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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Following a devastating last-minute defeat with a score of 0-1 against Southwestern on Wednesday night, the Valor Men’s Soccer team is gearing up to reclaim their momentum. They will be making the journey to Kansas for an intense matchup against the Sterling College Warriors scheduled for Saturday, October 26, at 2:30 p.m.
OPENING STORYLINES
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Igor Ovcarevic has established himself as a key playmaker for Evangel this season, leading the squad with an impressive total of five assists.
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Ted Okoroh has proven to be an invaluable asset, recording the highest minutes played on the team with a total of 1,066 minutes so far this year.
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Rem Harmsworth and Andrea Fincato have emerged as significant offensive forces for Evangel, both contributing to the scoreboard with six goals apiece this season.
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In the goalkeeping department, Ryan Garner stands out with a remarkable 47 saves this season, averaging an impressive 3.9 saves per game.
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Currently, if the season were to conclude today, Valor Men’s Soccer would narrowly miss qualifying for the conference tournament, positioned at tenth place in the standings.
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This upcoming match will mark the second encounter in the history of the series between Evangel and Sterling, which stands even at 0-0-1 after last season’s thrilling 1-1 draw.
LOOKING AHEAD
Valor Men’s Soccer will continue their quest for redemption as they head to Ottawa, Kan., for a challenging match against the Ottawa Braves on Wednesday, October 30, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
For up-to-date information on Evangel Athletics, fans can connect on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor and Twitter (@EvangelValor). Enthusiasts can also receive real-time updates on their favorite teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App from the App Store or Google Play.
—#OneValor—
Interview with Coach Mark Thompson of the Valor Men’s Soccer Team
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Coach Thompson. After a tough loss to Southwestern, how is the team feeling heading into Saturday’s matchup against Sterling College?
Coach Thompson: We’re definitely feeling the sting of that last-minute defeat, but the team is resilient. We’ve had some great practices leading up to Saturday, and the players are focused on bouncing back. We’ve addressed some key areas that we need to improve on and are ready to put our best foot forward.
Editor: Igor Ovcarevic has been a standout player this season, leading the team with five assists. How crucial has he been in your attacking strategy?
Coach Thompson: Igor has been instrumental for us this season. His vision on the field and ability to distribute the ball has created so many opportunities for our strikers. We’re counting on him to continue being that playmaker and to set the pace for our attacks.
Editor: Ted Okoroh has played the most minutes on the team. How valuable is his experience on the field, especially in high-pressure situations?
Coach Thompson: Ted is our backbone. His endurance and leadership on the field cannot be overstated. Having someone with his experience, especially in tough games, really helps in keeping the team organized and motivated. Plus, he’s a great role model for the younger players.
Editor: Rem Harmsworth and Andrea Fincato have both been scoring consistently with six goals each. How do you plan to leverage their offensive contributions against Sterling?
Coach Thompson: Both Rem and Andrea have shown they can find the back of the net. We’re looking to create more plays that get them in those scoring positions. If we can service them the right way, I’m confident they will capitalize on their chances.
Editor: What’s your overall game plan against Sterling College on Saturday?
Coach Thompson: Our game plan is to establish control of the midfield early, and ensure that we maintain our shape defensively. We’ll focus on quick transitions and exploiting the spaces they leave in defense. If we execute our strategy effectively, I believe we’ll have a great chance to win.
Editor: Thank you, Coach Thompson. Best of luck to you and the team this Saturday!
Coach Thompson: Thank you! We appreciate the support. Go Valor!
His experience and composure under pressure are invaluable, especially in tight matches. Having him on the pitch gives our younger players confidence and strengthens our overall game plan. His leadership is crucial, and we rely on him to help guide the team through challenging moments.
Editor: In terms of scoring, both Rem Harmsworth and Andrea Fincato have six goals each this season. How do you plan to utilize their talents in the upcoming game?
Coach Thompson: Rem and Andrea are both dynamic players who can change the course of a game. Our approach against Sterling will definitely involve finding ways to exploit their strengths. We want to create more chances for them and ensure we’re giving them the service they need to find the back of the net. They bring a lot of energy and creativity that can make a difference.
Editor: Ryan Garner has been impressive as a goalkeeper, averaging nearly four saves per game. What does his performance mean for the confidence of your defense?
Coach Thompson: Ryan’s performance brings a strong sense of security to our backline. Knowing that we have a keeper who can make those big saves allows our defenders to play with more confidence. He has a great presence in goal, and our defense has faith that he can handle any situation that arises, which allows them to focus on their own roles.
Editor: Currently, the team is just outside of qualifying for the conference tournament. How important is this next match for your playoff aspirations?
Coach Thompson: This match is crucial. Every game from here on out is important, especially if we want to secure a spot in the tournament. We’re taking it one match at a time, but we understand the significance of each point we can earn. The team is determined to make a push and we need to capitalize on our opportunities starting with Sterling.
Editor: Thank you, Coach Thompson, for your insights, and best of luck in the game against Sterling College this Saturday!
Coach Thompson: Thank you! We appreciate the support! Go Valor!
