UREC Men's Soccer Club Finishes Season Stong

The University of Arkansas Men’s Soccer Club resumed practices in January following a stellar fall season that was capped off with a league championship, the second in the club’s history. In addition to a title in the Oklahoma College Club Soccer League (OCCSL), the club also made appearances in the regional tournament in Wichita, Kan., and NIRSA National Campus Championship Series Nationals in Memphis, Tenn.

In both outings the team was eliminated very narrowly in the qualifying rounds, but still gained valuable experience for a young roster. Hoping to build upon its success last semester, the club planned to resume practices in February, but weather prevented this until March. The club’s first practice back was a scrimmage against a local men’s outdoor team from Springdale. The Men’s Club players did not miss a beat; winning handily at 6-1 with a roster composed of predominantly freshmen and sophomores.

As the club looks to the future, they bid adieu to a few prominent seniors and starters over the last few years. Star goalkeeper, Weston Clegg is graduating in May, leaving a crucial void between the posts. In addition, first team players Hayden Scharff and Michael Stevens will depart the club after their graduations in May, leaving vacancies on offense. Perhaps hardest farewell will be to the club’s “Van Wilder” midfielder, Andrew Pritchard. With a long tenure of five and a half years, his skillful presence on the pitch and leadership over the years will be missed.

Currently, the club is poised to work through a transitional period in the coming months. Christian Buechel, a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, will take the reigns as new president of the club, along with fellow sophomore, Sebastian Soroeta, working closely alongside as the new vice president. Despite these leadership changes, the club will continue to be coached by volunteer coach and founder of the club, David Yanniello.

“The club made really great strides this year,” said coach David Yaniello. “Going to Nationals for the first time in the club's history was also a great experience for everyone, especially the young guys. With the leadership and talent we have and will continue to recruit, I expect big things from this team here on out.”

For the remainder of the semester, the Men’s Soccer Club will be rigorously practicing twice a week. The club recently participated in the ALPFA soccer tournament in Bentonville, Ark., a volunteering event at the Hogeye Half Marathon, and continuous fundraising to support travel in the fall of 2013, including a trip to Phoenix, Ariz., for the 2013 NIRSA National Tournament.

The future is bright for the University of Arkansas Men’s Soccer Club as they continue to build on their several accomplishments.