Mountain State’s Birkelbach wanted better end to season

By Dan Stillwell
Register-Herald Sports Writer

Last Friday’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Asbury College in the KIAC men’s soccer tournament isn’t sitting too well with John Birkelbach.

“We had a goal of reaching 10 wins and we fell short,” the Mountain State University coach said. “Our goal was to win the conference championship and we fell short.”

The Cougars, in their second year of collegiate ball, ended their campaign with a 9-6-2 record.

That’s a great improvement over last year’s debut mark of 5-11, but Birkelbach wanted more.

“We had definitely obtainable goals,” he said. “The way it ended left a sour taste in our mouths.”

MSU lost its two final regular season matches and had a third, with Bryan College, canceled.

The rusty Cougars came out flat against Asbury.

“We showed we hadn’t played a game in two weeks,” Birkelbach said. “Asbury was hungry for the game.”

Things worsened when standout MSU forward-midfielder Charlot Nacius received a red card in the 22nd minute.

“I think it was a poor decision by the referee at this point of the season,” Birkelbach said. “A yellow card was deserved, but the guy who tackled him got nothing.”

Asbury’s Danny Winklepeck scored five minutes later.

While the Cougars played well with 10 men, particularly in the second half, they were unable to score an equalizer.

“We were shut out of just two games the whole season and both of them were on (artificial) turf,” Birkelbach said. “We have difficulty adjusting to the speed of the game on turf.”

MSU finished second in the KIAC regular season standings. Nacius, Ali Katrib, Michel Hiza and Adam Thompson earned all-conference honors.

Midfielder Katrib and goalkeeper Thompson, particularly, had excellent seasons.

“Ali is always one of the best players in the game,” Birkelbach said. “He had some brilliant goals and got a ton of assists.

“Adam is a real man back there. Not having a backup for the past two seasons speaks volumes for him.”

Birkelbach now turns his attention to recruiting. He’s looking for a defensive midfielder, more defenders and a backup keeper.

“I’m looking to bring in quality players, bigger players,” he said. “College soccer is very physical.”

“Our defense definitely improved, and it was a much better team than last year.

“If we can do that same improvement again, we’ll take some big steps next year.”