Eagles Sign Former Fulham Youth Player
April 1, 2013
Kansas City, MO – The Avila University Men’s Soccer program recently completed the signing of Godstone, England native Louis Gallagher. Louis is the son of Joe and Maria Bates.
Gallagher, a 5’7 forward, has featured in trials with West Ham, Barnet, Colchester, and Crystal Palace. Gallagher's a proven goal scorer as he’s been the top scorer and player of the year for three seasons at Oxted School, top scorer and player of the season with the Whyteleafe FC youth side, and the top scorer and player of the season with the Lingfield FC youth side for the past three seasons. In addition, Gallagher spent seven seasons with Fulham FC where he featured against top Europeans sides Ajax and Villareal.
This past year, Gallagher has become a regular in the Lingfield FC first team making 35 appearances and scoring 8 goals, which ties for fourth on the team. Lingfield currently sit in 10th in the Sussex County League One table.
Assistant Coach Brett Koziczkowski had the following to say on Gallagher’s signing: “Louis is pacey player with a proven record of finding the back of the net. He’s featured for several high caliber youth teams and has continued his success into the first team as Lingfield FC. He very well could be a key contributor in us making the HAAC tournament in 2013. We’re very pleased he’s chosen Avila to continue his career as a student-athlete".
Eagles Finish 2012 as Third Smartest Team in the NAIA
December, 3 2012
Kansas City, MO – The NAIA office released their 2012 Daktronics Scholar-Athlete's list this week, with six Eagles making the cut, up from four in 2011. The following Eagles received the award: Complete List
Myles Karle - Junior | Eagle, Nebraska
Ethan Karle - Senior | Eagle, Nebraska
Kyle Dlugolecki - Senior | Pleasant Hill, Missouri
Ben Dlugolecki - Senior | Pleasant Hill, Missouri
Robert Hayes - Junior | Overland Park, Kansas
Trent Nichol - Junior | Blue Springs, Missouri
The Eagles six scholar-athletes ranks third in the nation, finishing behind Goshen College (7) and Westminster College of Salt Lake City (9). In the HAAC, Avila led the way with six Scholar-Athletes, while Baker Univeristy finished a close second with five. As a conference, the HAAC had a total of 17 scholar-athletes.
Ethan Karle and Kyle Dlugolecki both received the Scholar-Athlete award in 2011 as well. To qualify for the honor, student-athletes must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status in order qualify. 315 men's soccer student-athletes nationally have been named 2012 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
Clinton, Missouri Standout Cody Jeffrey Signs with Eagles
December 3, 2012
Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Men's Soccer program recently signed Clinton, Missouri native Cody Jeffrey. Cody is the son of Chris and Tracey Jeffrey.
Jeffrey, a 5’10 midfielder, played his club soccer with the Clinton Fire and was a standout for Clinton High School under Head Coach Sean Hutchinson. He was a First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District player his junior year scoring 11 goals while grabbing six assists and was named team MVP. This past fall, Clinton High School finished as Class 1, District 13 runners up.
Head Coach Chris Clements had the following to say on Jeffrey’s signing: “We’ve been in touch with Cody over the past year, and had him on campus for a visit this past spring. We’ve been following his high school career over the past two years and feel he’ll be a strong addition to our program. We couldn’t be happy that he’s chosen Avila to continue his career as a student-athlete.
Eagles Reach Seven Wins for Second Straight Year
November 26, 2012
Kansas City, MO – The Eagles entered the 2012 season with the hopes that they would reach the Heart of America Conference Tournament for the first time since joining the HAAC in 2000. While their 1-6 conference record was not enough to earn a place in the HAAC tournament, the Eagles continued to progress this past season as they maintained their 7-11 record from 2011 while playing a much tougher non-conference schedule.
Twelve of the Eagles Eighteen opponents finished the season with winning records and all opponents combined for an overall record of 163-134-38. Avila also faced four opponents who made the 32-team field in the 2012 NAIA National Tournament (Ashford, Benedictine, MidAmerica Nazarene, Missouri Valley).
