Pulvers

Nov. 14 | Pulvers resigns after 10 years

Baker University’s Ron Pulvers, the winningest men’s soccer coach in program history, has announced his resignation to accept a position as head men’s soccer coach at California State University - San Marcos in San Marcos, Calif.

Pulvers compiled a 126-70-14 record in 10 years at Baker, where he guided the Wildcats to five Heart of America Athletic Conference titles. The Wildcats qualified for the national tournament three times since Pulvers took over the program in 1996.

Baker ended its season with a 4-1 regional loss to Graceland on Nov. 8.

Johnston

Nov. 9 | Graceland tops Baker 4-1

The Baker University men's soccer team's season ended Wednesday in the first round of the NAIA Region V tournament after its loss to the Graceland University Yellow Jackets 4-1 at North Park.

The Wildcats, who had reached three straight national championship tournaments in the past three years, took the lead in the opening of the second half thanks to a goal in traffic from junior Marty Johnston. However, Graceland's Guillermo Sanchez answered right back for the Yellow Jackets, and after back-and-forth play for the rest of the first half, the teams went to the break tied 1-1.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Graceland came out firing on all cylinders and scored three goals in the second half. Matt Klaus had the game winner for the Yellow Jackets, while Jesus Rodriguez and Sanchez added the final two goals. The Wildcats had some opportunities in the final minutes, but ultimately came up short.

The team ended the year with a 10-8-1 record and a fourth-place finish in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Junior defender David Russell passes the ball while marked by a Benedictine College defender in the Wildcats' 3-2 overtime loss to the Ravens.

Oct. 27 | Ravens top Baker in overtime

The Baker University men's soccer team's hopes for a Heart of America Athletic Conference championship took a hit Wednesday with the team's loss to Benedictine College 3-2 in overtime.

The Wildcats entered the game with their destiny in their own hands - if they won their final two games, they would win the championship. However, despite goals from junior forward Marty Johnston and sophomore midfielder Josh McDaniel from the penalty spot, the team will have to hope from help from the rest of the conference.

The team led most of the game until giving up a goal late in the game. Going into overtime, the Wildcats were able to captalize, and the Ravens made them pay with a chipped goal scored with junior goalkeeper Brett Clark charging out of his goal.

The Wildcats' record now stands at 10-6-1 overall and 5-2-1 in the HAAC. The team's final regular season game will be against Missouri Valley College at 3 p.m. Saturday at the North Park fields.

Russell

Oct. 21 | Wildcats fall to Park 3-1

Park University gave Baker’s men’s soccer team its fifth set back of the year, a 3-1 loss, Thursday night in Parkville, Mo.

The Pirates came out strong and capitalizing on a through ball to freshman James Katajwa who finished the shot in the 12th minute to take the early 1-0 lead.

Park quickly added its second goal less than ten minutes later when junior Paul McLaughlin was credited for a goal on a Baker failed clearance.

The ’Cats fought back with a goal of its own after being down 2-0 in the 25th minute. Sophomore Travis Moore crossed the ball to a streaking David Russell for Baker’s first and only goal of the game.

Baker continued its offensive pressure on Park, creating numerous opportunities, including two questionable calls in which junior forward Marty Johnston was pulled down by the last Park defender but only resulting in one yellow card.

Down 2-1 at halftime, the Wildcats still had the chance to upset the No. 7 team in the country until Park’s Katajwa put the game out of reach on his second goal of the game in the 55th minute. Junior goalkeeper Bret Clark stopped the initial breakaway by senior Ross Stride, but couldn’t get to Katajwa’s shot to prevent the 3-1 deficit.

The loss drops Baker’s record to 10-5-1 overall. However, Baker still has the chance to capture the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season title. The ’Cats will have five days off to prepare for its final two games of the season – two conference home games. The first being against rival Benedictine College at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Missouri Valley College at 3 p.m. Saturday, both at North Park.

Nicklin

Oct. 19 | BU tops MidAmerica in 88th minute

It took a full 88 minutes, but Baker University’s men’s soccer team pulled out a late 1-0 victory over Heart of America Athletic Conference opponent MidAmerica Nazarene University Tuesday in Olathe.

Junior Shaun Nicklin scored the lone goal two minutes before the end of regulation play to win the game for the Wildcats. The goal was Nicklin’s 12th of the year.

