SPSU Men's Soccer Season Review
The Hornets came into its inaugural season with little expectations. They would, however, prove to be more than just a starting program. Their first ever match against Faulkner University proved to be extra special as the Hornets recorded their first win both in the Conference and their history. Their success would continue over the next four games as they would continue to exceed expectations with a 2-2 draw against Lee University and only suffered one loss; which came against an impressive Covenant College side in overtime (1-2). The Hornets record was 3-1-1 in its opening 5 games.
The rough part of the season came shortly after such a successful start. Losing key players to injury proved to be costly. Starters Rani Alkoptan and David Rhodes would be sidelined with severe knee injuries. A fracture to starting central mid-fielder Brad Jenkins would keep him to minimal amounts of playing time throughout the rest of the year. The Hornets would fall to 3-6-1 with losses away in Kentucky, capitalizing the hardships for the Hornets.
SPSU was given a life line, however, when they turned their season around with an impressive 2-1 victory away from home against Conference rivals Shorter. This would lift spirits in the Hornets camp, and with a win against Brewton Parker in the upcoming weeks, they would jump to 8-7-2. Just a tie against Emmanuel College would put them into both the Conference and Regional Tournaments. Unfortunately, the Hornets could not find the net in a dominating performance over Emmanuel and would lose 1-0. They would out-shoot Emmanuel 26-1 but it was one of those days where the Hornets battle would be lost.
Special mentions go to All-Conference First Team and SSAC New-comer of the Year, Mamadou “Futty” Danso who helped the team with 5 game winners and 16 goals in as many matches. James Grant was unlucky not to make the 2nd All-conference team with his 4 goals and 8 assists. Eric Ati’s quality goal-keeping and others played an instrumental role in the Hornets defense.
The Hornets will be looking forward to their second season next year and a pleased, Head Coach, Kom Momeni could not ask for more from his mostly all-freshman squad with their 8-8-2 record. “All things considered-starting 8 freshmen, battling four major injuries to starters,
playing four teams that finished in the Top 25, and playing in one of the toughest conferences in the country- having our record was pretty good!”
HORNETS STATS FOR THE 2007 INAUGURAL SEASON.
Results Against Top 25 Teams
#17 Lee
University 2-SPSU 2
#25 Covenant
College 2-SPSU 1 (overtime)
#9 Berry
College 2-SPSU 1
#14 AUM 3-SPSU
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Regional Stats
# 1 fewest goals allowed .67 per game
# 4 in goals scored 2.72 per game
# 5 shots 15.44 per game
Mamadou “Futty” Danso- National Ranking
#2 shots per game 5.44
#2 shots on goal per game 3.44
#7 Game winning goals .310
#8 Goals per game 1.0