After opening up the season with two losses in Salt Lake City, the Eagles went 6-1 over the next seven games and rounded out their non-conference schedule with an overall record of 6-4. The most notable win of the season came in a 2-1 road victory over Midland University. The Warriors were receiving votes in the National Top 25 Poll at the time and finished their season with a 12-6-2 overall record.
The Eagles lone conference win came in a 3-2 home victory over Culver-Stockton College. The Eagles had close conference losses against #12 Missouri Valley (1-2), Central Methodist (0-2), and Baker (1-3).
Offensively, senior Justin Scicluna led the way tallying five of the Eagles 21 goals on the year. Other notable goal scorers included:
Ben Dlugolecki (Senior) |
3 |
Felipe Garcia (Sophomore) |
3 |
Daniel Adams (Freshman) |
2 |
Trent Nichol (Junior) |
2 |
Dustin Deisher (Senior) |
2 |
Assists were hard to come by for the Eagles as they tallied just eight as a team. Felipe Garcia led the Eagles with two on the year.
In goal, senior Pedro Vargas started the first twelve contests of the season for the Eagles before suffering a season-ending hand injury against Park University. In 1024 minutes in goal, the Rodgers, Ark. Native tallied 63 saves while allowing 26 goals. His 5.25 saves a game average ranked 40th in the NAIA.
Sophomore Jesus Revilla (Palencia, Spain) played in the final six contests giving up 18 goals and collecting 44 saves. As a program, Avila ranked 38th in the nation in total saves with 109 on the year.
The Eagles graduate six seniors: Ben Dlugolecki, Josh Grimes, Ethan Karle, Pedro Vargas, Justin Scicluna, and Dustin Deisher.
Looking toward the future, the Eagles will return eight starters and have a nice balance of youth and experience coming back for the 2013 season.
Freshman |
? |
Sophomore |
12 |
Junior |
7 |
Senior |
13 |
Head Coach Chris Clements had the following to say on the 2012 season and the future: “This is the most optimistic the future has looked in my five years at Avila. This group of seniors, along with the past four senior classes, were key in making this possible. We’re looking forward to a productive spring with our returning players and all the members of our coaching staff are excited for what the future holds.”
Deisher and Scicluna Receive All-HAAC Honors
November 12, 2012
Kansas City, MO - After finishing their second consecutive season with a 7-11 overall record, seniors Justin Scicluna and Dustin Deisher led the Eagles Men's Soccer Program in postseason honors as they both were selected to the Third Team All-HAAC squad.
Competition for All Conference honors was once again fierce in the HAAC as three teams (Benedictine, Missouri Valley, MidAmerica) qualified for the 2012 NAIA National Tournament and four teams received rankings in the NAIA Top 25 Poll this season. Deisher and Scicluna were also the lone Eagles to receive All-HAAC honors in 2011. View the enitre list of All-HAAC Selections by clicking here.
Heightest Ranking of 2012
#2 Baker
#7 MidAmerica Nazarene
#9 Benedictine
#10 Missouri Valley
RV Central Methodist
After receiving second team all-HAAC honors last season, senior forward Justin Scicluna led the offensively for the second consecutive year as he tallied five goals while grabbing one assist. His high-point of the season came against Lindenwood-Belleville as he scored two goals in a contest which was later forfeited and resulted in a 1-0 victory for Avila. Scicluna finishes his two year AU career with ten goals and seven assists.
Deisher received All-HAAC honors for the third consecutive year. In 2010, he was a second team selection, and for the past two seasons, he has been chosen to the third team All-HAAC squad. Deisher started in 14 of the Eagles 18 contests, and while he tallied just two goals for the Eagles (Dordt and Cluver-Stockton), he wraps up a four year career as an Eagle with 13 goals and three assists and featured in 68 contests.
Shawnee Mission South's Joey Lipofff Signs with Eagles
October 27, 2012
Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Men's Soccer program recently signed Overland Park, Kansas native Joey Lipoff. Joey is the son of Francine Lipoff.
