6/6/2014
Crusaders Add Gweh to Newcomers for 2014
Valparaiso men’s soccer head coach Mike Avery and his staff announced Friday that Matthew Gweh will join the Crusaders this fall. Gweh comes to Valpo from High Point, where he led the Panthers in assists per minute played and assists by a freshman in 2013.
5/16/2014
Crusader Men's Soccer Announces Two Additions for 2014
Continuing the trend of looking both near and far to uncover potential student-athletes, Valparaiso University men’s soccer head coach, Mike Avery announced today the addition of two players to the 2014 Crusader recruiting class. Ramone Howell (Portmore, Jamaica/Jamaica College) and Alex Fenn (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) join an exciting recruiting class set to arrive on campus in August for the 2014 season.
5/1/2014
VUMSO’s Taublieb Receives Dale Carnegie Course Award
Valparaiso men’s soccer player Zev Taublieb (Malibu, Calif./Agoura) was recently awarded the Highest Award for Achievement in the Dale Carnegie Course offered by Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering. The award, which is voted on by students in the course, recognizes the person that best represents Dale Carnegie’s principles.
4/14/2014
St. Baldrick's Fundraiser Reaches New Heights
The Valparaiso men's soccer program's annual St. Baldrick's fundraiser reached new heights this year, raising nearly $45,000 to fund research for cures for childhood cancers. 80 heads were shaved in a 30-minute span, with over 100 heads shaved in total. Check out the video for a taste of the event.
4/10/2014
Fourth Annual St. Baldrick's Day Coming Saturday
This year's St. Baldrick's Fundraiser is just two days away. With over $30,000 raised so far, the Valpo men's soccer program is more than 60% of the way to its goal of $50,000. Click on the video to hear part one of women's soccer player Jordyn Ryfiak's story.
4/8/2014
Volleyball, Men’s Soccer Hosting Spring Action Saturday
With the Valparaiso men’s soccer program’s annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser upcoming this Saturday, April 12, supporters of the cause will also have the chance to cheer on both the Crusader men’s soccer and volleyball teams in spring action that day as well.
4/7/2014
Men’s Soccer to Host VIP Summer Camp June 17-19
Valparaiso Men’s Soccer is proud to announce its eighth annual VIP Summer Camp. This three-day camp, to be held on June 17-19, will provide prospective student-athletes an extended opportunity to interact with the current coaching staff and players, explore Valparaiso’s beautiful campus, and receive an in-depth look at the life of a college soccer player.
4/3/2014
Crusader Men's Soccer Announces 2014 Class
Valparaiso University men’s soccer head coach, Mike Avery, and his staff, announced today a very promising recruiting class set to join the Crusaders in 2014. Coach Avery welcomes eight new additions to his current squad. The 2014 class is compiled of student-athletes from four states and three different countries and is well balanced with two defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
4/3/2014
Zobeck Signs with Cosmos
Late last week, the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League officially announced the signing of former standout Crusader goalkeeper Kyle Zobeck.
3/26/2014
4th Annual St. Baldrick's Foundation Fundraiser on Tap for April 12th
Members of the Valparaiso men’s soccer team, as well as Valparaiso University president Dr. Mark Heckler and his wife Veronica, among others, will be getting their heads shaved for the fourth consecutive year as part of the St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Saturday, April 12 between 1:00-3:00 pm in Hilltop Gymnasium.
3/19/2014
Ortiz, Mustangs Cap Historic Season with League Title
Former Crusader Adrian Ortiz led his current side, the Chicago Mustangs of the Professional Arena Soccer League, to a league title this past Sunday. The Mustangs captured the Ron Newman Cup by defeating Hidalgo La Fiera 14-5.
2/17/2014
Men’s Soccer to Host VIP Spring Camp on March 16th
The Valparaiso men’s soccer program is excited to announce its VIP Spring Camp, to be held on Sunday, March 16th. This one-day camp will provide prospective student-athletes a unique opportunity to experience a training environment similar to that seen at the college level.
2/12/2014
Former Crusader Adrian Ortiz Leads the PASL’s Chicago Mustangs
Adrian Ortiz last suited up for the Crusaders during the 2010 season and although that would be his last match as a Crusader, it would not be the last of his career. Ortiz is currently in his second season as a member of the Chicago Mustangs of the Professional Arena Soccer League.
