Rochester College Athletics - News

[Men's Soccer] Soccer Adds Worden to Roster

Jordan Ackerman — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. -- On Monday, May 20, Rochester College Head Soccer Coach Kevin Garner announced the signing of Spencer Worden.

Worden joins the Warriors after prepping at Lapeer East High School. As an Eagle, Worden earned four varsity letters and led his team to a District and Regional Championship. In his junior season, Worden was selected as a 1st Team All-Flint Metro, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Region, and All-State honoree.

Coach Garner on Worden:

"We are really excited to have Spencer join the team. He is a very industrious player that is a bit of an unsung hero at times, as his work rate allows others around him to enjoy a bit of freedom. This, coupled with his speed and tenacity, makes him very hard to play against. Every squad needs a player that will run through a brick wall for the team and that is Spencer."

[Men's Soccer] Soccer Signs Dream Team Selection

Jordan Ackerman — Mon, 06 May 2013 09:10:00 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. -- Rochester College Head Soccer Coach Kevin Garner has not wasted any time recruiting top notch soccer players. The newest addition to the Warrior soccer team is as decorated a player as they come. On Friday, May 3, Coach Garner announced the signing of Troy, Mich. native, Nathan Hicklin.

Hicklin, a junior college transfer from Schoolcraft Community College, inks with Garner's Warriors after a very successful college and high school career. As a prep at Troy High School, Hicklin led his Colts to two conference titles and three district titles. As a sophomore, Hicklin earned All-OAA Red honors as well as 2nd Team All-State honors. In his junior season, Hicklin notched a spot on the 1st Team All-State team and again earned First Team All-OAA Red honors. As a senior, Hicklin had a stellar year to close out his high school career as All-State Dream Team selection, First Team All-OAA Red selection, team Most Valuable Player, and most goals scored for the Troy High School Colts.

Hicklin did not miss a beat in his first two years of college as a 2012 Second Team All-American and 2012 First Team All-Conference pick at Schoolcraft Community College.

Hicklin was also a member of the 2008 Derby County Wolves U16 team that won the US Academy National Championship.

Coach Garner on Hicklin:

"We are over the moon that Nathan chose Rochester over our competitors. He will do extremely well for us. Nathan is a player that has experience at the top level of youth soccer in the United States and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the program. Nathan's vision and passing range is second to none. He can pick out a player 50 yards away and put the ball right on their foot. If you couple this with some of the dynamic attacking players we have currently, and the players we have signed, it should make us very dangerous going forward."

[Men's Soccer] Drew Niewoit Signs With Men's Soccer

Jordan Ackerman — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:10:00 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. -- On April 14th, Rochester College Head Soccer Coach Kevin Garner announced the signing of Drew Niewoit.

Niewoit graduates this May from Henry Ford II where he led the Falcons throughout his entire high school career. In his senior season, under the direction of Falcon's head coach Teri Stenwascher, Niewoit led the squad to District and Regional Championships.

In his junior season, Niewoit was voted as the Falcon's Most Valuable Player. Niewoit not only earned Most Valuable Player honors in his senior season, but he also was picked to the First Team All-Macomb Area Conference Red team, First Team All-Region Team, and Second Team All-State.

Coach Garner on Niewoit:

"We are very excited to sign Drew here at Rochester College. He is a very exciting player to watch, as his ability to beat people 1v1 is as good as it gets. He will certainly excite the fans, that is for sure."

[Men's Soccer] Coach Garner Set to Lead Men's Soccer Team

Jordan Ackerman — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:10:00 -0600

On Monday, Mar. 25, Rochester College Athletic Director Klint Pleasant announced Kevin Garner as the new Men's Head Soccer Coach of Rochester College. Garner will be filling the vacancy after the resignation of former coach Keith Keitz.

Garner takes over the Warrior's Soccer program with a very impressive resume of experience both as a player and coach. As a former Warrior himself, Garner was a three-time All-American and conference goal scorer. As a junior and senior at Rochester College, Garner was the team captain.

"I am thrilled to have Kevin leading our men's soccer program," said RC Athletic Director Klint Pleasant. ""He really stood out because, most importantly, he attended RC and understands our mission. Kevin graduated cum laude and enjoyed a successful soccer career while attending RC. He also has a unique testimony about the influence RC had on his life."

Garner hails from Stoke-on-Trent, England. After a series of coincidences, Garner attended Rochester College where he earned a BBA in Business Administration and Sports Management. "After graduating from Rochester in 2004, I was fortunate enough to be hired by Force Football Club, a travel club based in Bloomfield. After years of learning the ropes, obtaining coaching licenses, and working with some great high level youth teams, I kept my eye on my alma mater Rochester College. When the coaching position became available, it was a no brainer to apply, as I believe Rochester is a great place to go to school with a program that is on the brink of making an impression," said Garner.

