FOUR ONU MEN'S SOCCER PLAYERS SIGN SUMMER CONTRACTS TO PLAY IN THE USL2
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - Four Olivet Nazarene University men's soccer members signed with United Soccer League 2 clubs for the summer. USL2 is the highest level of American soccer before signing a professional contract. With their USL2 contracts running through mid-July, the men's soccer program members will return to ONU for preseason training to begin preparations for the 2022-23 fall season.
First up is Max Jasper, playing for KAW Valley FC based in the Lawrence, Kan. Jasper, a native of Assen, Netherlands, had a career year last season being named to the All-America Honorable Mention list for the second consecutive season. Jasper became the second Tiger in program history to be selected as an Honorable Mention in back-to-back seasons. His year to date has included 23 goals, 8 assists, and 54 points. His 23 goals topped the conference and finished third in the NAIA. Jasper's 54 points ended tied for the most in the nation. The junior attacking midfielder was named to the CCAC All-Conference First Team while receiving CCAC Offensive Player of the Week three times this season. His most memorable moment included two free-kick goals to defeat Lincoln College 2-1 back on Oct. 23, including the game-winner in overtime.
If you're interested in catching a game, check out their schedule at kawvalleyfc.com
Next up is Nick Kilian, playing for Alliance United FC in Scarborough, Ontario (Ontario League 1) during the offseason. Kilian, a native of Stahnsdorf, Germany, earned the accolade of NAIA All-America Honorable Mention for the first time in his career after the 2021-22 season. The sophomore left wing-back finished top of the conference and second in the NAIA in assists amassing 17 in 20 matches played. The defender scored three times this year including the game-winner in overtime against Judson on Sep. 29 when his corner kick curled into the net to defeat the Eagles, 1-0. Kilian was awarded All-CCAC First Team honors. He was tabbed Week One CCAC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performances against Cornerstone and No. 19 Spring Arbor tallying one goal, two assists, and contributing to two defensive shutouts.
To catch a game, visit their website and schedule at allianceunitedfc.wixsite.com
Kurodo Ihara has joined So. Cal. Seahorses in La Mirada, Calif. for the summer period. Ihara, a native of Fujisawa, Japan, appeared in 17 total games as a freshman and amassed 12 starts. The central midfielder picked up two assists on the season with the first coming on Oct. 9 against Trinity International with the Tigers winning 4-2, and the second assist recorded in a 5-2 win over Saint Xavier in the first round of the conference tournament back on Nov. 6. Kurudo became a staple in Huber's midfield starting in 10 of ONU's final 11 games including all four postseason fixtures.
To follow the Seahorses, you can find their schedule at seahorsesoccer.com
Rounding out the summer signings, Ruben D'Hollosy has joined the Thunder Bay Chill based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. D'Hollosy, a native of Oldenzaal, Netherlands, was an impact freshman for ONU. the central defender started all 16 games he played. The freshman scored his first and second goals of his career in a 5-2 win over Jamestown (N.D.) on Sep. 4. He tallied his first career assist in the conference tournament semifinals when the Tigers defeated Lincoln 3-1 on Nov. 10.
If you are interested in learning more, check out their website at thunderbaychill.com
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*Contact Patrick Kaindl, Sports Information Graduate Assistant; pkaindl@olivet.edu