Lipoff, a 5'9 midfielder played for Shawnee Mission South High School and played his club soccer with the Kansas Rush Soccer Club. Lipoff excelled both on the field and in the classroom as he currently carries a 3.7 GPA.
Avila Head Coach Chris Clements had the following to say on Lipoff's signing: "Joey is a local player we've been able to see play on several occasions. He's a good hard working kid and you know what you'll get from him every time he steps on the field. We're thrilled he's chosen Avila to continue his career as a student-athlete."
Eagles Pen First Signing of 2013 Class
October 16, 2012
Kansas City, MO – The Avila Eagles Men’s Soccer program received their first 2013 commitment this past week with the signing of Christopher Smith. Smith, a 6’2 goalkeeper from Andalusia, Alabama is the son of Maria Smith.
Chris played his club soccer for the Gulf Coast Texans under Coach Craig Wallace. Among his many accomplishments, Smith has spent a summer playing with Deportivo Saprissa, considered by most to be the top professional club in Costa Rica. He was also named an all-star camper for the elite camps at the University of Alabama-Birmingham as well as the University of Kentucky. Chris chose to attend Avila over Auburn University at Montgomery, West Florida, Kentucky, and Barry University.
Coach Koziczkowski had the following to say on Smith’s signing: “We’re thrilled to open up our 2013 recruiting class with the signing of Chris. I had the pleasure of coaching him at the UAB camp and based of his size, technique, agility, and character; I believe he has a fantastic future ahead of him at the college level and possibly beyond. We’re very pleased he’s chosen Avila to continue his career as a student-athletes.”
Eagles Return Ten Starters and Add 22 Newcomers
2012 Season Preview
August 22, 2012
Kansas City, MO – After four consecutive seasons of improvements under fifth year head coach Chris Clements, the Eagles are looking to take a big step towards a .500 record and entry into the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament.
The Eagles certainly won’t be hurting for able bodies this year as the roster includes a record 42 players made up of 20 returning players and 22 newcomers. With the roster size at an all-time high, competition for places has been fierce throughout the preseason as the player’s battle for one of the 18 spots on the travel roster and a role in the starting eleven.
“Behind any great program are the reserves that drive the competition in both games and in training and we feel confident we have that this year” Clements said.
Along with the roster growth, the program will partake in its second year of Reserve league play against Rockhurst University, Missouri Valley College, and Benedictine College.
Up top, the Eagles return two All-HAAC performers and senior leaders in Dustin Deisher (Topeka, Kansas) and Justin Scicluna (Malta). The two combined for nine of the Eagles 29 goals as well as nine of the team’s sixteen assists in 2011.
In the midfield, the competition for places is fierce as juniors Trent Nichol (Blue Springs, Missouri) and Tom Palmer (Skipton, England), sophomores Joao Faria (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Felipe Garcia (Medellin, Columbia), and freshmen Daniel Adams (England), Troy Hart (Liberty, Missouri), Mike Hufker (St. Louis, Missouri), Hunter Peel (Stevens Point, Wisconsin), and Aaron Arnzen (Cape Girardeau), all battle for playing time.
“Our depth in the midfield should ensure fresh legs and energy in the center of the park throughout the game.”
The back line returns several key contributors from 2011 as John McNair (Merriam, Kansas), Kyle Dlugolecki (Pleasant Hill, Missouri), and Zach Herzig (Lee’s Summit, Missouri) all started in at least 14 of the Eagles 18 games last fall. The Eagles will be looking to build off a 2011 season that saw them concede two goals or less in eleven contests. Newcomers Alex Lima (Cambobiu, Brazil) and Blake Wahlbrink will also challenge for playing time.
In net, the competition for places has been rampant as the Eagles have six candidates fighting for one starting spot. Keaton McCoy (Blue Springs, Missouri), who started in 12 contests last fall, will miss the first month of the season after suffering a knee injury this past spring. This leaves the door open for senior Pedro Vargas (Rodgers, Arkansas), junior Shawn Miles (Lenexa, Kansas), and sophomore transfer Jesus Revilla (Palencia, Spain).
