Top achievers recognized for outstanding contributions in 2008–2009
Coaches and players from the women and men’s soccer teams gathered at Old Chicago in Apple Valley, Minn., on Thursday, Dec. 18, to celebrate individual achievements during the 2008–2009 season.
Head Coach Cam Stoltz reported that a number of players received awards for their exceptional play, noting that the men’s team posted an 11–7–2 season record, winning 10 of their last 12 games.
“We lost a 1–0 heartbreaker in double overtime to Iowa Western Community College in the NJCAA Region XI Tournament semifinals. A penalty kick shootout ended the game and our season,” Stoltz said.
“The women’s team put together a 9–9–0 record with 11 freshmen on the roster,” Stoltz continued. “As for next year, we are going to build on our strengths by adding even more team speed and more overall depth. The women’s team is close and we will get there with hard work.”
Coach Stoltz noted that players from both the men and women’s teams received their varsity letters at the banquet.
Blue Knights Soccer Awards
Women’s Team
Katie Lucca
Blue Knight Award
Golden Boot (17 Goals & 5 Assists)
Major: Graphic Design Technology
Position: Forward
High School: Lakeville South
Hometown: Prior Lake, Minn.
Heather Neurer
Most Valuable Player
Major: Interior Design
Position: Forward
High School: Tartan
Hometown: Oakdale, Minn.
Amanda Olson
Rookie of the Year
Major: Undecided
Position: Fullback
High School: Kennedy
Hometown: Bloomington, Minn.
Meredith Enderson
Most Improved
Major: Photography
Position: Midfield
High School: Glencoe-Silver Lake
Hometown: Glencoe, Minn.
Men’s Team
Aaron Friermood
Blue Knight Award
Major: Electrical Lineworker
Position: Midfield
High School: Hayward
Hometown: Hayward, Wis.
Mosses Kabogoza
Most Valuable Player
Major: Business
Position: Fullback
High School: Kabojja School
Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
Vince Mbibi
Golden Boot (13 goals and 5 assists)
Major: Undecided
Position: Forward
High School: Robbinsdale Cooper
Hometown: Brooklyn Center, Minn.
Oscar Villifan
Rookie of the Year
Major: Business
Position: Fullback
High School: Highland Park
Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.
Felipe Aceituno
Most Improved
Major: Exercise & Sport Science
Position: Fullback
High School: Central
Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.
ICCAC All-Region Honorees
That same evening, several Blue Knights were recognized for their selection to Region XI All-Region Teams in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.
Freshmen forwards Heather Neurer from Tartan High School and Katie Lucca from Lakeville South made ICCAC Region XI Women’s Soccer First Team All-Region. Lucca, a graphic design major, led the team in regular-season goals with 17. She also had five assists. Neurer, majoring in interior design, scored six goals with a team-leading nine assists.
Head Coach Cam Stoltz noted that Lucca and Neurer play well off each other and cause trouble for opponents that try to focus on one or the other. “Katie knows the game,” he said. “She knows when to take on players and how to change speed. Heather was a pleasant surprise. She came in with a lot of experience and doesn’t miss a step.”
Freshman center midfielder Kelli Anderson from Rosemount High School and sophomore sweeper Kate Vanwatermulen from Eagan High School made ICCAC Region XI Women’s Soccer Second Team All-Region. Sophomores Colette Montgomery of Edina, (originally from England) and Ashley Jones from Minneapolis South received Honorable Mention.
Heather Neurer,Collette Montgomery, Katie Lucca, Kate Vanwatermulen
From the men’s team, freshman fullback Mosses Kabogoza from Kabojja School in Kampala, Uganda, and freshman center midfielder Chad Dorrian from Prior Lake High School made ICCAC Region XI Men’s Soccer First Team All-Region. Dorrian, a business major, led the team in regular-season assists with nine. Kabogoza, also majoring in business, excelled at defense.
Stoltz reported that Kabogoza quickly became one of the best defenders in the league. “He’s smart, reads opponents well and knows when to risk and when to hold off,” the coach said.
Stoltz went on to praise Dorrian for stepping up when the team was looking for more offensive firepower. “Chad shifted from defender to midfield when we needed to provide more attack.”
Sophomore forwards Vincent Mbibi from Robbinsdale Cooper High School and Geofrey Kalanzi from Kabojja School in Kampala, Uganda, made ICCAC Region XI Men’s Soccer Second Team All-Region. Freshman Oscar Villafan from St. Paul Highland Park High School and sophomore Arnes Habibovic from Minneapolis South received Honorable Mention.
Mosses Kabogoza, Geofrey Kalanzi, Vince Mbibi, Chad Dorrian, Oscar Villafan
