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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Photo by: Larry Clapper
Nine Newcomers to Join Falcons this Fall
August 12, 2019 | Men's Soccer
A total of nine student-athletes will join the Bowling Green State University men's soccer program this fall. The list of newcomers for head coach Eric Nichols and his staff includes Jacob Champe (Westerville, Ohio), Abdi Faqi (Toledo, Ohio), Colin Iverson (Naperville, Ill.), Logan Kowalczyk (Pinckney, Mich.), Nathan Masters (Toledo, Ohio), Michael Montemurri (Windsor, Ontario, Canada), Eli Shope (Bowling Green, Ohio), Spencer Straka (Toledo, Ohio) and Carter Womack (Mason, Ohio).
Champe joins the roster in his second academic year as a student at BGSU. He spent the 2017-18 academic year at the University of Charleston. The other eight newcomers all signed a National Letter of Intent in recent months.
Some biographical information on the first-year Falcons...
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JACOB CHAMPE | 6-0 | 185 | F/M | Westerville, Ohio | Westerville South H.S.
Attended the University of Charleston as a freshman, before transferring to BGSU for the 2018-19 academic year ... a three-year letterwinner at Westerville South H.S. ('17) under coaches Aaron Linden and Wynleux Henderson ... a two-time All-Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) First-Team selection for the Wildcats ... also named to the all-district first team, and earned All-Ohio Honorable Mention ... captained the team as both a junior and a senior ... Jacob David Champe was born on Jan. 5, 1999, in Westerville, Ohio ... son of Kipp and Kristine Champe ... the oldest of three children ... a criminal justice major at BGSU.
CHAMPE ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because the school, team, and community are all one family, and that's something you can't find anywhere else. I am excited to prepare for my future in the classroom as well as on the field. Coach Nichols and the staff here have created something special and I can't wait to get started – Talons up!"
COACH NICHOLS ON CHAMPE
"Jacob's approach to training and to his teammates is tremendous and his potential for improvement is very high. Â Overall, Jacob is a real positive addition to the squad. "
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ABDI FAQI | 5-6 | 125 | F | Toledo, Ohio | St. John's Jesuit H.S.
A graduate of St. John's Jesuit H.S. ('19), where he played for coach Tom Shook ... helped the Titans to the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) title each year ... a first-team all-conference selection as a senior in 2018 ... Titans went 7-0-0 in the TRAC in 2018, outscoring opponents, 58-4 ... attended Toledo Islamic Academy as a freshman before spending three years at SJJ ... captained the Titans as a senior ... Abdoulsalan Faqi was born on Aug. 9, 2000, in Somalia ... son of Abdulmajid and Shamso Faqi ... the oldest of six children ... plans to major in business management at BGSU ... played club ball for Toledo Celtics and Crew SC Academy.
FAQI ON BGSU
"Bowling Green has been a huge part of my life since I was little and getting the opportunity to play the sport I love there is a dream come true."
COACH NICHOLS ON FAQI
"Abdi is an athlete with exceptional quickness and agility. In addition to his athleticism, he has tremendous technique and a work rate that will certainly cause problems for our opponents."
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COLIN IVERSON | 6-5 | 190 | Defender | Naperville, Ill. | Naperville North H.S.
Earned three letters at Naperville North H.S. ('19) under coach Jim Konrad, a BGSU men's soccer alumnus ... was named a Top Drawer Soccer First-Team All American, and also was the Gatorade Illinois Boys Soccer Player of the Year ... helped the Huskies to three consecutive state championships, scoring the game-winning goal in the championship game in each of his last two years ... the team went 76-3-4 in those three years, including a perfect 26-0-0 in 2018 ... had career totals of 43 goals and 22 assists ... anchored a defense that recorded 22 shutouts in 26 games in his senior year, while scoring 18 goals himself ... the Naperville Sun and Chicagoland Soccer Player of the Year ... a three-time All-DuPage Valley Conference selection and a two-time all-state performer ... two-time team captain ... Colin Bruno Iverson was born on March 19, 2001, in Naperville, Ill. ... son of Daniel and Laura Iverson ... has a younger sister ... plans to be an intervention specialist major at BGSU ... played club soccer for Galaxy SC.