All of this accumulates to the Eagles goal of making the HAAC tournament for the first time ever. After going 1-6 in conference play in 2011, and seeing four teams from the HAAC being placed in the NAIA Preseason National Top 25 Poll, which was released last week, the coaching staff and players understand it will take a tremendous effort to be one of the six teams to make the tournament.
“As with every season, the HAAC is the best men’s soccer conference in the nation.”
Men's Alumni Game to Take Place Friday, August 18
August 13, 2012
Kansas City, MO - Avila University would like to invite all former Avila Eagle Men's Soccer players to the annual alumni contest which will take place Friday, August 18th at the Zarda Multisport Complex on the campus of Avila University. The Men's game will kick off at 6:00PM while the Women's game will start at 7:30PM.
The annual alumni game serves as a great opportunity to catch up with old teammates and friends while getting a preview of the 2012 team. Contact Head Coach Chris Clements for more info at 816-501-2475.
Eagles Add Miguel Rodrigues to Men's Soccer Coaching Staff
July 12, 2012
Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Men’s Soccer program hired Miguel Rodrigues as assistant men’s soccer coach this past week. Rodrigues, 25, was most recently an interim assistant coach at the University of Missouri – Kansas City this past season and also served as Director of Soccer Operations for the UMKC men’s program from 2010 to 2011. He was a member of the 2011 UMKC coaching staff that won Summit League Conference Coach of the Year honors as the Kangaroo’s improved from 1-15-2 in 2010 to 8-8-4 in 2011.
Rodrigues, a Miami, Florida native has also served as head middle school girls soccer coach at Pembroke Hill Primary School in Kansas City, Missouri and assistant soccer coach at Miami Killian Senior High School in Miami, Florida.
Miguel began his collegiate soccer career at Stetson University where he was a member of the 2005 team that made its first ever NCAA tournament appearance. After his freshman year, Rodrigues transferred to UMKC where he served as captain for two years, received numerous academic honors, and was a member of the 2008 NCAA national tournament team. Rodrigues has also featured for the Indiana Invaders of the Super-Y league as well as the Kansas City Brass (PDL).
“I am excited to have Miguel join the program” said head coach Chris Clements. “His positive outlook and passion to work hard will be a great asset to Avila University men’s soccer” Miguel had the following to say about joining the Avila soccer program, “I'm excited to be a part of the Avila family. I look forward to learning under coach Clemens and helping the program continue to grow.”
Rodrigues currently holds a USSF “F” license and resides in Kansas City with his wife Ashley.
Cape Girardeau Standout Aaron Arnzen Signs With Eagles
June 27, 2012
Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Eagles Men's Soccer program recently signed Cape Girardeau, Missouri native Aaron Arnzen. Aaron is the son of Colleen and Scott Arnzen.
Arnzen, a six-foot midfielder, was a member of the 2011 Notre Dame Regional High School team that finished 18-7 overall and was selected to the first team all-district squad. In 2010 the Bulldogs were sectional Champions and Arnzen again received first team all-district honors as he register seven goals and two assists. Aaron played his club soccer with SMSC United under head coach Paul Nelson.
Stevens Point, Wisconsin Duo Signs With Eagles
April 16, 2012
Kansas City, MO – The Avila University Eagles Men’s Soccer program recently signed Stevens Point, Wisconsin natives Johnie Pinter and Hunter Peel. Johnie is the son of Brian and Teresa Pinter while Hunter is the son of Mark and Cynthia Peel.
Both Pinter and Peel were members of the Stevens Point Area High School (SPASH) soccer program that claimed the 2011 Wisconsin Valley Conference title with a record of 11-1. Peel, a forward, led the team in both goals (12) and assists (10) and finished second in the conference in points. Pinter, a player who regularly features at left back, but also saw time in the midfield finished his senior year with one goal and three assists. Both players were selected to the First Team All-WVC squad in their senior year and the Second Team All-WVC squad their junior year.