1/16/2014
Crusaders Place Eight on Fall Academic All-League Squads
Valparaiso placed eight student-athletes across five sports on the Horizon League Fall Academic All-League teams, as announced by the league office this afternoon.
12/5/2013
Men's Soccer to Host Winter VIP Futsal Camp January 4
The Valparaiso men’s soccer program is excited to announce their first VIP Winter Futsal Camp. This one day camp, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 4th, will provide male college bound soccer players with a unique opportunity to experience a high-intensity, high-pressure training environment similar to that seen at the college level.
11/26/2013
Vervynckt Earns First Team Academic All-American Honor
Valparaiso senior Todd Vervynckt (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth) has been named to the 2013 Capital One Academic All-American Division I Men’s Soccer First Team, as announced on Monday by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). A year ago, Vervynckt was a Third Team Academic All-American. With the honor, Vervynckt becomes the first Crusader in the history of the men’s soccer program to be selected as a First Team Academic All-American.
11/22/2013
Men’s Soccer Team Earns NSCAA Team Academic Award
For the eleventh straight season, the Crusader men’s soccer team has been awarded with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Award, as announced Thursday by the organization.
11/14/2013
Two Crusaders Selected to the Madness Horizon All-Conference Teams
Valparaiso juniors Mitch Albrecht (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) and Eric Nieto (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Louisville [Ky.] Collegiate) have been named to the Madness Horizon 2013 All-Conference Teams, as announced by CollegeSportsMadness.com. Albrecht was named to the first team, while Nieto was named to the second team.
11/12/2013
Crusaders Fall in Horizon League Quarterfinals
The Crusaders went up a goal to none in 33rd minute of their Horizon League Quarterfinal match against Oakland. The Grizzlies, however, were able to score two unanswered goals - one just before half in the 42nd minute and the other in the 64th minute. Unable to create an equalizer, the Crusader men would end one of the program’s most challenging seasons to date in a 2-1 loss.
11/12/2013
Four Crusaders Receive All-League Honors
On Monday, the Horizon League announced its All-League selections with four Crusaders earning honors. Jesse Ortiz (Aurora, Ill./West Aurora) earned a spot on the All-League Second Team, while freshmen Kevin Klett (Muncie, Ind./Burris), Adrian Graham (Kingston, Jamaica/St. George’s College), and Omar Lawrence (Kingston, Jamaica/Excelsior) were each selected to the All-Freshman Team.
11/11/2013
Albrecht Selected as Defensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso junior Mitch Albrecht (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) has been selected as the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week for the Week of Nov. 4 – Nov. 10.
11/11/2013
Crusaders Begin Horizon League Championship Play With Quarterfinal Match at No. 3 Oakland
The Crusader men begin their quest for a Horizon League Tournament Championship on Tuesday night, as the team travels to Rochester, Mich. for a quarterfinal game against the Oakland Grizzlies. Kickoff for the match is scheduled 6:00 p.m. CT.
11/9/2013
Crusader Men Defeat Detroit 1-0; Secure Berth in Horizon League Championship
Needing to claim all three points in their final Horizon League match of the season, on senior night, the Crusader men defeated Detroit 1-0 to secure a berth in the Horizon League Championship. Fittingly, it was senior Jesse Ortiz (Aurora, Ill./West Aurora) who found goal to give the Crusaders the victory.
11/4/2013
Crusaders Unable to Overcome Early Penalty in Loss at #20 Michigan
The Crusader men fell in a tough match at #20 Michigan on Monday night. An early penalty given to the Wolverines would turn out to be the difference in a 1-0 loss for the Crusaders.
11/4/2013
Barden Collects Offensive Player of the Week Honor
Valparaiso senior Charles Barden (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Linn-Mar) has been selected as the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 28 – Nov. 3.
11/4/2013
Crusaders Travel to Michigan to Face the #20 Wolverines; Host Detroit in Regular Season Finale
In the last week of the regular season, the Crusader men travel to Ann Arbor, Mich. to take on #20 Michigan. Valpo then has the week to prepare for its regular season finale with Horizon League foe Detroit on Saturday. Saturday's match carries plenty of post-season implications. The match will also serve as senior night for seven Crusaders.
11/2/2013
Crusaders Convert Late to Top Cleveland State 1-0
With less than four minutes remaining in the Crusaders’ match at Cleveland State, Charles Barden (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Linn-Mar) was able to convert from the spot to put the Crusaders a goal up on the Vikings. The Crusaders held onto the lead as time expired to earn their first Horizon League victory of the season and keep hope alive for a berth in the Horizon League championship.
