament in 2013. This season, Edwards oversaw a school record of 15 victories.

Edwards attributes the team's success to their blend of skills. "I'm fortunate to have one of the most diverse teams in the country," said Edwards, noting that team members hail from 12 countries.

Coming into the season ranked fourth in the conference, he notes, "This team has surpassed everyone's expectations."

The many successes of the 2014 season may have been a surprise to many, but with only two seniors graduating, expectations are already high for another championship season in 2015.