Coach Koziczkowski, a Stevens Point Area Senior High Alumni and Stevens Point, Wisconsin native had the following to say about their signings, “I’ve known Johnie and Hunter for a very long time, and knew they’d both be very solid editions to any collegiate squad. They’re both hard working players with great versatility in the positions they can play and we’re thrilled they’ve chosen Avila to continue their careers as student-athletes.”
Spanish Goalkeeper Jesus Revilla Sign
s With Eagles
March 29, 2012
Kansas City, MO – The Avila University Eagles Men’s Soccer program recently signed Spanish Goalkeeper Jesus Revilla. Jesus is the son of Juan Carlos Revilla.
Revilla will be transferring in after playing a year at Dakota Country Technical College in Rosemount, MN under head coach Cam Stoltz. In 2010, Jesus trained with River Plate out of Argentina, one of the top clubs in the world, and was trained by World Cup Winner and goalkeeper coach “Pato” Fillol. Fillol also trains the Argentina National Team Goalkeepers. From 1997 to 2010 Revilla played at Club Internacional de la Amistad and played in the 2nd highest youth division in Spain. Revilla has played in numerous tournaments around the world including Denmark, Germany, France, Russia, Poland, England, Belgium, and Portugal.
Coach Koziczkowski had the following to say about Revilla, “Jesus is a goalkeeper with great pedigree. He’s trained with some of the best coaches in the world and has played the game at the highest level in two countries. He’ll come in and challenge for the starting spot from day one and we’re ecstatic that he’s chosen Avila to continue his career as a student-athlete”.
English Center Mid Daniel Adams Signs With Eagles
March 5, 2012
Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Eagles Men’s Soccer program recently signed English center-mid Daniel Adams. Daniel is the son of Nick and Carolyn Adams.
Adams currently plays for the Congleton Town FC Reserves in the Cheshire Football League. His honors include being named Captain and Player of the Season in both the 2008-’09 and 2009-’10 seasons. Adams also claimed the Stafforshire Premier League Subsidiary Cup in the 2010-’11 season.
Coach Koziczkowski had the following to say about Adams, “Daniel is a very good, defensive minded player. He looks to play simple and quick and breaks up play in the middle field nicely. He’ll be a great addition to our 2012 squad and we’re very happy he’s chosen Avila to continue his career as a student-athlete.”
St. Louis, MO Midfielder Mike Hufker Signs With Eagles
March 5, 2012
Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Eagles Men’s Soccer program recently signed Oakville Senior High School standout Mike Hufker. Mike is the son of Kenneth and Linda Hufker and is looking to pursue his degree in Marketing at Avila.
Hufker currently plays for the Lou-Fusz Gregory Blue club team out of St. Louis and serves as the captain playing in the midfield. His honors include claiming the Grove United Memorial Day Shootout championship and being named to the U19 All Star Team. Mike also claimed the U16 SLYSA League champions in the spring of 2010 with Lou Fusz.
Coach Clements had the following to say about Hufker, “Mike is a strong technical player that will be a key to our midfield for the future. He comes to us from a strong club team, and will provide tactical knowledge to our program. We’re very happy he’s chosen Avila to continue his career as a student-athlete.”
Four Eagles Named to NSCAA Scholar All-North/Central Team
February 23, 2012
Kansas City, MO - The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) office released their 2011 College Division Men Scholar All-North/Central Team's earlier this month. Four Eagles made the cut:
Second Team
Dustin Deisher – Junior| Biology| 3.30 GPA
Third Team
Kyle Dlugolecki – Junior| Pre Health, Biology| 4.0 GPA
Ben Dlugolecki – Junior| Pre Health, Biology| 4.0 GPA
Guillermo Zuniga – Senior| Radiologic Science| 3.62 GPA
To be nominated, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) throughout his career; start more than 50 percent of all games and be a significant contributor to the team; be a junior or above in academic standing at the current institution; and be in his second year at the current school if he is a transfer student. 78 (23 - First Team, 13 - Second Team, 42 - Third Team) athletes received the honor nationally. Avila's four athletes was best in the HAAC conference as MidAmerica Nazerene featured three on the list while Missouri Valley had two.
