The thrill of watching a live soccer match, the energy of the crowd, and the skill of the players on the field - all of these come together to create an exciting experience for fans of the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team. Based in Rochester, Michigan, the team has a rich history of competitive play, talented players, and dedicated coaching staff.
As a member of the Horizon League, the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team competes against some of the best teams in the region, pushing themselves to be their best and striving for excellence in every game. With a strong focus on teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, the team embodies the values of Oakland University and represents the school with pride.
In this article, we will delve into the world of the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team, exploring their history, their coaches, their players, and what makes them a force to be reckoned with on the soccer field.
History of the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team
The Oakland University Men's Soccer Team was established in 1965, and since then, the team has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. However, through it all, the team has remained committed to excellence and has worked tirelessly to build a strong reputation in the world of college soccer.
Over the years, the team has competed in several conferences, including the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and the Horizon League. The team's current conference, the Horizon League, is a NCAA Division I conference that comprises ten schools from the Midwest region.
Throughout its history, the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team has had its share of successes, including several conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. The team's most recent conference championship came in 2015, when they won the Horizon League Tournament title.
Notable Moments in Oakland University Men's Soccer History
- 1965: The Oakland University Men's Soccer Team is established.
- 1983: The team wins its first conference championship, claiming the GLIAC title.
- 1992: The team makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance, where they fall to Indiana University in the first round.
- 2007: The team wins the Horizon League Regular Season title.
- 2015: The team wins the Horizon League Tournament title and makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1992.
Coaching Staff
The Oakland University Men's Soccer Team is led by a experienced and dedicated coaching staff, who are committed to helping the team achieve its goals. The team's head coach is Eric Pogue, who has been at the helm since 2013.
Coach Pogue has a wealth of experience in the world of college soccer, having coached at several schools before coming to Oakland University. Under his leadership, the team has experienced a resurgence in success, including the 2015 Horizon League Tournament title.
Assistant Coaches
The team's assistant coaches are an integral part of the coaching staff, providing valuable support and guidance to the players. The team's current assistant coaches are:
- Jason Sullivan: A former college soccer player, Coach Sullivan has been with the team since 2015 and serves as the team's goalkeeper coach.
- John Jonczyk: A veteran coach with over 20 years of experience, Coach Jonczyk joined the team in 2018 and serves as the team's defensive coach.
Players
The Oakland University Men's Soccer Team is comprised of talented players from all over the world. The team's roster includes players from the United States, Canada, and several European countries.
Some of the team's top players include:
- Adam McAleenan: A midfielder from Scotland, McAleenan has been a key player for the team, scoring several important goals in his career.
- Alec Greene: A defender from the United States, Greene has been a stalwart in the team's defense, helping to anchor the team's backline.
- Nebojsa Popovic: A forward from Serbia, Popovic has been a prolific goal-scorer for the team, netting several important goals in his career.
Player Profiles
- Adam McAleenan: Midfielder, Scotland
- Height: 5'10"
- Weight: 160 lbs
- Hometown: Glasgow, Scotland
- Alec Greene: Defender, United States
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Hometown: Rochester, Michigan
- Nebojsa Popovic: Forward, Serbia
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia
Facilities
The Oakland University Men's Soccer Team plays its home games at the Oakland University Soccer Field, which is located on the school's campus. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 1,000 and features a state-of-the-art turf surface.
The team's practice facilities are located at the Oakland University Athletics Complex, which includes several training fields and a strength and conditioning center.
Oakland University Soccer Field
- Seating Capacity: 1,000
- Surface: Turf
- Dimensions: 120x75 yards
Gallery of Oakland University Men's Soccer Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What conference does the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team compete in?
+The Oakland University Men's Soccer Team competes in the Horizon League.
Who is the head coach of the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team?
+The head coach of the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team is Eric Pogue.
Where does the Oakland University Men's Soccer Team play its home games?
+The Oakland University Men's Soccer Team plays its home games at the Oakland University Soccer Field.