AU men’s and women’s soccer receives numerous end-of-season awards

Both teams prepare for GMAC Championship match

The Eagles continue their impressive play as both teams look to the GMAC title game.

Cade Cracas, Sports & Digital Editor
November 4, 2022

The Ashland University men’s and women’s soccer teams have found similar success. Both teams finished the season No. 2 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, survived the semi-final round of the postseason tournament, punched their ticket to the title game and have now received conference end-of-season awards.

After impressive records for both teams, 14-3-2 for the women and 11-6-1 for the men, the conference has recognized those that made incredible impacts.

For the men, Head Coach Nick Roberts won Coach of the Year, sophomore Ty Bowden won Goalkeeper of the Year and freshman defender Francesco Chiappo won Freshman of the Year.

Roberts led the team to an 11-6-1 record with just a few starters returning from last season. With practically an entirely fresh roster, including countless freshmen starting, the impressive No. 2 seed can be attributed to stellar coaching from Roberts.

Bowden has played every single minute this season including a six-game stretch where he was dealing with an arm injury that teams would attempt to utilize. Whether it was the opposing teams shooting towards his hurt arm, or trying to get physical inside the box, nothing could stop Bowden. He has posted 68 saves and six shutouts allowing just 1.39 goals per contest.

Chiappo has been one of the consistent bright spots for the Eagles on the back line. While other defenders went down with injuries or had rough games, he made an impact on each and every offensive possession opposing teams led against him.

“I personally wasn’t expecting it. I am very happy and also grateful to the coaches and teammates for their help. I hope in the future we can win more as a team and continue to progress,” said Chiappo.

He was often matched up with the opposing team’s best players and shut them down. On numerous occasions, he would put his body on the line saving goals when the ball fell back to him. He also finished the year with one goal. To many, it was no surprise this award was given to him.

Alongside those honored with awards, 5th-year forward Haruki Kimura was announced as a GMAC first-team member. He’s recorded 10 goals and two assists. Team captain, and junior midfielder, Matthew Roberts was announced as a GMAC second-team member for his stellar play in the midfield. He finished the season with three goals, two of which occurred on penalty kicks showcasing the trust the team had in him.

On the women’s side of things, there were many bright spots.

6th-year defender Rylie Howman won Defensive Player of the Year helping to lead the Eagles to their 14-3-2 record. While being an anchor on defense, they allowed just 14 goals on the season and 10 shutouts. Her leadership of the underclassmen has set the team up for future success after graduation.

Howman was also announced as a first-team member. Alongside Howman, junior defender Maddy Grabowski and forwards McKinley Mendenhall and Bailey Clark were announced as first-team members.

Grabowski helped lead the strong defensive wall alongside Howman. She also has utilized her strong leg to send in incredible crosses and passes setting up offensive possessions. She finished the year with three assists.

Clark and Mendenhall led the offense to success. Clark leads the team in game-winning goals with five on the season to go alongside eight goals. Mendenhall, whos just a sophomore, has made an impressive jump in her second season with nine goals and 13 assists as one of the top assisters in Division II.

With four players being recognized as first-team members, the Eagles also saw three recognized as second-team members.

Those three were freshman forward Dani Hicks, fifth-year Georgia Nagucki and goalkeeper Bri Rogers.

Hick has nine goals and five assists in her breakout season. Her shifty and quick play style ramped up the offensive production alongside Mendenhall and Clark.

Nagucki, who leads the midfield for the Eagles, has recorded five goals and three assists. Alongside Grabowski, Nagucki was one of the primary free-kick takers, especially when there was a chance to find the back of the net. She currently has three goals stemming from penalty kicks.

Rogers has led the GMAC this season in shutouts with 10, breaking the double-digit mark in the Eagles’ most recent semi-final match against the Walsh Cavaliers. She has posted 53 saves allowing just 14 goals to go alongside a 0.79 goals per contest stat line.

With both Eagle teams having talent that’s been recognized by the league, its no surprise they will be playing in the GMAC title match Saturday, Nov. 5. Both teams will be taking on the