Yellowjacket Blog - Sam Charles, Men's Soccer

Looking back on the year, as a team we felt we had done enough to be in with a great shot at the tournament.  To be left out really hurt and this shows such a transformation from last year. With a losing record and ranked at # 4 in the post season poll, nobody believed we had a chance. The team never lost faith and worked incredibly hard to post a school best 13-4-1.

Our biggest strength as a team was our overall attitude, this group of players has a great self belief and work ethic. Playing against some of the top teams in the country such as Seattle U and Seattle Pacific, could have really worried players and teams. Here at MSU Billings we raised our game, and never got intimidated by the opposition, irrespective of who they are were.

As a team we met and exceeded every goal that Coach McNally set us, which was very special. Individually every single member of the squad contributed and can all feel an equal part of this achievement. Goals scored, goals against, win streaks and conference records were all broken and now the bar has been raised here at MSU Billings. We know that this year does not mean anything unless we progress and improve on it next year, which we fully intend to.

I would like to thank everyone involved at the team for such a great year, special mention to all the seniors (Josh Hernandez, Greg Mckeever, Chris Cornish, Matt D’hont and Colby Vossler). They have each given a lot to this program, and were excellent role models to look up to for us younger guys. I am so happy for them to be going out with a great year. Even though we are losing a lot of talented players to graduation, we have more than enough capability to match and surpass this year’ achievements in the upcoming seasons.

I would like to personally thank everyone involved with the program, from Coach to the spectators, for being part of such a special year. With the new field about to be started and spring season ahead of us, all associated with MSU Billings are looking forward to a great future.

Sam Charles