Upon graduation, Garner also coached in the Michigan Olympic Development program for six years before coaching the Region 2 Olympic Development Program in Dekalb, IL.

In 2011, Garner moved back to Michigan to coach the Michigan Football Club competing in the USYSA National League as well as the USYASA Midwest Regional League.

"Kevin has a great soccer pedigree in that he is connected to a lot of local talent due to his affiliation with local clubs, including his current employment with the Force Football Club. I look forward to watching him lead our program," said Pleasant.

Throughout coaching across the country and locally, Garner has coached 10 years for the Force Football Club where he is the U13-U18 Director of Coaching.

During his 13 years of coaching, Garner has produced 15 NCAA Division I athletes, won the 2012 Michigan State Championship (ranked #7 in the United States), and coached his team to a runner-up finish in both the USYSA Midwest and National League.

Garner enters his new coaching position eager to get the ball rolling. "My short term goal for this team is to solidify a quality roster of soccer athletes to represent Rochester College for the 2013/2014 Season," said Garner. "I am also very keen on aligning the training environment with the day to day practices of a professional club as quickly as possible. What I mean by this is providing each athlete with accurate feedback on his performances through video analysis, extensive fitness testing, diet, written evaluation, etc. I want the players that come to Rochester to feel as though they are being taken care of both on and off the field. We as a staff are committed to providing a great experience for the players."

In the future, Garner says he is looking to build a soccer program that is well respected and well known for performance on the field, integrity, and ability to draw in quality athletes as a smaller school. "I truly believe we are at a turning point with men's soccer at this college, we certainly have some quality at the moment, but that is not enough to win you National Championships," said Garner.

The Warriors are coming off of an 8-7-2 2012 campaign. They defeated NAIA foes in Siena Heights University and Concordia University in route to a draw against NCAA DII National Champion runner-up Saginaw Valley State University.

"We need to build on what we have already, improve the overall feel of the program and experience that goes along with it, as well as strive to be the best every time we step on the field. If we get this balance right, good things will follow," said Garner.

Garner will take the sidelines with assistant coaches Chris Hall and Goran Kljaic and looks to support his team as they improve as a whole. "In terms of recruitment for the school, I will go after the best and roll out the red carpet for them. I realize players have lots of choices when it comes to which school to attend, but I will make sure that any athlete that plays for my program will get taken care of," said Garner.

The Warriors will hit the ground running this August and will suit up against anyone. "As far as the schedule goes, we want to play high level competitive games and won't duck out of a challenge. To be the best you have to beat the best, end of story," Garner finished.

[Men's Soccer] Keitz Announces Soccer Prospect Camp

Jordan Ackerman — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:10:00 -0600

Rochester College Men's Soccer will be hosting a prospect recruit camp Friday November 23^rd 2012 at the Pontiac Silverdome Bubble from 11:30am-2:00pm.

To enroll, players need to complete a player profile by going to www.rochestercollegewarriors.com, click on "Athletics", go to Men's Soccer, click on "recruit tab". Complete the player profile. Players will receive a confirmation e-mail upon completion of this step. If you have already completed a Player Profile respond by emailing Coach Keitz (kkeitz@rc.edu) indicating you will be attending. You will then be sent confirmation.

NO Cost

Space is limited.

The camp is designed for 2013 graduating High School Seniors, Transfer Students and Junior College Graduates. ANY RECRUIT UNDER THE AGE OF 18 IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN PRESENT AT REGISTRATION.

When: Friday November 23, 2012

Where: Pontiac Silverdome Bubble 1200 Featherstone rd Pontiac MI

Time: 11:30pm – 2:00pm

[Men's Soccer] Warriors Draw Keep Tournament Hopes Alive

Jordan Ackerman — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:00:00 -0600

PONTIAC, Mich. - The Rochester College Men's Soccer team is wrapping up their season with a lot to play for. Heading into the final week of competition with a 7-7-1 record, the Warriors are on the cusp of breaking into both the USCAA and Aii Tournaments. With wins over their final two opponents, Purdue University Calumet and Grace College, the Warriors could better their chances of getting a bid. The Warriors have stepped up their play against tough opponents and have held their own.

