Freshman midfielder Seth Harken helped the Saints tie the school record for wins in a season at 11 in 2007.

April 22, 2008

MOBERLY, Mo. — Injuries hit the Saints hard to close out the 2007 season, but it wasn't enough to spoil one of the most successful soccer campaigns in school history.

The Saints finished 11-10-1 in 2007, matching the 2002 squad for the highest win total in the program's 11-year history. The season was capped off by a second-place finish in the first annual ACCA National Tournament in Joplin, Mo.

"We had a promising start, and despite all the injuries, we still ended up with a good record," Central coach Josh Sanchez said. "Injuries are something you can't avoid, but when we gain more depth in the team, hopefully that will not be such an issue."

It was the third winning season overall and only the second winning conference record for the program. The Saints tied for third in the Midwest Christian College Conference with Ozark Christian College.

At one point in the season, the team sat at 9-5-1 before injuries took their toll. The CCCB men went on to take fourth place in the MCCC Tournament, while a total five Saints earned all-conference status, also a record for the school.

"That shows the progress we've made as a team, and as a school," Sanchez said. "We believe the talent is there, but we had to go through the building years to get to where we are now. I am pretty satisfied with the wins, but I know there is still room for improvement."

The 2007 season culminated with a 3-0 victory over Southwestern Christian University (Okla.) and a 7-0 loss to Ozark Christian College in the championship of the ACCA Natioanl Tournament. While some credit goes to the Ambassadors for their play in the game, the two teams played to a 3-3 tie in double-overtime earlier in the season.

"I wish we would have had our full squad to compete," Sanchez said. "As the program continues to grow, and we continue in the right direction, we look forward to many more championship games."