Liberty, MO Midfielder Troy Hart Sings With Eagles
February 21, 2012
Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Eagles Men’s Soccer program recently signed Liberty High School standout Troy Hart. Troy is the son of Brady and Tina Hart.
Troy played for a Liberty HS team that went 11-10 and found the net twice in the Blue Jays 2011 campaign. In 2010, Liberty went 10-8 with Hart scoring two goals and collecting one assist.
Marshfield, MO Goalkeeper Nic Yonter Signs With Eagles
February 21, 2012
Picture and statistics courtesy of Clint Mitchell (Marshfield Mail)
Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Eagles Men’s Soccer program recently signed Marshfield High School standout Nic Yonter. Nic is the son of Sam and Katie and plans on majoring in a communications related field.
Yonter set several records both at the Missouri High School level and on the national level. He posted 1,162 saves in his career, ranking second all-time nationally. He also posted a school record 13 shutouts in his time at Marshfield high. Nic also plays for the Springfield PDL team, the Total Demize, and will begin his fourth season with the club this summer.
Coach Koziczkowski had the following to say about Nic, “Nic is a goalkeeper with a great work ethic whose only been playing the position for a short period of time. He possesses excellent athleticism and has the desire and drive necessary to succeed both on the field and off the field at the collegiate level. We’re very happy he’s chosen Avila to continue his career as a student-athlete.”
Four Eagles Land on NAIA Scholar-Athlete List
December 2011
Kansas City, MO – The NAIA office released their 2011 Daktronics Scholar-Athlete's list this week, with four Eagles making the cut, up from one in 2010. The following Eagles received the award:
Ethan Karle – Junior | Eagle, Nebraska
Kyle Dlugolecki – Junior | Pleasant Hill, MO
Leon Haenel – Junior | Munich, Germany
Guillermo Zuniga – Senior | Nixa, MO
Zuniga was the lone Eagle to receive the Scholar-Athlete award in 2010. To qualify for the honor, student-athletes must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status in order qualify. 286 men's soccer student-athletes nationally have been named 2011 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
Deisher and Scicluna Receive All HAAC Honors
November 2011
Kansas City, MO – The Eagles seventh place conference finish saw them able to land two players on the All HAAC Conference teams. Competition for all conference honors was fierce as the conference featured 5 teams in the National Top 25 Poll this year. Junior Justin Scicluna was selected to the Second team while fellow Junior Dustin Deisher landed on the third team.
Scicluna, a Junior transfer from Missouri State led the Eagles offensively finding the net on five occasions while tallying six assists. Scicluna's season highlight came in the home contest against the 6 th ranked Missouri Valley Vikings. Scicluna found the back of the net in the seventh minute from a set piece strike to the back post.
Deisher, a Topeka, KS native received All HAAC honors for the second consecutive year after he received second team honors in 2010. Deisher saw his goal production totals drop from 7 goals in 2010 to 4 this fall, but made up for it playing provider and tallying 3 assists on the year (0 in 2010).
7 Wins in 2011 Best in Clements Era For Avila Men's Soccer
November 2011
Kansas City, MO – 2011 was a sign of progress for the Avila Eagles men's soccer program as they finished with a record of 7-11. In the previous 3 seasons with Chris Clements at the reigns, the Eagles have improved slowly but surely as their record has gone from 4-13-1 in 2008 to 7-11 this fall.
Unfortunately, the Eagles missed out on a conference tournament on the final day of HAAC play as they fell 1-0 to MidAmerica Nazarene. The Eagles did find much more success than in previous years in non-conference play as they went 6-5 overall and 4-2 in non-conference contests at home.
Notable wins