Last week the Warriors matched up against a nationally ranked Saginaw Valley State University team. Ranked 21st in the nation (NCAA II), the Warriors needed to play their best game of soccer, and they did just that to force a 1-1 draw at the end of competition. "I thought we played well enough to win with many quality scoring chances and solid defending, but I will accept the one-to-one draw," said Head Coach Keith Keitz. "I am proud of the team for sticking to the game plan and working hard in practice to ready themselves for this match. It was a big test for the team and program, which I thought we answered quite well."

Just after playing their best game of the year, the Warriors hosted Andrews College (20). The Warriors struggled in the first half, down 2-1. After the half, Coach Keitz recharged his team and 45-minutes and 4 goals later, the Warriors earned their 7th win of the season. "Sunday we fell behind USCAA #20 Andrews University 2-1 in the first half. We talked about this being a let down game after the great effort against Saginaw Valley prior to the match. We came out slow and and effortless and deserved to be down at Halftime. We made some adjustments at Halftime and took control of the game spending much of the time in the Andrew's half of the field," said Keitz.

Freshman Tyler Stephens tied the game at the 65th minute on a great individual effort. From there, freshman Justin Kane put the game away with two goals in the 84th minute, 20 seconds apart. Senior Robert Ekrem finished the scoring with an upper 90 blast in the 88th minute.

"I was happy at the way the team rebounded in the second half after the poor start. I look for the team to work hard this week in training to be ready for Purdue University at Calumet on Saturday," Keitz finished.

The Warriors play host to the University of Purdue Calumet on Saturday at 2pm.

[Men's Soccer] Warriors Net 12 in Win over Kuyper

Jordan Ackerman — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:50:00 -0600

PONTIAC, Mich. – The Rochester College Men's Soccer team (6-7) did not waste any time on Wednesday afternoon scoring their first goal of the match less then two minutes into the game when senior Pete Nelson (Waterford,MI/Homeschool) hooked up with sophomore Ethan West (Royal Oak, MI/Royal Oak) to beat the goalie on the far right side of the net to take the 1-0 advantage. The Warriors dominated the contest beating Kuyper College 11-0.

Scoring summery:

Sophomore Joey Franchini (Rochester Hills, MI/Rochester HS) jammed home another goal in the first 15 minutes off the cross from freshman Anthony Goucher (Shelby Twp., MI/Utica)

The third Warrior goal was scored by freshman Tyler Stephens (Roseville, MI/Bishop Foley) who beat the goalie in the bottom left corner of the net.

Senior Chad Helberg (Hazel Park, MI/Hazel Park) made the score 4-0, which was assisted by freshman Justin Kane (Rochester Hills, MI/Rochester Hills).

Kane tacked on another goal less than a minute later off a few unselfish passes by the Warriors to push the score to 5-0.

Helberg added another goal right before half off a cross from Senior Sergio Lopez (Begota, Columbia/Delta). Rochester took a dominating 6-0 lead into halftime.

The Warriors carried the momentum into the second half. Less than five minutes in, Kane touched the ball by the Kuyper goalie off a pass from Senior Robert Ekrem (Naddeoud, Norway) to stretch the lead to 7-0.

Goucher got in on the scoring when knocked in a rebound to add to the rout. Helberg added his third goal of the day two minutes later off another pass from Ekrem.

Ten minutes later, Helberg added his fourth goal, which stretched the lead to 10-0. Less than a minute later, Helberg continued his milestone day by chipping the goalie from 20 yards out for his fifth goal of the game.

The Warriors play host to Saginaw Valley State University this Friday at 4pm.

[Men's Soccer] Helberg Nets Two Goals in Warrior's Win

Jordan Ackerman — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 08:25:00 -0600

PONTIAC, Mich.- On Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Rochester College Men's Soccer team defeated NCAA III Defiance College 3-1.

The Warriors boosted their record to 4-7 with the victory while the Yellow Jackets dropped to 0-10.

With both teams putting up offensive strikes early, the Warriors put the first goal across at the 5:08 mark when senior Chad Helberg (Hazel Park, MI/Hazel Park) beat the Yellow Jacket goalie in the bottom left corner off of a sophomore Daniel Seargeant (Wallasey, England/Mossland) pass.

The Yellow Jackets hit the equalizer at the 18:41 mark when Kevin Arriola beat Warrior goalie freshman Ryan St. John (Davisburg, MI/Holly).

After the half, the Warriors came out recharged and outworked the wore-down Yellow Jackets to the tone of two goals.

At the 74th minute mark, Helberg struck again from 18 yards out. The strike hit the post and went in to put the Warriors ahead 2-1. At the 86th minute the Warriors added an insurance goal when freshman Justin Kane took a pass from Seargeant for the easy touch in to put the game away with a 3-1 final.

