| "Let your lives speak." |
- George Fox |
Furthering a proud tradition of thirteen consecutive winning seasons, this year's SSFS Men's Varsity Soccer Team completed an overall campaign of 5-3-5 (5-2-3 in PVAC). In search of the program's tenth conference championship since 1999*, the fourth seeded 'Beests entered the 2009 PVAC playoffs with six shutouts in twelve games (0.67 GAA), anchored by senior keeper and team MVP Brian Palmer, securing home-field advantage for the eleventh season in a row, while making their fourteenth consecutive playoff appearance under Coach Polón.
Exemplifying the actual size of the battle in the 'Beests, all three losses this season were tightly-contested one-goal affairs and three of the five draws forced penalty kick shootouts, which SSFS advanced on twice, including claiming the program's fourth Francisco Hope Tournament crown. En route, this year's five ties set a new program single-season record (please refer to Hall of Fame). In addition, the 'Beests proudly defended their beloved Preuss Field, compiling a 5-2-0 regular & playoff season home record, before eventually bowing out nobly in the conference quarterfinals on penalty kicks (4-3), following a dramatic 2-2 draw through double-overtime.
Among the six graduating Gentlemen-Warriors, the 'Beests induct two four-year varsity members to their prestigious Ring-of-Honor: Luke Savonis and Madison Stebbins. This duo finishes their illustrious four-year careers on varsity with an overall record of 39-10-11 and a PVAC record of 32-7-7, including two PVAC Tournament Championships ('06 & '08), one PVAC Regular Season Championship ('06), one Francisco Hope Tournament crown ('09), and one SSFS Preseason PlayDay Tournament ('09). Additionally, they leave knowing that they helped earn an impressive 36 shutouts in 60 regular season and playoff games.
In recognition of their outstanding performance, three 'Beests were recognized among the top twenty-two conference all-star selections. Senior midfielder Luke Savonis (7 goals & 7 assists for 21 points in 18 games) was named to the All-PVAC First Team, while junior Drew Carneal (5 goals & 8 assists for 18 points in 10 games) and sophomore Braeden Kelly (8 goals & 5 assists for 21 points in 18 games) were both named to the All-PVAC Second Team. In addition, senior goalkeeper Brian Palmer received the designated honor of a Coach’s selection for his Herculean consistency all season.
In conclusion, this season could not have been possible were it not for the support of our loyal and supportive fans!
* SSFS MEN'S VARSITY SOCCER PVAC CHAMPIONSHIPS:
1999 League Banner & Tournament Plaque
2000 League Banner
2004 Tournament Plaque
2005 League & Tournament Banners
2006 League & Tournament Banners
2008 Tournament Banner
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