PORTLAND, Ore - After a rough start to the 2010 season, the defending CCC Champion Warner Pacific men's soccer team might have doubted a 2nd straight appearance in the Cascade Conference playoffs was possible.
The Knights suffered through three losses to open the season and 1-3-1 start overall, while giving up 13 goals. "We had to replace our entire back line this year, including the CCC Defensive Player of the Year," said Head Coach Bernie Fagan. "The guys were working hard, but just didn't come together as a unit."
Despite the struggles, the team did not panic and began to right the ship. The Knights managed to post a 2-2 record in the early stages of the CCC schedule before reeling off three wins in a row - all of them shutouts. "We made a few changes in tactics, and the players just started to trust in one another," commented Fagan. "Our goal keeper Sean (Ervin) began to play with a lot of confidence, and Tyber (Parsons) and Jordan (Selland) really took charge. It turned our season around."
On October 9th, Fagan earned his 200th win as head coach at Warner Pacific with a 1-0 victory at College of Idaho. "The wins are great, obviously," said Fagan. "I think back to all the fine players that have come through the program, and just feel very grateful for the chance to have coached them. The relationships over the years with so many wonderful people make it all worthwhile. Seeing students succeed on the field and in the classroom never gets old!" Fagan is in his 19th year as head coach at Warner Pacific. He has piloted the men's soccer program from 1982-90, and 2000-10.
While the Knights are back in the playoffs this season, where they will be playing is still in doubt. WP sits in 2nd place in the CCC standings at 9-4-0, with College of Idaho right behind at 8-4-1. College of Idaho visits Portland this Saturday for the final regular season contest and the result will decide whether Warner Pacific will play at home or on the road for the opening round of the post-season tournament. A win or a tie versus the Yotes gives the Knights a home game, while a loss will send the team to Caldwell.
"That trip to Idaho is always a challenge, so a home game is certainly what we want," said Fagan. "We won't change much, just play solid soccer and try to make the most of our scoring chances. College of Idaho is a quality side, so we need to be at our best." Regardless of the location, the winner of the playoff contest next Tuesday will face 2010 CCC Champion Concordia for a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
The game versus College of Idaho is Saturday, November 6th at Palermini Stadium - David Douglas High School. Kick off is 1:00 pm.