CMU Eagles men鈥檚 soccer team continues past success
FAYETTE, Mo. — The men鈥檚 soccer team out of Central Methodist University (CMU) is coached by Alex Nichols, who served his eighth season at the helm of the Eagles in 2021. The team has achieved so much during these eight seasons.
CMU is on an impressive three-year stretch, compiling a record winning 32 consecutive games dating back to September 2019. The 32 games won are the third most in NAIA history. The CMU men’s soccer team retained its No. 1 national ranking, announced by the NAIA back in March of 2021.
This No. 1 team clinched their third straight Heart Title race against Missouri Valley College at Davis Field in the championship. The Eagles scored two goals against Missouri. Two standouts on the team, and especially during that match, include Billy Nzojyibwami and Theo Klein.
After claiming their third-straight聽Heart聽Match,聽plus fourth consecutive regular-season championship, the CMU men鈥檚聽soccer training聽personnel聽were聽named in the NAIA Midwest Regional Coaching Staff of the Year聽via way of聽the United Soccer Coaches Association on Dec. 2, 2021.
Coach Nichols was honored as NAIA men’s soccer Coach of the Year at the United Soccer Coaches’ National Convention in Baltimore as he led the program to unprecedented heights.
“I’m very appreciative of this award and all of the nominations,” Nichols . 鈥淭his award is what happens when you have a great staff, administration, alumni support, community and most importantly, an incredible group of student-athletes.”
The Eagles鈥� junior forward, Alessandro Salvadego, was tabbed as Heart Player of the Year on Nov. 4, 2021. He also earned All-Conference first team for his phenomenal form. He was named not only Player of the Year but also the Offensive Player and Newcomer of the Year.
Nzojyibwami, a senior forward, was the fourth Eagle to be named a Heart All-Conference first team selection after landing on the third team a season ago. He played 15 games in 2021, tallying six goals and one assist.
Marcos German, a senior defensive player for the Eagles, was awarded as Heart Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Conference honoree after anchoring the defensive backline to 10 shutout victories. He scored six goals and four assists this season.
Coach Nichols and his support staff led Eagles to four consecutive 20 plus win seasons, remaining undefeated in their last 48 games. The Eagles鈥� last defeat to a conference opponent in the regular season came back on Sept. 26, 2018.
The CMU men’s soccer is announcing the farewell of longtime assistant coach David Macsicza and the hiring of Eli Sherman.
“It is very tough losing an assistant like David,” Coach Nichols . “He gave so much to CMU over his five years here and was one of the best in college soccer. We are going to miss him. His selfless efforts for our program are a huge reason for our success over these past years. We cannot describe the amount of time, energy, and passion he gave to our first and reserve teams. I wish Dave the best in his future endeavors in Slovakia and know he will have great success!”
The聽Eagles聽are looking聽to聽claim their third straight聽national title in the聽past聽four years in NAIA National Tournament. The tournament started聽by聽defeating fellow Heart school MidAmerica Nazarene University 2-0 in Decatur, Alabama, in the NAIA National Quarterfinals. They are going to face No. 5 Keiser (Florida) in the semifinals on Dec. 4.
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