10/31/2013
Vervynckt Earns Academic All-District Honor
For the second year straight, Valparaiso senior Todd Vervynckt (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth) was named to the Capital One Academic All-District V Men’s Soccer team. The selection, as announced on Thursday, came from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). As an Academic All-District V member, Vervynckt will be placed on the ballot for Academic All-American Honors.
10/30/2013
Men's Soccer Game Against Western Michigan - Canceled
Due to severe weather in the area, the men's soccer game against Western Michigan has been canceled. The game will not be rescheduled.
10/30/2013
Mike Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Valparaiso men's soccer head coach Mike Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week to discuss his squad's upcoming matches as the regular season winds down, as well as the program's work with TOCO.
10/30/2013
Crusaders Host Western Michigan; Travel to Cleveland State for Important League Match
The Crusader men take on Western Michigan on Wednesday night for a mid-week, nonleague match. On Saturday, the Crusaders travel to Cleveland State to play in what is shaping up to be their most important Horizon League match of the season, as they must secure a result.
10/25/2013
Crusaders Fall at Home to UIC
A goal in the 42nd minute from Kevin Klett (Muncie, Ind./Burris) wasn’t enough in the Crusaders’ Horizon League match against UIC, as the Flames were able to put two away in the second half to beat the Crusaders 2-1 and stay unbeaten in league play.
10/24/2013
Crusaders Host UIC in Important League Match
After more than a week since their last match, the Crusader men return to action on Friday night to take on Horizon League foe UIC. UIC comes to Brown Field undefeated in league play, while the Crusaders are in search of their first league win. The match will carry plenty of significance, as each point is vital in this stage of the season.
10/23/2013
Crusaders to Host Annual TOCO Benefit Match
Men's soccer will host its fifth annual benefit match for They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Brown Field against UIC, raising money for TOCO's annual Holiday Toy Drive. In addition, volleyball's Saturday afternoon match at 2 p.m. against UIC will serve as a TOCO benefit match as well.
10/16/2013
Crusader Men Suffer Defeat at Kentucky
Playing without several key players, the Crusaders were able to strike first in their game at Kentucky, scoring in the 11th minute of the match. The one-nil lead would slip away in the second half, however, as the Wildcats were able score two unanswered goals midway through the second half. The Crusaders would battle back and create chances to level the game but were unable to find an equalizer. Kentucky would go on to take a 2-1 victory over Valpo.
10/14/2013
Crusader Men Set to Take on Kentucky
The Crusader men return to action this Wednesday, as the team travels to Lexington, Ky. to take on Kentucky in a nonleague match.
10/12/2013
Crusaders Fall to #24 Milwaukee
A goal scored in the 15th minute would be the difference in the match, as the Crusader fell 1-0 to #24 Milwaukee. The Crusaders played well enough to take at least a point from the match, and were certainly unlucky not to.
10/10/2013
Crusaders Continue League Play, Host #24 Milwaukee
After playing six consecutive games on the road, the Crusaders return home to Brown Field to host #24 Milwaukee in a crucial Horizon League contest. Saturday night's match marks just the second home game of the season for the Crusader men. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.
10/9/2013
Mike Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Men's soccer head coach Mike Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week, as the Crusaders return home this weekend to host a top-25 Milwaukee team in Horizon League action.
10/9/2013
Crusader Men Draw at Loyola Chicago
For the second time in as many games, the Crusader men played to a 0-0 double overtime draw. This time around, the Crusaders met Loyola Chicago for a Tuesday night match-up between former Horizon League foes. The game would stay level at 0-0 after 90 minutes, forcing the two teams to play two ten minute periods of extra time to decide a winner. Neither the Crusaders nor Ramblers were able to break the tie however, meaning the match would end in a 0-0 draw.
10/7/2013
Serratore Captures Defensive Player of the Week Honor
On Monday, Crusader goalkeeper Tom Serratore (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) was selected as the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week after helping Valparaiso secure a league point in a 0-0 draw at Green Bay.
10/5/2013
Crusaders Play to 0-0 Draw at Green Bay
Despite creating the best chances and having the better of play for much of the game, the Crusader men played to a 0-0 double overtime draw in their Horizon League game at Green Bay. With the draw, the Crusaders were able to leave the game with an important league point on the road.