St. John held up his end of the field with 10 saves in the match. The Warriors tallied 10 shots on goal and 21 shots total to the Yellow Jacket 11 shots on goal and 17 shots total.

The Warriors play host to Great Lakes Christian College on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Game time is set for 3:00 pm.

[Men's Soccer] Seargeant's Late Goal Lifts RC Over Siena Heights

Jordan Ackerman — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:00:00 -0600

PONTIAC, Mich.- The Rochester College Men's Soccer team displayed some late magic in their 3-2 win over NAIA opponent Siena Heights (2-3-1) yesterday at Ultimate Soccer Arena. With the win, the Warriors notch their record to 3-6.

The Warriors started out hot at the 26:40 mark when freshman Tyler Stevens (Roseville, MI/Bishop Foley) made a swift move to beat the SHU defender and rocketed a shot past the goalie top right.

After maintaining possession for much of the first half, the Warriors added another goal just before half when freshman Justin Kane (Rochester Hills, MI/Adams) connected on a deflected shot.

The Warriors entered the half with their largest lead of the season 2-0.

In the second half of action, the Saints roared back with a goal at the 64:36 mark. The goal came off of a Saint's corner kick that bounced off the goalie only to be put into the back of the net.

Nerely four minutes later, the Saints struck again with some sneaky passing to beat the Warrior defense putting the score at 2-2.

Both teams battled on for the remainder of the second half exchanging shot after shot. With less than two-minutes remaining in the game, Warriors Head Coach Keith Keitz made a coaching decision that would decide the game. Keitz moved mid-fielder Daniel Seargeant up to forward. With 50 ticks remaining on the clock, Seargeant blasted a shot to the lower left corner from 18 yards out to beat the SHU goalie and seal the Warrior's second home win in as many chances.

"We played the best half of soccer this year in the first half and the scoreboard relfected that with a 2-0 lead," said Coach Keitz.

"Midfield play by Chad Helberg and Anthony Goucher was the key to the success. We knew in the second half Siena Heights was going to come at us. We gave up 2 goals 3 minutes apart both on corner kick restarts. We need to be better at managing the game with the lead. Overall, I was very pleased at the way the entire team played, and the composure we showed after allowing SHU to draw even."

The Warriors travel to John Carroll University this weekend to take on the 2-5 Blue Streaks. Game time is set for 7pm.

[Men's Soccer] Kane Nets Winner in Home Opener

Jordan Ackerman — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 11:10:00 -0600

PONTIAC, Mich.- The Rochester College Men's Soccer team came up big in their 1-0 double overtime victory against Lawrance Tech University yesterday (Sept. 8) at Ultimate Soccer.

With the victory, the Warriors move to 2-4 on the season, both victories in overtime. LTU falls to 1-3.

The match entertained the large home crowd with both goal keepers making very acrobatic saves. Warrior's freshman keeper Ryan St. John (Davisburg, MI/Holly H.S.) kept the Warriors in the match all day long with 17 saves. With under two-minutes left in regulation, St. John stopped a break-away strike from 15 yards out by diving laterally to his left. On the rebound, St. John deflected another Blue Devil would be winner.

The Warriors stepped up their defense in the first five-minute, golden goal overtime period and held on to give the home crowd a chance to see the first home victory in 2012. At the 108:00 mark in the second overtime, hometown freshman forward Justin Kane (Rochester Hills, MI/Adams) burned two Blue Devil defenders and netted the game winning goal by beating the goalie in the bottom right corner of the net.

During the contest, the Warriors had nine shots on goal to the Blue Devil 19.

"I was happy at the work ethic of most of the team. Ryan St. John played simply outstanding making some spectacular saves, allowing us a chance for the win. Defenders Daniel Seargeant and Devin Papuga played well also. It was great to see Justin Kane get his first career goal in dramatic fashion," said RC Head Coach Keith Keitz.

In week one of the USCAA Coaches Poll, the Warriors notch a spot in the top 20, ranked 16.

On Tuesday, Sept. 18, the Warriors head to Detroit to take on USCAA/NAIA rival, Marygrove College.

[Men's Soccer] Men's Soccer Inks Davenport

Jordan Ackerman — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:05:00 -0600

ROCHESTER, Mich.- On Tuesday, May 22, Rochester College Head Soccer Coach Keith Keitz announced the signing of Stoney Creek High School graduate Ethan Davenport.

Davenport hails from Down Patrick, Ireland where he attended Banbridge Academy before heading over seas to Rochester where he attended Stoney Creek High School. Davenport led his Northern Ireland team to the semi-finals of the their National Tournament.