IVERSON ON BGSU
"The perfect word to describe BGSU for me is home. The program that Coach Nichols has created here is nothing short of amazing and I can't wait to be a part of it!"
COACH NICHOLS ON IVERSON
"When describing Colin, the word winner has to be included. From the National Championship in club soccer to back to back State Championships in high school, wherever Colin goes, his teams win. Colin's leadership, size and tenacity in the box are going to make him an impact player early in his college career."
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LOGAN KOWALCZYK | 6-0 | 200 | GK | Pinckney, Mich. | Gahanna (Ohio) Lincoln H.S.
Earned a total of four letters in soccer, graduating from Gahanna Lincoln H.S. ('19) ... attended Detroit Catholic Central as a freshman and sophomore ... Logan Sergey Kowalczyk was born on Jan. 11, 2001, in Kherson, Ukraine ... son of Ruth Kowalczyk and Michelle Rosiak ... an only child ... currently undecided upon a major at BGSU ... played club ball for Columbus Crew SC, helping that program finish third in the nation in 2017-18.
KOWALCZYK ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because of the extremely friendly atmosphere from everybody on campus. Also, because of all of the positive remarks from family, coaches, and friends, the opportunity was too good to pass up!"
COACH NICHOLS ON KOWALCZYK
"Logan is a very strong, brave, and athletic goalkeeper who comes to us from one of the best development academies in the country. We are thrilled to have him join and believe his competitive edge will have a big impact on our goalkeeper unit and on our entire program."
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NATHAN MASTERS | 5-7 | 145 | M | Toledo, Ohio | Sylvania Northview H.S.
A three-year letterwinner at Northview H.S. ('19) under coaches Mark DelVerne and Adam Gonia ... the Wildcats captured district championships in each of those three years ... earned First-Team All-Northern Lakes League, first-team all-district and first-team all-region honors ... Nathan Robert Masters was born on Aug. 21, 2000, in Sylvania, Ohio ... son of Bob and Shawn Masters ... plans to major in sales and services marketing at BGSU ... the third of four children ... has an older sister and two brothers ... has played club soccer for Pacesetter SC.
MASTERS ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because the energy and community in Bowling Green are unbeatable. I am excited to be a part of such an amazing team and school. Talons up!"
COACH NICHOLS ON MASTERS
"Nathan is a player with special qualities that allow him to unlock the opposition and change the game. Combining this ability with his fearless mentality, Nathan is going to do great things for our program."
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MICHAEL MONTEMURRI | D | Windsor, Ontario, Canada | HIGH SCHOOL
A 2019 graduate of Holy Names Catholic H.S. ... named to the Honour Roll in all four years ... Michael Ozzie Montemurri was born on July 4, 2001, in Windsor, Ontario ... son of Lino and Liz Montemurri ... has a pair of older sisters ... plans to major in physics at BGSU ... career ambition is to become a mechanical engineer ... played club ball for the Michigan Wolves, helping his team to the final 8 at the USSDA national finals.
MONTEMURRI ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because as soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home away from home. I had never met a more friendly and inviting staff throughout my soccer career. I just couldn't wait to be a part of something that special."
COACH NICHOLS ON MONTEMURRI
"Michael is a composed central defender with good size and a great left foot. He has been competing at a high level of soccer in the USSDA and thriving for a very good team. We are looking forward to big things from Michael this fall."
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ELI SHOPE | 5-9 | 155 | F | Bowling Green, Ohio | Toledo St. John's Jesuit H.S.
A three-year letterwinner at St. John's Jesuit H.S. ('19), under coach Tom Shook ... an All-Ohio Second-Team selection as a senior in 2018 ... helped the Titans to the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) championship in each season ... a two-time All-TRAC First-Team selection ... also named to the all-district first team in each of his last two years ... a two-time team captain ... named to All-TRAC Academic Team in each year ... Elias Clay Shope was born on Dec. 30, 2000, in Bowling Green, Ohio ... son of Roger and Brenda Shope ... the second of three children ... has two sisters ... plans to major in exercise science at BGSU ... played club soccer for Toledo Celtics.