10/3/2013
Crusaders Continue League Play at Green Bay; Meet Loyola Tuesday in Midweek Matchup
The Crusader men travel to Green Bay on Saturday for what promises to be a very important league match. On Tuesday, the Crusaders travel to Loyola for a midweek matchup against the Ramblers.
9/30/2013
Crusader Men Fall on the Road at #19 Dayton
Goals scored from set pieces in the first and last five minutes of the first half would prove to be the difference in the Valparaiso men’s soccer game at Dayton, as the Crusaders dropped a 2-0 decision on the road against the #19 Flyers.
9/28/2013
Crusaders Fall at Wright State
In their second Horizon League game of the season, the Crusaders traveled to Wright State to take on the Raiders. A slow start from the Crusaders would lead to an early Raider goal. Valpo would go on to control much of the second half, creating multiple chances. The Crusaders were unable to provide the final touch necessary to find goal however, as the Raiders were able to hand the Crusaders their first league loss of the season.
9/27/2013
Crusaders Continue League Play at Wright State; Wrap Up Road Trip at #19 Dayton
The Valparaiso men’s soccer team is back in action this weekend as the team travels to Dayton, Ohio for a pair of games. Saturday night, the Crusaders continue their quest for the Horizon League title, taking on Wright State. Valpo then stays in Dayton to take on the #19 Flyers in a Monday night matchup.
9/26/2013
VUMSO Schedule Change; Fifth Annual TOCO Benefit Match
The date for the Crusaders’ Horizon League home game against UIC has been changed to Friday, October 25th. UIC will travel to Valparaiso to play an important league match at Brown Field. Kickoff will remain scheduled for 7 p.m. This match will also mark the fifth annual TOCO benefit match hosted by the Valparaiso men’s soccer program.
9/22/2013
Crusaders Score Five in Win Over Leathernecks
Playing their sixth game on the road this season, the Valparaiso men traveled to Western Illinois for a Sunday afternoon matchup. After a quick turnaround from a tough result on Friday night, the Crusaders were able to score two goals in the early stage of the game in what would end as a 5-2 victory over the Leathernecks.
9/20/2013
Crusader Men Suffer First Loss at #12 Tulsa
Tulsa, the #12 team in the country, was able to take a 1-0 lead over Valpo in the 15th minute of play on a Crusader error and would not look back. The Golden Hurricane would go on to score three additional goals to hand the Crusaders their first loss of the season.
9/19/2013
Crusaders Travel to #12 Tulsa; Wrap Up Weekend at Western Illinois
The Valparaiso men’s soccer team is back in action this weekend as the team travels to Tulsa to take on the #12 Golden Hurricane in a Friday night matchup. Valpo then travels to Western Illinois to face off against the Leathernecks on Sunday afternoon.
9/18/2013
Crusaders' Hot Start Leads to Regional Ranking
Off to one of the best starts in program history, the Valparaiso men's soccer team finds itself ranked 10th in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Great Lakes region rankings.
9/13/2013
Crusaders Defeat Jaguars in Dramatic Fashion
For the fourth time in five games, the Crusaders needed extra time to decide the outcome of their match. Rather than the game end in another draw, Nick Suker (Downers Grove, Ill.) and the Crusaders would end the match and secure a victory in the 106th minute. Suker, controlling a pass from Todd Vervynckt (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth), scored his second goal of the season, and the golden goal of the match. Valpo defeated IUPUI 2-1 in the second period of extra time.
9/12/2013
Crusader Men Host IUPUI Friday Night at Brown Field
The Valparaiso men’s soccer team is back in action this Friday night, as the team prepares take on IUPUI at Brown Field. Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (CDT).
9/11/2013
B1G Wins for Valpo Athletics
Trio of matchups against Big Ten teams last weekend for men's and women's soccer and volleyball result in historic victories; provide confidence for Crusaders moving forward
9/8/2013
Crusaders Remain Unbeaten With Win Over #RV/24 Michigan State
The Crusader men entered their contest against Michigan State unbeaten, but without a win. That changed Sunday afternoon as Valpo defeated the #RV/24 ranked Spartans 2-1. Nick Suker (Downers Grove, Ill./South) would score his first goal of the season and subsequent game winner in the 79th minute of the match. Valpo would go on to keep its goal advantage and pick up its first win of the season, remaining unbeaten.
