Air Force Mens' Soccer 2000 Season Wrap Up
12/7/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Despite a valiant effort by young and inexperienced players, the 2000 men's soccer team ended its season with a losing record. The Falcons were 5-9-1 - the first time since 1995 that the soccer team had a losing season. It was also the first time in 33 years that the team failed to win at least six games in a season.
"The 2000 season was a rebuilding season," said head coach Luis Sagastume. "The loss of our two leading scorers presented a challenge to our coaching staff. Young players were forced to perform and fill the gaps left by our departing players."
The Falcons had trouble putting points on the board the entire season. Air Force, which lost 75 percent of its offense from the 1999 season due to graduation or transfers, relied on various newcomers in its efforts to score points. The team managed just 12 goals in 15 games, and was shutout in eight games.
The team's defense was solid throughout the season. Helmed by team captains Donavon Kneuer and Ryan Sagastume, the Falcons' defense kept the team in every game. Seven of the Falcons' losses were by just one goal, including five 0-1 losses.
"Although the record of 5-9-1 is one of our poorest ever, I am very optimistic that next year will be a better year," Sagastume said. "There was a significant amount of learning that took place. Most of our games were lost by one goal and we actually dominated many games."
There were highlights to the 2000 campaign. Sophomore Thomas Clark scored goals in victories over Wisconsin and Vermont in the New Mexico Invitational, and earned tournament most valuable player. Clark, who led the team in scoring with seven points, was named to the MPSF all-conference honorable mention team. Britton Miller, who had six points on the season, was named to the MPSF all-conference second team.
The team awards, voted on by team members, were given to Donovan Kneuer (Most Valuable Player), Terry Welliver (Most Inspirational Player), Britt Miller (Most Improved Player) and Casey Chronister (Rookie of the Year).
The Falcons season looked promising from the start, with victories against Wisconsin and Vermont to win the New Mexico Invitational, followed by back-to-back conference victories over Fresno State and Sacramento State. However, scoring troubles plagued the Falcons in their final six games, as the team managed just one goal in six consecutive losses. Air Force lost to Fresno State 8-0 in the final game of the season. The loss tied the record for the team's worst loss in the Falcons' 45-year history.
The best match of the season came against San Jose State, who entered the game undefeated and ranked first in the nation. The Falcons played even with the Spartans the entire game. Unfortunately, hopes of an upset were dashed late, as San Jose State scored in overtime to defeat the Falcons 1-0.
The Falcons had a chance to win the game in regulation. With less than five minutes remaining in the game, Sagastume's shot on an open goal was deflected at the last moment by a Spartan defender and the game went into overtime. Mike Brophy played a stellar game at goalkeeper, making numerous brilliant goals to keep the game scoreless. Brophy finished the game with six saves.
"Despite losing, I couldn't be prouder of our team's performance against San Jose State," Luis Sagastume said. "It will be a memorable game for us; few teams were able to take the nationally-ranked Spartans to overtime."
Almost the entire team will return next season, as the team loses just two players to graduation. Air Force has a strong junior varsity program to draw players from and there are numerous blue chip athletes on tap to attend the Academy. The last time the Falcons had a losing season was in 1995, when the team was 7-8-1. They followed that year up with a 14-3-3 season. Expect history to repeat itself next year, as the Air Force men's soccer team should follow up a losing 2000 season with a stellar 2001 season.
Head Coach: Luis Sagastume
Season Record: 5-9-1
Team Captains: Ryan Sagastume and Donavon Kneuer
Most Valuable Player: Donavon Kneuer
Most Inspirational Player: Terry Welliver
Most Improved Player: Britt Miller
Rookie of the Year: Casey Chronister
MPSF All-Conference (Second team): Britton Miller
MPSF All-Conference (Hon Mention): Thomas Clark