Coach Keitz on Davenport:

"I am very please we are able to have Ethan join the RC Men's Soccer Program. A graduate of Stony Creek High School, I look for Ethan to compete for a starting spot on the team. Ethan is very versitile player with great understanding of the game. He is able to play in the back and midfield with confidence and skill. I am looking forward to watching Ethan play this fall."

[Men's Soccer] Soccer Adds Goucher and Kane to 2012 Roster

Jordan Ackerman — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:45:00 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.- On Monday, March 5th, Rochester College men's head soccer coach Keith Keitz announced the signing of Anthony Goucher and Justin Kane.

Goucher joins the crimson and white after lettering at Utica High School. Under the guidance of Chieftains head coach Dave Moran, Goucher earned All-District honors in his his junior and senior seasons as well as All-County honors in his senior season. He was also voted as his teams Best Offensive Player three of the four years as a varsity soccer player. Goucher led his team to three Macomb Area Conference- White Championships and scored 13 goals and 11 assists in his senior season.

Coach Keitz on Goucher:

"Anthony is a hard working skilled midfielder who will give us much needed support in the middle of the field. Anthony is very good on the defensive side of the ball as well."

Anthony is the son of Jeff and Angel Goucher.

Also suiting up for the Warriors next fall is Rochester Adams High School senior Justin Kane. Earning two varsity letters under head Coach and RC Alumnus Josh Hickey, Kane earned 3rd Team All-State honors in his senior season. Kane also led the Highlanders to two district championships and one regional championship in his two years of service. In his senior season he led his team in goals with 18.

Coach Keitz on Kane:

"Justin is very good on the ball. He has a nose for finding the back of the net. Justin can play in the midfield and forward postions which will add to our depth this fall."

Justin is the son of Jeff and Christi Kane.

[Men's Soccer] Warriors Soccer Ink Two for 2012

Jordan Ackerman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:25:00 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.- On Wednesday, February 1 Rochester College men's head soccer coach Keith Keitz announced the signing of Ryan St. John and Devin Papuga.

St. John joins the crimson and white after lettering for two years at Holly High School from the Goalie position. Under the direction of Bronco's head coach Mike Steibel, St. John accomplished a very celebrated high school career earning All-Conference, All-District, All-Region, and All-State honors. He was also voted as his team's Most Valuable Player at the conclusion of his senior campaign. In 2010, St. John led his team to an undefeated season, earning the Flint Metro League Championship title.

Coach Keitz on St. John: Ryan St. John : "Ryan is a quality keeper from Holly High School. He has exceptional abilities to control the game from the back. His shot stopping ablilities are outstanding and I look forward to seeing him in goal this fall."

Papuga also joins the Warriors after lettering at Holly High School. He too racked up several post-season honors at the conclusion of his high school career. Papuga notched Flint Metro League All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area honors as well as Tri-County Player of the Year honors. He was also selected as his team's Defensive Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons.

Coach Keitz on Papuga: "Devin is an impact player on defense. He is solid in his decision making on the field. I look for Devin to compete for a starting spot and make our back line better this fall."

[Men's Soccer] Live Broadcast and Stats for Today's Men's Soccer Game

Jordan Ackerman — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:40:00 -0600

To hear today's men's soccer game, go to BROADCAST LINK

To view the live stats from today's action, go to LIVE STATS LINK

Kickoff is set for 4:00pm.

[Men's Soccer] Men's Soccer Defeat Yellow Jackets 2-1

Jordan Ackerman — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:40:00 -0600

DEFIANCE, OHIO- The Rochester College men's soccer team overcame some first half mis-cues and defeated Defiance College 2-1 on Wednesday night. The win pushed the Warrior's record to 6-4 and dropped the Yellow Jackets to 1-6-1.

The match was even going into the half. Both teams had several scoring opportunities, but neither could capitalize. At the half, the Warriors accumulated 12 shots to the Yellow Jacket's 10.

Nine minutes into the second half, junior Sergio Lopez (Bogota', Colombia/Delta CC) drew a penalty kick which junior Robert Ekrem (Naddeoud, Norway) scored on to put the Warriors ahead 1-0. At the 64:27 mark the Yellow Jacket's answered back on a free kick to lock the score at 1 each.

With 8:00 left to play, senior Chad Helberg made a swift move in the box to beat the goalie and put the Warriors ahead for good, 2-1.

At the conclusion of the game, the Warriors compiled 10 shots on goal to the Yellow Jacket's 6.

The Warriors play at home on Saturday against Notre Dame College. Kick-off is set for 4pm.