Five games into the season, the Golden Eagles’ men’s soccer team has already had its share of thrilling games.
The men’s soccer team is 3-2 after their win against Georgia Gwinnett on Sept. 7.
For senior Luke Theimer, this season marks his last year as a player and as a student at John Brown University. He has a great appreciation for the support from the JBU community.
“Seeing classmates in the stands helps us realize that our team represents this community, so we fight for it,” said Theimer. “To have fans gives me personally a sense of belonging in the JBU community.”
Theimer has high hopes for his last season not only as a player, but also as an individual off the field.
“I hope to learn how to be relentless, stand strong, endure through toil and love well,” said Theimer. “What I gain individually is the team’s gain, and what my brothers gain as individuals, we all gain.”
He anticipates big things for his team this year.
“I expect this team will go to the national tournament and do great things,” said Theimer.
Senior Brandon Sikes has high hopes for his last year as a Golden Eagle as well.
“We have come a long way since my freshman year, not only as players, but we have also improved the team culture tremendously,” said Sikes.
Last season, the team made it to the conference championship game but lost in penalty kicks to Oklahoma Baptist.
Sikes believes the team has the chance to make it that far this season, and perhaps farther.
“We are playing with a much more dynamic system, as well as going deeper into the bench which should give us the opportunity to not only win conference this year, but make it to the national tournament,” said Sikes.
The men’s team recently traveled to Northwest Iowa to play against Northwestern and Dordt, both games resulting in wins for the Golden Eagles, which Theimer believes helped the team gain confidence.
The Golden Eagles will play a home game against Mid America Nazarene on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m.