KANSAS CITY, Mo—The Spurgeon College men’s soccer team traveled to Orlando, Florida, last week to compete in the 2024 NCCAA DII National Championship Tournament. Making its first National Tournament appearance in program history, the Spurgeon Knights placed 8th in a historic season.
“I am incredibly proud of the Spurgeon Knights men’s soccer team,” said President Jason Allen. “To make the National Championship Tournament in the first five years of our program’s history says a lot. I want to offer a special congratulations and thanks to our head coach and athletic director, Matt Risher. Matt has done a great job in not only building a program but also discipling his players. I look forward to what the Lord does with our soccer programs in the years ahead.”
This year, the Spurgeon Knights men’s soccer team led all college soccer (NCAA, NAIA, NCCAA) in goals scored. Senior Sage Ballard led the scoring efforts for the Knights, finishing the season with the most goals scored in the 2024 season.
Head Coach Matt Risher commented on the team’s success this year, saying, “The thing that sticks out most from this season about this group is their comradery. They genuinely enjoy each other on and off the field. They are a fun group that has stuck together through the highs and lows. I’m looking forward to seeing how they handle the pressure of a national tournament.”
Risher went on to share that the success of Spurgeon College’s soccer program goes far beyond wins and losses. His team is built upon a foundation of Christian values that impacts each student-athlete on and off the field.
“Soccer is a tool and a gift that allows us to practice the disciplines of the Christian faith. Hard work, kindness, self-control, and repentance are some of the many characteristics that soccer brings out. Our team’s identity is not wrapped up in the results of the sport but in the person of Jesus Christ.”
Athletics History
Since launching its athletics program in 2019, Spurgeon College has continued to pursue athletic excellence by adding new sports and competing at the highest levels in the current athletic teams.
The Knights have ranked in the top ten in men’s basketball, received national tournament bids in cross country, and finished 7th in the NCCAA DII national tournament in men’s soccer.
The Knights soccer program celebrated the completion of their fourth season, after beginning in 2020. Risher commented, “Over the years we have seen significant and steady growth. We now have the most talented team we’ve ever had.”
He went on, “The ability of our team improves year over year, and the recruits we have coming in are helping us start each year at a higher baseline. Spiritually, the Lord has been kind to bring young men who are mature beyond their years as well. Leaders such as Isaac DeRouchie, Derrick Rodriguez, Jackson Edwards, and Rylen Ballard have had a tremendous impact on our team’s individual walks with the Lord.”
Speaking as Athletics Director of Spurgeon College, Risher concluded with his hopes for the future. He said, “We are achieving our vision, day by day and year by year. By God’s grace, we have created an athletics program that all of the faculty, staff, and students at Spurgeon College can be proud of. We believe this is only the beginning.”
