8B the university daily kansan
sports
wednesday, september 3,2003
Men's club soccer builds program with tough season
By Nikkil Nugent
nngugent@kansan.com
Kansan Sportswriter
The University of Kansas men's club soccer team may not be a varsity team, but it is one of the most accomplished teams at Kansas.
The team is made up of KU students, many of whom transferred to the University after playing a year or more of Division II or Division III soccer. Second-year coach Matthew McCune said the players generally transferred because club soccer was less strenuous than varsity soccer but was still serious and competitive.
McCune, club soccer alumnus said he coached the team because it had been dropping in numbers and losing recognition.
and roaming recognizlons
"I wanted to try and help the fellas who are out here get the
program back up on its feet," McCune said.
The Jayhawks played two preseason games in August this year for the first time. They played to a 2-2 tie against the varsity team at the University of Missouri-Rolla and defeated Missouri-Southern 3-0.
The Jayhawks have a tough schedule this season, with varsity teams from Midwest schools as well as Top 25-ranked club teams.
McCune said there hadn't been much competition from area club teams so he planned a harder schedule this year. In his two years as coach, the Jayhawks have not lost a league game. One of the team's biggest challenges is the Colorado Mountain Invitational. The defending national champions Weber State will be the team to beat.
Each year, 24 teams go to the National Tournament, and this
year's seniors are familiar with it. The team finished sixth at the tournament last year, eighth in 2001 and in the Top 10 in 2000.
The team wants to make it to the National Tournament in Alabama in November. Andy Nussbaum, a Wichita junior who missed a Division I scholarship because of injuries, said the team had a good chance of winning the championship if it continued to work hard and play well together.
The team is a University's Recreation Services club program, and is funded with money from Recreation Services as well as sponsorships from Lawrence businesses.
ships from Lawrence, Missouri.
The team plays a home game against Kansas State at 1 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Shenk Complex, 23rd and Iowa streets.
-Edited by Ehren Meditz
Sean Murray, Topeka, senior, left, screened out a defender while Robby Rucker, Wichita, sophomore, right attempted a shot on goal. The Men's Club Soccer tournament was cancelled last weekend impart to inclimate weather.
kansan.com
804 Massachusetts St. • Downtown Lawrence • (785) 843-5000
"Always the 'Best' Specials, Always the 'Most' Fun!"
Thur
$1.50 Schooners
No Cover with KU ID
SCHOOHERS COOKIES CIGARS POOL
must be 21 to enter
1009 MASS. LAWRENCE
First Management Living Communities.
1