Soccer News

Kudos for Finlandia Soccer Players - April 14, 2008

HANCOCK – Matt Griffith, Finlandia University fourth-year head soccer coach, is pleased to announce spring university athletic awards for the men’s and women’s teams. For their hard work and dedication, the student-athletes received awards for Most Valuable Player, Lion Award, Most Improved Player, and Academic Award.

The women’s soccer team MVP award went to Jessica Jones, a sophomore from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Lion Award, granted to a student-athlete who “gave their all” this season, was earned by sophomore Molly Raab from Antigo, Wisc. The Most Improved Player award is shared by Ashley Leitch, a senior from Garden City, Mich., and sophomore Salome Mnzava from Tanzania. The Academic Award winner is sophomore Robin Murphy of Howell, Mich., with a GPA of 3.69.

“We had a great year and all of the women worked hard throughout the season,” Griffith said. “This is a talented group of women that never stop to surprise me.”

The Finlandia men’s soccer team MVP award was earned by sophomore Markus Halme from Finland. The Lion Award is shared by Shawn Wickersheim, a senior from White Lake, Wisc., and junior Andrew Kirt of Gaylord, Mich. The Most Improved Award was earned by freshman Andrew Blake of Chassell, Mich. And, winning his second Academic Award this year was Andrew Kirt of Gaylord, Mich., with a GPA of 3.96.

“Each and every one of the athletes gave everything they had out on the field this year,” Griffith said. “The men had their best season in Finlandia history to date. I am proud of every single one of them.”

Fourth Annual Soccer Clinic at Finlandia - March 25, 2008

The Fourth Annual Finlandia University Spring Soccer Clinic will be held on Saturday April 19th at the Paavo Nurmi Athletic Center. The clinic will focus on fundamental footwork development. The clinic will be instructed by Finlandia's head men's and women's soccer coach Matt Griffith, and the Finlandia Lion soccer teams. The clinic is for ages 8-18. The cost for the 8-11 age group is $15.00 and the cost for the 12-18 age group is $25.00. For more information contact Matt Griffith at 487-7326, or email Matt at matt.griffith@finlandia.edu.

Download: Registration Form

Lions Fight Hard in OT Loss - October 9, 2007

The Finlandia men’s soccer team lost a hard fought match in overtime on Monday in Mankato Minnesota against Bethany Lutheran College. Finlandia struck first on a header that found the back of the net by Toshiyuki Mita, which was assisted by Nic Polzin. Bethany then scored two goals to take the lead with 2 minutes left in the half. Lion’s Freshman Daniel Rodriguez scored with 30 seconds left in the half from a well placed shot from 43 yards out which tied the game going into the second half. Entering the second half Finlandia scored early on a penalty kick from Marcus Halme. The lions fought hard throughout the rest of the second half and Bethany scored with 5 minutes remaining to take it into overtime. With 1 minute left in overtime Bethany scored to win the game. “My men fought hard today and I was impressed by their poise. It is due to the hard work and dedication that we are competitive this year. These are a great bunch of men and are great representatives of Finlandia athletics,” states Griffith.

Lions Battle into OT - September 22, 2007

The Finlandia men’s soccer team lost a hard fought game in overtime at Condon Field Saturday. In a score of 3 to 2 in overtime the lions lost to a nationally #1 ranked NAIA Robert Morris Lake County. The Lion’s went down early by a goal until Chase Gillespie found the back of the net at the end of the first half. With the score tied going into the second half at 47 minutes Andy Kirt scored assisted by goalkeeper Dane Rasmussen. The lions held the lead until 1 minute left to play in the game when Robert Morris hit the back of the net. The Lions who won last week in overtime fought hard, but gave up the game winning goal 1 minute before the overtime ended. “My men impressed me today. They came out hard against a nationally ranked team and played their hearts out. I have never seen a better game played while coaching here at Finlandia University, and it was a true honor to be the coach of such inspirational men,” said Coach Griffith.

