It has been truly a terrific year for sports at JBU. Volleyball is still competing at their tournament, both basketball seasons started off on the right foot and are looking to continue strong home stands, and cross country is competing and showing excellence as always. However it is for certain that soccer will be king this week in Siloam Springs.
Whether you're talking about the men's or the women's team, it has certainly been a magical soccer season for the Golden Eagles. Both teams have overcome the injury woes they faced last year to rise to the top of their conferences. Both the men and the women earned the privilege of hosting their conference tournaments, both of which are taking place this weekend. With both teams moving past the first round on Friday and Saturday, this next week is for sure looking like a big home-field advantage for JBU, men's and women's.
The men's team has been strong throughout their season, consistently shown excellence game-in and game-out. They finished the regular season 13-2-2 with both draws and losses coming in extra time. The Eagles have shown time and time again that they have the pieces to step up make a run at the national tournament. With top notch defensive play leading the way (only allowing 0.65 goals per game) Adam Holt and Daniel Marulanda and other have helped lead a group that has put together a terrific defensive campaign. When that has been paired with averaging over three goals a game led by leading scorers Kelvin Omondi and Connor Haney, you result is a winning formula, a well rounded team looking to make some noise this postseason. With goals from Kelvin and Ryan Williams the Eagles enjoyed an opening round tournament victory and are looking to continue their run this Tuesday.
The only thing going better for soccer at JBU than the men's season this year, is the women's. Boasting a 16-1-1 record and an undefeated run in conference play, the Eagles are a team on a mission this year. The girls are averaging 8 goals scored this season for every goal they give up. Players have stepped up on both sides of the ball, with clean sheets coming from three separate goalkeepers and terrific goal scoring performances from players all over the pitch. The top two leading scorers are sophomores Aspen Robinson and Jastin Redman, although at one point Kristen Howell had back to back hat-tricks and Sara Lachance even turned in a three-goal performance this past Friday! If you haven't seen this Lady Eagles team this season make sure you get to this week, because they are playing like a team destined for big things.The girls team continues their championship push this Monday at 5:30.
With not one, but both of our teams hosting their conference tournaments, there's no reason (or excuse) to miss out on supporting them through their postseason vies for conference glory. So come out, cheer loud and watch our friends do what they love and try to win a championship doing it! Vamos Eagles!