SHOPE ON BGSU
"I've always been drawn back to BGSU because not only is it an amazing school, but its a fantastic soccer program that has always felt like family. As a kid I looked up to the players and learned so much from them. I know that when I join this program I'll be able to grow as a soccer player and as a person."
COACH NICHOLS ON SHOPE
"I have been watching Eli score goals since he was nine years old. And I have watched him mature into an explosive attacking player than can be extremely dangerous in front of the goal. We anticipate many more goals from Eli in the years to come!"
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SPENCER STRAKA | 6-0 | 210 | F/M | Toledo, Ohio | St. Francis de Sales H.S.
Earned three letters at St. Francis de Sales H.S. ('19), where he played for coaches Lee Alikbar and Francis Stephens ... named to the United Soccer Coaches High School All-America Team ... the 2018 Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) Player of the Year and an All-Ohio First-Team selection as a senior .... was a two-time All-TRAC First-Team choice after being named to the second team as a sophomore ... an all-district first-team pick as a senior, as his team captured the district championship ... team captain as a senior ... earned a total of four letters in soccer, playing at Bedford (Mich.) H.S. as a freshman ... Spencer Jeffrey Straka was born on April 17, 2001, in Toledo, Ohio ... son of Scott and Sue Ann Straka ... the youngest of three children ... has two sisters ... plans to major in biology at BGSU ... played club ball for Toledo Celtics.
STRAKA ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU for the extreme drive that Coach Nichols and his staff displays for the game. The atmosphere along with the players solidified my choice to be a Falcon. I am extremely humble and grateful to receive the chance to be a part of the BGSU family. Go Falcons!"
COACH NICHOLS ON STRAKA
"Spencer has physical gifts that will translate well to Division I college soccer. What we are most excited about with Spencer is his competitiveness. His will to win coupled with his physicality is a powerful combination that will be a real asset for our program over the next several years."
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CARTER WOMACK | 5-10 | 165 | D | Mason, Ohio | William Mason H.S.
Earned two letters at William Mason H.S. ('19) for coaches Paul Reedy and Mike Combs ... a First-Team All-Greater Miami Conference selection as a senior after helping the Comets to a 12-6-1 overall mark and a conference title ... led the team to a 15-1-3 mark as a sophomore ... team won district titles in both 2016 and '18, capturing a regional crown in 2016 as well ... Carter Lawson Womack was born on May 3, 2001, in Columbus, Ohio ... son of Mike and Julie Womack ... the oldest of three children ... has two sisters ... currently undecided upon a major, in the College of Business ... has played club ball for Cincinnati United Premier.
WOMACK ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because I believe this program will give me the best opportunity to succeed in the classroom and on the field. I am excited with how Coach Nichols and his staff have built and prepared this program and thankful I have the chance to be a part of it. I can't wait to step onto campus!"
COACH NICHOLS ON WOMACK
"Carter has the full package, he is technical, he is athletic and he is clever about the game. With such a comprehensive set of skills, we anticipate his transition to college soccer to be smooth, and his impact to be significant."
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BGSU ended the 2018 season with an overall record of 6-7-4, and the Falcons posted a 2-1-2 mark in MAC play. BG, picked to place fifth in the six-team conference, finished second and earned a first-round bye for the league tourney. The Falcons have finished second in the league twice in the last three seasons. BG went 5-1-2 over the final eight contests of the regular season, including a six-match unbeaten streak, the program's longest since 1997.
The Falcons begin preseason practices for the 2019 season this week. Nichols and Company will play a pair of scrimmages away from home (vs. Indiana on Aug. 19 and Dayton on Aug. 23), before opening the regular season on Friday, Aug. 30, at Duquesne. The home opener is set for two weeks later (Friday, Sept. 13) vs. Ohio State. Again this season, admission is free to all BGSU home regular-season matches.
