The NCC men’s soccer team is picking up where they left off last season. The 2021 squad was flat-out dominants, posting an 18-2-1 record to go with a CCIW tournament title. The scariest part about this team is that they are practically returning every single member from last season. Not to mention, a transfer from Ohio State, Ty Konrad, ’24, makes this group’s offensive attack that much stronger.
Through six games this season, the Cardinals are sporting a 6-0-2 record. They started off with wins in their first three games against Marian University, Carlton College and Kalamazoo College. In those three victories, the men outscored their opponents 7-1.
They didn’t have as much luck over their next two matches. They tied Concordia University (WI) and Rose-Hulman. Both matches were 1-1, keeping one thing consistent with this team so far this season, their defense has been impeccable. Most recently, the men were able to secure a 3-1 win against The University of Dubuque last Sunday.
Keys to success
Allowing four goals total across the team’s first eight matches is a sign of good things to come this season. As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. One of the most significant factors on the defensive end for the team so far has most definitely been junior goalkeeper, Sid Marquardt. The Hartland, WI., native has already recorded multiple shutouts and was named CCIW Defensive Player of the Week earlier this month.
When asked about some keys to this group’s success so far this season, Marquardt brought up leadership as a key quality.
“I think the one thing that has helped to our strong start is the leadership from upperclassmen. We are returning almost all of our players, so we have great chemistry, and everybody knows their roles,” said Marquardt.
Marquardt also brought up the team’s newcomers as an important aspect of how they go about their business. “Another key that has helped this year is the freshmen that have come in,” said Marquardt. We had 25 freshmen come in this year. As challenging as that is, it has also pushed each player in their own positions to compete and to perform at the end of the day.”
On the offensive side of things, seniors Jack Fairwood and Johnny Kraemer have led the charge in the scoring department so far this season, posting two goals each through the first six matches of the fall.
Kraemer’s spin on possible keys to success for this group has a lot more to do with off-the-field activity than on-the-field. He’s a big believer in everyone “buying in” to what they have in the program this season.
“Whether that is going 110% every practice, 110% in the weight room, watching every film, watching the opposition’s film, and so much more. You just have to buy into success. Once everyone does, you can have a much more successful team,” said Kraemer.
Double vision
With the team mainly remaining the same from last season, it’s fair to say that there are comparisons that can be made between the 2022 and 2021 squads.
“The biggest similarity that I see in this year’s squad from last year’s champions is the desire to not give up goals. We pride ourselves on shutouts, and personally, I have set a goal for myself this year to face the least number of shots possible,” said Marquardt.
Looking ahead
There is no secret that the NCC men’s group is one of, if not the team to beat on the pitch this fall. Having just two losses last season, finishing second in the regular season standings, and winning the conference tournament at the end of the season most definitely turned some heads across the CCIW. The leadership is vital to this team’s success, not only from the upperclassman but from the coaching staff as well.
“The coach always has a huge impact on the team and basically sets all the standards which we should achieve in the year, said Kraemer. I feel Coach Fuschino has done everything possible to set us up for success. We just need to allow that success to hit the field,” Kraemer mentioned that Coach Enzo Fuschino has well prepared the team for all that is to come.
The Cardinals begin their CCIW play on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Elmhurst. Their conference home-opener is scheduled for Oct. 12 against North Park.
