08/24/12

Story by Tyler Cundith

M.Soccer – Cavaliers face defending champs in opener

OVERLAND PARK, KS – Johnson County men’s soccer coach Fatai Ayoade heads into the 2012 campaign with no illusions. The 13-year Cavalier mentor knows and understands the upcoming season presents many challenges, none bigger than their opening day opponent. 

Johnson County opens the season Aug. 25, against defending national champion and preseason No. 1 ranked Cloud County Community College. JCCC owns a commanding lead in the series at 41-12-1, but the Thunderbirds have won four of the past five meetings, including a 5-0 shutout over the Cavaliers last season. 

Another challenge for Ayoade and his staff is to have his young squad ready to take on the defending champions. Johnson County’s roster features 21 newcomers and only three veteran players, so Ayoade is hopeful this group are quick studies and believe they can stand up to the challenge. 

“When we began preparing for the season, there was a great deal of uncertainty as to where everyone would be playing, but that really has been a positive because of the opportunity it has presented our young players to make an impact immediately.” Ayoade said. “We may lack experience, but this is an extremely talented group of players.” 

Parity definitely exists at all positions on the field this year, and there will be plenty of competition for starting jobs and playing time. The challenge for the 24 members of the team will be to see whom steps forward on the field to earn several of the starting positions available. 

“We are going to have to mature quickly, but if they are determined and dedicated to the program and goals we set from the first day, we’ll be tough to beat,” Ayoade said. “Team chemistry is vital. If this group can put their egos aside and come together and work together, we will have a tremendous season. 

Two players Ayoade will need to find immediate replacements for are all-conference defender Devin Zvosec and all-conference forward Daniel Kessler.  Zvosec was the leader of the defense the past two seasons, and his departure in the back will be sorely missed. Ayoade may look to returning defenders Dele’ Popoola and Joel Wiebe , key players last year for JCCC, to step up and lead defense in 2012. Popoola started 12 games in the back, and Wiebe was a starter nine times. 

The loss of Kessler’s scoring prowess leaves Ayoade searching for more scoring offense. While he may not have a dominant scorer as he did with Kessler, there is one returning player and number of newcomers who will be able to make significant contributions. Sophomore forward Luis Cadena tied for second on the team in scoring last year, finishing with three goals and three assists for nine points. 

Since its inaugural season in 1976, the Johnson County men’s soccer program has been the most dominate team in NJCAA Region VI, winning 14 titles, more than double the nearest competitor. Ayoade owns four of those championships, but it has been seven years since the Cavaliers last hoisted the region hardware, and in five of those seven years, JCCC failed to advance past the first round of the tournament. 

Ayoade believes this team has the talent and ability to contend for a title this year, and Saturday’s match will be a great test for his young Cavaliers. 

“We are excited to open the season against one of the best teams in the country,” Ayoade said. “We know Cloud will be tough and we will be tested, but I am confident my team is up to the challenge.”

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