For more information on the men's soccer program, follow the Falcons on Twitter (@BGAthletics and @BGSUmenssoccer), Instagram (bgsumenssoccer) and Facebook (BGMensSoccer) as well as on the web right here at BGSUFalcons.com.Â
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Champe joins the roster in his second academic year as a student at BGSU. He spent the 2017-18 academic year at the University of Charleston. The other eight newcomers all signed a National Letter of Intent in recent months.
Some biographical information on the first-year Falcons...
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JACOB CHAMPE | 6-0 | 185 | F/M | Westerville, Ohio | Westerville South H.S.
Attended the University of Charleston as a freshman, before transferring to BGSU for the 2018-19 academic year ... a three-year letterwinner at Westerville South H.S. ('17) under coaches Aaron Linden and Wynleux Henderson ... a two-time All-Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) First-Team selection for the Wildcats ... also named to the all-district first team, and earned All-Ohio Honorable Mention ... captained the team as both a junior and a senior ... Jacob David Champe was born on Jan. 5, 1999, in Westerville, Ohio ... son of Kipp and Kristine Champe ... the oldest of three children ... a criminal justice major at BGSU.
CHAMPE ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because the school, team, and community are all one family, and that's something you can't find anywhere else. I am excited to prepare for my future in the classroom as well as on the field. Coach Nichols and the staff here have created something special and I can't wait to get started – Talons up!"
COACH NICHOLS ON CHAMPE
"Jacob's approach to training and to his teammates is tremendous and his potential for improvement is very high. Â Overall, Jacob is a real positive addition to the squad. "
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ABDI FAQI | 5-6 | 125 | F | Toledo, Ohio | St. John's Jesuit H.S.
A graduate of St. John's Jesuit H.S. ('19), where he played for coach Tom Shook ... helped the Titans to the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) title each year ... a first-team all-conference selection as a senior in 2018 ... Titans went 7-0-0 in the TRAC in 2018, outscoring opponents, 58-4 ... attended Toledo Islamic Academy as a freshman before spending three years at SJJ ... captained the Titans as a senior ... Abdoulsalan Faqi was born on Aug. 9, 2000, in Somalia ... son of Abdulmajid and Shamso Faqi ... the oldest of six children ... plans to major in business management at BGSU ... played club ball for Toledo Celtics and Crew SC Academy.
FAQI ON BGSU
"Bowling Green has been a huge part of my life since I was little and getting the opportunity to play the sport I love there is a dream come true."
COACH NICHOLS ON FAQI
"Abdi is an athlete with exceptional quickness and agility. In addition to his athleticism, he has tremendous technique and a work rate that will certainly cause problems for our opponents."
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COLIN IVERSON | 6-5 | 190 | Defender | Naperville, Ill. | Naperville North H.S.
Earned three letters at Naperville North H.S. ('19) under coach Jim Konrad, a BGSU men's soccer alumnus ... was named a Top Drawer Soccer First-Team All American, and also was the Gatorade Illinois Boys Soccer Player of the Year ... helped the Huskies to three consecutive state championships, scoring the game-winning goal in the championship game in each of his last two years ... the team went 76-3-4 in those three years, including a perfect 26-0-0 in 2018 ... had career totals of 43 goals and 22 assists ... anchored a defense that recorded 22 shutouts in 26 games in his senior year, while scoring 18 goals himself ... the Naperville Sun and Chicagoland Soccer Player of the Year ... a three-time All-DuPage Valley Conference selection and a two-time all-state performer ... two-time team captain ... Colin Bruno Iverson was born on March 19, 2001, in Naperville, Ill. ... son of Daniel and Laura Iverson ... has a younger sister ... plans to be an intervention specialist major at BGSU ... played club soccer for Galaxy SC.
IVERSON ON BGSU
"The perfect word to describe BGSU for me is home. The program that Coach Nichols has created here is nothing short of amazing and I can't wait to be a part of it!"