9/6/2013
Crusaders Pick Up Important League Point
For the third time in as many games, extra time would be needed to decide the result of a Crusader men’s soccer match. In this edition, the Crusaders traveled to Rochester, Mich. to take on the Oakland Grizzlies; the newest member of the Horizon League. Typical of Horizon League games, this was a highly competitive, physical, and skillful contest. The game ended in a hard fought 1-1 draw, with Charles Barden (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Linn-Mar) scoring the lone Crusader goal.
9/6/2013
Crusaders Open League Play Friday at Oakland; Travel to Michigan State Sunday
The Valparaiso men’s side is back on the road as the team travels to Rochester and East Lansing, Mich. to take part in the Grizzly/Spartan Crossover Tournament. The Crusaders kick off the 2013 Horizon League campaign on Friday, taking on Oakland, in what will be the side’s third game of the season. Valpo then travels to East Lansing to wrap up the weekend with a game against a top-25 Michigan State squad.
9/4/2013
Mike Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Men's soccer head coach Mike Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week, following the Crusaders' pair of draws on their opening weekend of play.
9/2/2013
Serratore, Ortiz Selected to All-Tournament Team
Redshirt junior goalkeeper, Tom Serratore (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) and senior midfielder, Jesse Ortiz (Aurora, Ill./West Aurora) were selected to the Mike Gibbs Memorial All-Tournament team for their performances against Jacksonville and North Florida on the weekend.
9/1/2013
Crusaders Battle Back to Earn Draw
With little turnover between games, the Crusader men were back in action Sunday afternoon to take on the North Florida Ospreys. Having played 110 minutes in hot, humid Jacksonville weather on Friday night, the Crusaders again found themselves going the distance in the hot Florida weather, as the two teams played to a 1-1 draw.
8/31/2013
Despite Being Reduced to 10 Men, Valpo Preserves Draw
The Crusader men posted a 0-0 draw Friday night in Jacksonville, despite being a man down for the final 23 minutes of regulation and the duration of overtime. Although the team was unable to walk away with the result that they had hoped for, head coach Mike Avery was pleased with the fight and attitude his team showed.
8/29/2013
Crusader Men's Soccer Set to Open Season
The Valparaiso men’s soccer team opens the 2013 regular season campaign with a pair of games in Jacksonville, Fla. this weekend. The Crusaders take on Jacksonville on Friday, Aug. 30, and then North Florida on Sunday, Sept. 1 at the Mike Gibbs Memorial Tournament.
8/27/2013
What You Need to Know - Valpo Men's Soccer
With the men's soccer team set to begin regular season play this weekend at the Mike Gibbs Memorial Tournament in Jacksonville, FL, read about what you can expect from the Crusader men during the 2013 campaign.
8/19/2013
Avery Rounds Out Coaching Staff
In addition to hiring Kelly Altman as the men’s lead assistant coach and promoting Brendan Roth to second assistant coach/reserve team head coach; Valparaiso men’s soccer coach Mike Avery has added two more to his staff for the 2013 season. Garrett Estrin has joined the staff as a volunteer assistant coach, while Brett Gorden has been named the director of soccer operations.
8/15/2013
VUMSO Predicted to Finish Seventh in Horizon League Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso University men’s soccer team has been picked to finish seventh in Horizon League play for the upcoming 2013 season, as announced today by the League office. The Crusader men are coming off a 2-2-3 Horizon League regular season that culminated in a heartbreaking 1-0 semifinal loss to eventual league Tournament champion, Cleveland State.
7/29/2013
Men's Soccer Adds Two More Players
The Valparaiso men's soccer program announced two more additions to its 2013 roster on Monday, as freshman Nico Campbell and SMU transfer Jacob Gandarilla will join the Crusader program for this coming season.
7/26/2013
Men's Soccer Adds Altman to Coaching Staff; Promotes Roth
Valparaiso men's soccer head coach Mike Avery >announced today that Kelly Altman has joined the Crusader coaching staff as the program's lead assistant coach. In addition, Brendan Roth, who spent the 2012 season as a volunteer assistant, has been promoted to the program's second assistant position.
7/23/2013
Serratore Graces Cover of NCAA Champion Magazine
Valparaiso redshirt junior goalkeeper Tom Serratore is featured on the cover of the Summer 2013 issue of the NCAA Champion magazine in a story which highlights his efforts with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, including the organization of the men's soccer program's annual head-shaving fundraiser.