Lions Win in OT - September 15, 2007

The men's Finlandia Lions soccer team roared to victory over Grace Bible College out of Grand Rapids, Mich. in an overtime win on Saturday. Finlandia, now 1 and 4 on the season, needed 103 minutes in order to come out ahead. Grace Bible struck early in the 36th minute of play putting Finlandia down by one goal going into halftime. Finlandia's Daniel Rodriguez from Panama scored to tie the game 20 minutes into the second half on a 35 yard shot. Grace struck back 10 minutes later taking the lead on a questionable call that led to a penalty kick. Lion's midfielder Marcus Halme from Finland scored the tying goal to take it into overtime with 3 minutes left in regulation time.  At 103 minutes into the game Marcus Halme fired a penalty shot into the upper right ninety to seal the win for Finlandia. Senior Tucker Thoreson (Crystal Falls, Mich.) and freshman Andrew Blake (Chassell, Mich.) contributed to outstanding defensive play for Finlandia.  Lion's goaltender Dane Rasmussen stopped 6 of Grace Bible's quality shots on net.  “This win is a true team effort. We had 19 shots from 8 different players, which means that we distributed the ball well today. I am proud of my men, and it is their continuing heart and determination that allows us to win games,” states Coach Griffith.

Lions Run into a Tough Northland Team - September 1, 2007

In the first game of the season, the Finlandia Lions gave a stellar effort in a loss to a well experienced team. The Lion's went down early due to a controversial call leading to a penalty kick. Although first year goaltender Dane Rasmussen (Stevens Point, Wis.) stopped the initial shot, the rebound found the foot of a Northland player which led to the goal. First year player Marcus Helme from Finland answered with the Lion's first goal minutes later. Andy Kirt scored the second goal for the Lion's late in the second half. "For our first game we played well. The men played hard, but couldn't convert on our goal scoring opportunities. We now know what to fix and we will come out hard against Ripon on Sunday," said Coach Griffith.

Lions Add to their Men’s Soccer Roster - August 8, 2007
The Finlandia University men’s soccer team has received a commitment from Nicholas Polzin of Duluth, Minnesota to attend and play for the Lions in the fall semester of the 2007 season, Head Soccer Coach Matt Griffith announced today.

Polzin, 5’11”, graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 2002 and spent the last four years in the military. A forward for the soccer team, Polzin was a member of the soccer team for four years. As a junior, he was an All-Conference nominee on a team that won a State Championship and USA Cup Championship. During his senior year, Polzin was selected to the Lake Superior Conference All-Conference Team. He also received an All-State nomination.

“Nic is a well rounded player with lots of playing experience. He has Minnesota State Championship experience along with USA Cup experience, and I look for Nic to start contributing from day one to the successes of the soccer program,” states Griffith. “With his military background he has the dedication and drive that we look for here at Finlandia.”

Finlandia's Yahn and Sleik Receive Soccer Honors - December 4, 2006

Finlandia University student-athletes Sean Yahn and Sara Sleik have received national all-independents soccer team honors from the Association of Division III Independents.

Sean Yahn ( Oak Creek , Wis. ) was selected for the Honorable Mention All-Independents Team for his play as a goaltender. Yahn was a large contributor to the team's first-ever win and his defensive skills were key to lowering overall opponent scores this season.

“Sean is a tremendous goalie with great instinct,” says third-year head coach Matt Griffith. “The first Finlandia win ever was due to his mental toughness and shot stopping ability.”

Yahn, a senior, transferred to Finlandia from Northern Michigan University . He is majoring in sports management. “It is not easy to be selected for the NCAA Independents Honorable Mention Team,” says Griffith . “It is a great way to end his collegiate career.” Yahn averaged 15.82 saves per game in his final season, well above other nominees.

For her play in the midfield position junior Sara Sleik ( Iron Mountain , Mich. ) also earned a place on the Honorable Mention All-Independent Team. She tallied four goals and three assists this past season for 11 points. She led the team with 35 shots.

“Sara is a great left-footed player,” says Griffith. “If it wasn't for Sara, we would not have been able to spread out opposing teams like we did. She took command of the field during every game.”

Sleik is a business administration major and also a member of Finlandia's women's ice hockey team.

“This is a great honor for Sara and Sean and for Finlandia soccer. Both Sara and Sean have been captains since their freshman years and an integral part of their teams in every game and at every practice. I am very pleased to see them recognized by the NCAA Independents,” concludes Griffith.

The Association of Division III Independents consists of 25 Division III independent institutions that have joined together to recognize student-athletes at independent institutions, and to provide exempted postseason championship competition. The Association recognizes outstanding athletic achievements of its student-athletes on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.