COACH NICHOLS ON IVERSON
"When describing Colin, the word winner has to be included. From the National Championship in club soccer to back to back State Championships in high school, wherever Colin goes, his teams win. Colin's leadership, size and tenacity in the box are going to make him an impact player early in his college career."
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LOGAN KOWALCZYK | 6-0 | 200 | GK | Pinckney, Mich. | Gahanna (Ohio) Lincoln H.S.
Earned a total of four letters in soccer, graduating from Gahanna Lincoln H.S. ('19) ... attended Detroit Catholic Central as a freshman and sophomore ... Logan Sergey Kowalczyk was born on Jan. 11, 2001, in Kherson, Ukraine ... son of Ruth Kowalczyk and Michelle Rosiak ... an only child ... currently undecided upon a major at BGSU ... played club ball for Columbus Crew SC, helping that program finish third in the nation in 2017-18.
KOWALCZYK ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because of the extremely friendly atmosphere from everybody on campus. Also, because of all of the positive remarks from family, coaches, and friends, the opportunity was too good to pass up!"
COACH NICHOLS ON KOWALCZYK
"Logan is a very strong, brave, and athletic goalkeeper who comes to us from one of the best development academies in the country. We are thrilled to have him join and believe his competitive edge will have a big impact on our goalkeeper unit and on our entire program."
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NATHAN MASTERS | 5-7 | 145 | M | Toledo, Ohio | Sylvania Northview H.S.
A three-year letterwinner at Northview H.S. ('19) under coaches Mark DelVerne and Adam Gonia ... the Wildcats captured district championships in each of those three years ... earned First-Team All-Northern Lakes League, first-team all-district and first-team all-region honors ... Nathan Robert Masters was born on Aug. 21, 2000, in Sylvania, Ohio ... son of Bob and Shawn Masters ... plans to major in sales and services marketing at BGSU ... the third of four children ... has an older sister and two brothers ... has played club soccer for Pacesetter SC.
MASTERS ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because the energy and community in Bowling Green are unbeatable. I am excited to be a part of such an amazing team and school. Talons up!"
COACH NICHOLS ON MASTERS
"Nathan is a player with special qualities that allow him to unlock the opposition and change the game. Combining this ability with his fearless mentality, Nathan is going to do great things for our program."
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MICHAEL MONTEMURRI | D | Windsor, Ontario, Canada | HIGH SCHOOL
A 2019 graduate of Holy Names Catholic H.S. ... named to the Honour Roll in all four years ... Michael Ozzie Montemurri was born on July 4, 2001, in Windsor, Ontario ... son of Lino and Liz Montemurri ... has a pair of older sisters ... plans to major in physics at BGSU ... career ambition is to become a mechanical engineer ... played club ball for the Michigan Wolves, helping his team to the final 8 at the USSDA national finals.
MONTEMURRI ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because as soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home away from home. I had never met a more friendly and inviting staff throughout my soccer career. I just couldn't wait to be a part of something that special."
COACH NICHOLS ON MONTEMURRI
"Michael is a composed central defender with good size and a great left foot. He has been competing at a high level of soccer in the USSDA and thriving for a very good team. We are looking forward to big things from Michael this fall."
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ELI SHOPE | 5-9 | 155 | F | Bowling Green, Ohio | Toledo St. John's Jesuit H.S.
A three-year letterwinner at St. John's Jesuit H.S. ('19), under coach Tom Shook ... an All-Ohio Second-Team selection as a senior in 2018 ... helped the Titans to the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) championship in each season ... a two-time All-TRAC First-Team selection ... also named to the all-district first team in each of his last two years ... a two-time team captain ... named to All-TRAC Academic Team in each year ... Elias Clay Shope was born on Dec. 30, 2000, in Bowling Green, Ohio ... son of Roger and Brenda Shope ... the second of three children ... has two sisters ... plans to major in exercise science at BGSU ... played club soccer for Toledo Celtics.