The win improves the ’Cats’ record to 10-4-1 overall and 5-1-1 in HAAC standings. The Pioneers were undefeated in conference play and 10-1-3 before the loss to Baker.

Baker will return to action Thursday against NAIA No. 7 Park University in Parkville, Mo., for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Appell

Oct. 17 | Wildcats earn tie with defending national champs

After a two full 45 minute halves and two additional ten minute overtime periods, Baker University’s men’s soccer team tied the defending national champion the Lindenwood Lions 1-1 in St. Charles, Mo., Saturday evening.

Both teams fought for possession and the lead, garnering offensive opportunities in the first half. Numerous yellow cards and a red card to LU’s Martin Barreiro midway through left the ’Cats up a man entering halftime with a scoreless tie.

Midway through the second half, Lindenwood found the back of the net off a corner kick for the 1-0 advantage. Changing its formation for more offensive attack, the ’Cats tied the game when junior defender Scott Appell ripped a shot 35 yards out and deflected off a defender into the goal.

The tie sent the game into sudden death overtime, but neither team could score a goal to finish the game.

Baker’s record is now 9-4-1 on the season, and 4-1-1 in conference play. The ’Cats will travel to Olathe Tuesday for another HAAC game versus MidAmerica Nazarene University at 4 p.m.

The Baker University men’s soccer team dominated en route to its fourth Heart of America Athletic Conference win against Avila University Wednesday.

Six different Wildcats scored in the 9-0 blowout in Kansas City, Mo.

Junior forward Shaun Nicklin scored a hat-trick for Baker, while senior Pat Intfen added two and juniors Josh Marchbank, Kevin Schmitt and Kelly Phillips and freshman Matt Hodges each had one.

Junior goalkeeper Bret Clark had the shutout for the Wildcats, who advanced to 4-1 in the conference with the win.

The team now has a 9-4 record heading into its match-up with defending NAIA national champion Lindenwood University at 8 p.m. Saturday in St. Charles, Mo. The Lions are currently ranked 14th in the nation with a 5-3-3 record.

The Baker University men’s soccer team traveled to Florida over Fall Break and returned with mixed results.

The Wildcats defeated NCAA Div. II Rollins College 2-1 before falling to another NCAA Div. II squad, the University of Tampa, 1-0.

In the Wildcats victory over Rollins, the team came out firing on all cylinders. Senior midfielder Michael Garven scored in the sixth minutes off a pass from junior forward Marty Johnston. Sophomore midfielder Josh McDaniel added another just seven minutes later. Baker shut out Rollins for the majority of the game, only allowing the Tars to score with 11 minutes to play.

In the Wildcats game against the University of Tampa however, Baker was not able to mount much of an offensive charge and the only goal of the game came from the Spartans’ Ryan Vetzel in the 71st minute.

After the weekend’s results, the Wildcats stand at 8-4 overall and 3-1 in the HAAC. The team faces off against Avila University at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City, Mo. and then travels to St. Charles, Mo. to play Lindenwood University, last year’s NAIA national champion, at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Oct. 5 | BU loses first HAAC game to Jewell

A breakaway goal four minutes into overtime doomed the Baker University men’s soccer team to its first conference loss of the season.

By falling 3-2 to William Jewell College Tuesday, the Wildcats’ record in the Heart of America Athletic Conference drops to 3-1.

However, after falling behind 2-0 at halftime, it took a valiant effort from Baker to get back into the game in the second half.

Senior forward Pat Intfen scored 15 minutes into the second period before junior forward Marty Johnston put a header in the back of the net off a corner kick with five minutes left in regulation time.

With the loss, the Wildcats’ overall record drops to 8-3. The team will be traveling to Florida over Fall Break to face off against NCAA Div. II schools Rollins College and the University of Tampa Friday and Saturday. The Wildcats will next play at home Oct. 26 against Benedictine College.

Bret Clark

Oct. 4 | Wildcats stay hot in HAAC

The Baker University men’s soccer team continued its hot conference start by taking down Central Methodist University Sunday in Fayette, Mo.

The 3-0 win over the Eagles helped move the Wildcats to an undefeated record in the conference thus far.

Senior midfielder Michael Garven and junior forwards Marty Johnston and Shaun Nicklin each scored for the Wildcats while junior goalkeeper Bret Clark got the shutout.