SHOPE ON BGSU
"I've always been drawn back to BGSU because not only is it an amazing school, but its a fantastic soccer program that has always felt like family. As a kid I looked up to the players and learned so much from them. I know that when I join this program I'll be able to grow as a soccer player and as a person."
COACH NICHOLS ON SHOPE
"I have been watching Eli score goals since he was nine years old. And I have watched him mature into an explosive attacking player than can be extremely dangerous in front of the goal. We anticipate many more goals from Eli in the years to come!"
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SPENCER STRAKA | 6-0 | 210 | F/M | Toledo, Ohio | St. Francis de Sales H.S.
Earned three letters at St. Francis de Sales H.S. ('19), where he played for coaches Lee Alikbar and Francis Stephens ... named to the United Soccer Coaches High School All-America Team ... the 2018 Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) Player of the Year and an All-Ohio First-Team selection as a senior .... was a two-time All-TRAC First-Team choice after being named to the second team as a sophomore ... an all-district first-team pick as a senior, as his team captured the district championship ... team captain as a senior ... earned a total of four letters in soccer, playing at Bedford (Mich.) H.S. as a freshman ... Spencer Jeffrey Straka was born on April 17, 2001, in Toledo, Ohio ... son of Scott and Sue Ann Straka ... the youngest of three children ... has two sisters ... plans to major in biology at BGSU ... played club ball for Toledo Celtics.
STRAKA ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU for the extreme drive that Coach Nichols and his staff displays for the game. The atmosphere along with the players solidified my choice to be a Falcon. I am extremely humble and grateful to receive the chance to be a part of the BGSU family. Go Falcons!"
COACH NICHOLS ON STRAKA
"Spencer has physical gifts that will translate well to Division I college soccer. What we are most excited about with Spencer is his competitiveness. His will to win coupled with his physicality is a powerful combination that will be a real asset for our program over the next several years."
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CARTER WOMACK | 5-10 | 165 | D | Mason, Ohio | William Mason H.S.
Earned two letters at William Mason H.S. ('19) for coaches Paul Reedy and Mike Combs ... a First-Team All-Greater Miami Conference selection as a senior after helping the Comets to a 12-6-1 overall mark and a conference title ... led the team to a 15-1-3 mark as a sophomore ... team won district titles in both 2016 and '18, capturing a regional crown in 2016 as well ... Carter Lawson Womack was born on May 3, 2001, in Columbus, Ohio ... son of Mike and Julie Womack ... the oldest of three children ... has two sisters ... currently undecided upon a major, in the College of Business ... has played club ball for Cincinnati United Premier.
WOMACK ON BGSU
"I chose BGSU because I believe this program will give me the best opportunity to succeed in the classroom and on the field. I am excited with how Coach Nichols and his staff have built and prepared this program and thankful I have the chance to be a part of it. I can't wait to step onto campus!"
COACH NICHOLS ON WOMACK
"Carter has the full package, he is technical, he is athletic and he is clever about the game. With such a comprehensive set of skills, we anticipate his transition to college soccer to be smooth, and his impact to be significant."
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BGSU ended the 2018 season with an overall record of 6-7-4, and the Falcons posted a 2-1-2 mark in MAC play. BG, picked to place fifth in the six-team conference, finished second and earned a first-round bye for the league tourney. The Falcons have finished second in the league twice in the last three seasons. BG went 5-1-2 over the final eight contests of the regular season, including a six-match unbeaten streak, the program's longest since 1997.
The Falcons begin preseason practices for the 2019 season this week. Nichols and Company will play a pair of scrimmages away from home (vs. Indiana on Aug. 19 and Dayton on Aug. 23), before opening the regular season on Friday, Aug. 30, at Duquesne. The home opener is set for two weeks later (Friday, Sept. 13) vs. Ohio State. Again this season, admission is free to all BGSU home regular-season matches.
For more information on the men's soccer program, follow the Falcons on Twitter (@BGAthletics and @BGSUmenssoccer), Instagram (bgsumenssoccer) and Facebook (BGMensSoccer) as well as on the web right here at BGSUFalcons.com.Â
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Players Mentioned
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