With the win, Baker moves to 7-2 overall with a 3-0 conference record. The team will next face off against William Jewell College at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the North Park fields.

Marty Johnston

Sept. 27 | Wildcats begin HAAC play with two wins

The Baker University men’s soccer team scored six goals in its first two conference matches while allowing only one to defeat Graceland University 2-0 Saturday and Culver-Stockton College 4-1 Sunday.

Despite being forced to play at Rockhurst University due to unplayable conditions at the North Park fields, the Wildcats began their defense of the HAAC title right. Juniors midfielder Josh Marchbank and forward Marty Johnston scored for the Wildcats in the team's win over the Yellow Jackets, while junior goalkeeper Bret Clark had the shutout.

Against Culver-Stockton Sunday, four Wildcats scored, including sophomore forward Shaun Nicklin, junior midfielder Adrian Salazar, freshman defender Matt Hodges and senior midfielder Michael Garven.

Now 6-2 overall, the Wildcats will not play until Sunday when they play Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo. at 2 p.m. The team will next play at home Tuesday against William Jewell at 4 p.m.

Paul Pfiefler

Shaun Nicklin

Sept. 19 | Baker splits Nebraska results

The Baker University men’s soccer team returned with split results after a two-day trip to Nebraska.

Baker faced its toughest competition in its Saturday game against NAIA No. 19 Hastings College. The Broncos got off to quick start with a goal from Brian Steinert in the 14th minute. Down 1-0 at halftime, the ’Cats came out firing in the second half, but couldn’t manage a goal. 

Baker found its offensive attack in its 4-0 thumping of Doane College on Sunday.

Junior Shaun Nicklin started Baker’s scoring in the 14th minute off an assist from junior Marty Johnston, for a 1-0 halftime lead.

Freshman Matt Hamilton initiated Baker’s scoring run two minutes into the second half, adding the second goal for the Wildcats. Senior Mike Garven converted a pentalty kick just five minutes later and then assisted Nicklin in scoring his second goal of the game in the 64th minute.

Freshman Paul Pfeifler and Junior Bret Clark shared the shutout in goal.

Baker will host Graceland University at 1 p.m. Saturday and Culver-Stockton College at 3 p.m. Sunday, both at North Park.

Marty Johnston

Sept. 15 | Baker rebounds from loss, defeats OU 4-0

The Baker University men’s soccer team bounced back from its first defeat of the year, dominating Ottawa University 4-0 Wednesday at Ottawa.

The Wildcats, who fell to No. 26 in the latest NAIA polls after their loss to Columbia College, got a shutout from sophomore goalkeeper Paul Pfeifler, two goals from sophomore Marty Johnston, and a goal a-piece from senior midfielder Michael Garven and sophomore forward Shaun Nicklin.

The team is now 3-1 heading into its match Saturday at Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. The team’s next home match is Sept. 24 against Graceland University.

Junior midfielder Josh Marchbank heads the ball back into the offensive half during the Wildcats' 1-0 loss to Columbia College Wednesday.

A goal in the 82nd minute from Columbia College gave the Baker University men's soccer team its first loss of the season.

The Cougars scored on a breakaway goal and the Columbia forward chipped Baker goalkeeper Bret Clark to clinch the win for the NAIA No. 20 team.

The first half was largely a back-and-forth affair, with both teams getting opportunities that weren't capitalized on. Baker mustered up a few long-range shots but they were easily gobbled up by the Columbia goalkeeper.

The Cougars enjoyed the majority of the possession in the second half and kept the ball on the Baker half forcing the Wildcats to try and score on counter-attacks, but all of the attempts from Baker were unsuccessful.

With the loss, Baker falls to 2-1 heading into a week-long break before going to Ottawa University to face the Braves Sept. 14.

The Baker University men's soccer team moved from No. 15 to No. 10 in the latest NAIA National Poll. The Wildcats defeated Northwestern College and Morningside College last weekend, each by a 3-2 margin.

The Wildcats will face off against No. 18 Columbia College at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the North Park fields.

Johnston

Ranked No. 15 in the NAIA national poll, Baker University men’s soccer team edged its first nationally ranked opponent Sunday 3-2 in No. 19 Morningside College at North Park.

The ’Cats fell behind early in the first half when Morningside’s Jake Green scored in the 12th minute, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Baker bounced back into the game the in second 45-minutes with goals from sophomore Shaun Nicklin and junior Marty Johnston. Minutes after Johnston gave Baker the 2-1 lead, Tim McCabe netted the final goal for Morningside in the 63rd minute tying the game 2-2.

With 10 minutes left in the contest, junior Kelly Phillips scored the game-winner for Baker as the Wildcats picked up its second win of the season with a 2-0 record.

BU out-shot the Mustangs 16-8 in the win.

Next up for the ’Cats will be No. 20 Columbia College at 5 p.m. Wednesday at North Park.  The Cougars picked up their first win of the season – a 1-0 triumph over Northwestern College, the same team Baker beat 3-2 Sept. 2. Both Baker and Columbia are ranked No. 2 and No. 3 respectively in the NAIA Region V poll.

Sophomore midfielder Travis Moore dribbles the ball past a Northwestern College defender during the Wildcats' 3-2 win over the Raiders Friday at the North Park

Two quick goals from sophomore forward Shaun Nicklin helped ensure the Baker University men's soccer team got its season off to a winning start, defeating Northwestern College (iowa) 3-2 at the North Park fields Friday.

Nicklin scored twice in the first 10 minutes, but the Wildcats and Raiders split possession throughout most of the 45 minutes. Northwestern scored late in the half to pull within one, but junior forward Marty Johnston scored the gamewinner at the beginning of the second half.

Northwestern scored a goal with five minutes left in the game, but the Wildcats were able to hold on and begin their season 1-0 after splitting two exhibition games.

The team next plays Morningside College (iowa) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the North Park fields.

Nicklin

As the Baker University men’s soccer team nears the regular season opener Friday, the ’Cats build off of two exhibition games in which the team went 1-1.

Baker came out on top in the first game versus former NCAA Div. I school Drury University 2-1 on Aug. 21, behind goals from sophomores midfielder Travis Moore and forward Shaun Nicklin.

The ’Cats’ second game against University of Missouri – Kansas City Aug. 28 wasn’t as favorable. Junior forward Marty Johnston and Nicklin helped BU take early leads of 1-0 and 2-1, before the Kangaroos netted the equalizer in the 70th minute and eventually won the game off a penalty kick in with less than four minutes to play.

Due to poor field conditions, the team cancelled its annual Alumni Game scheduled for Aug. 28.

Next up for Baker will be its season and home opener versus Northwestern College at 5 p.m. Friday at North Park.

Pulvers

With three national tournament appearances in the past three years, Baker University’s men’s soccer team has high standards to live up to for the 2005 season.

After falling to Simon Fraser 4-3 in the second round of the NAIA national tournament last year, the Wildcats watched Heart of America Athletic Conference rival Lindenwood University claim the NAIA title. The Wildcats beat Lindenwood 2-1 earlier in the season.

 “More than anything, it makes you realize that we’re good enough in one game to beat anyone in the country,” said Baker head coach Ron Pulvers, whose team finished 14-4-3 in 2004.

Even after losing three all-conference players in Matt Trumpp, Davy Phillips and Luke Parrott, Pulvers and his team know anything is possible.

“I think we’ll be able to fill the spots well,” said junior Marty Johnston, Baker’s leading scorer last year. “Ron’s new recruits already know the system and three of our four returning defenders have a lot of experience.”

Already Pulvers expects junior Kevin Schmitt to fill the open spot in defense left from Trumpp – last year’s HAAC most valuable player –  and boasts about the play of returning sophomore Josh McDaniel, a medical red-shirt last year.

 “(Schmitt) stepped into Matt’s position and was fantastic, albeit a completely different player than Matt but our back four was very intact in the spring,”  Pulvers said.

While the team will continue to use its usual 4-4-2 formation, with emphasis on a solid and organized defense, Pulvers said he expected the team’s pace to be more controlled and possessive with the return of McDaniel.

“Josh is a polished, finished product,” Pulvers said. “If he’s healthy, then we’ll be more of a possession team, a team that can really pace a game how we want to pace it.”

Depth and experience should be strengths, Pulvers said. Newcomers expected to contribute are Matt Hamilton in the back line, and Chris Beier, Bradley Eigenberger, Matt Hodges and Patrick Thorn in the midfield. Not to mention returning the leading scorer in Johnston and all conference goalkeeper junior Bret Clark.