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Volume 38 Issue 2
September 19, 2000

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MCC Soccer:
Can men maintain playoff streak?

BY CHRISTY MILLER
FOR THE MESA LEGEND
Submitted September 19, 2000

After finishing last season with another winning record, the MCC men’s soccer team appears poised to make the Arizona Community College Athletic Conferance playoffs for a sixth consecutive year under head coach Danny Sanchez.

Five players returned from last year’s team including Patrick Cosgrove, Clint Crockett, Chris Marshburn, David Hunter and Chip McGant.

Jim Allen/MESA LEGEND

MCC's Chip McGant (left) and Clint Crockett (right) try to score with their heads off a corner kick.

With their experience, they will play a vital role this season.

Marshburn, a sophomore forward, has brought leadership to the Thunderbirds with a club soccer national championship under his belt as a member of the Cisco Flames.

 “We have already improved this season,” Marshburn said.  “Everyone is in better shape and we have a great deal of dedication.  Coach Sanchez helps lead and motivate the team.”

MCC advanced to the Region I Semifinals last year, only to lose a heartbreaker to Pima Community College, 1-0. 

The Thunderbirds are optimistic about a fresh start this season.

Hunter, a sophomore forward, feels positive about the team, even though he is currently recovering from a broken foot. “We’re moving the ball through the midfield well and we have a solid defense,” Hunter said.  “We have a good flow and we’re working better as a team.  We’ve taken some great shots.”

Crockett, a sophomore midfielder, also brings experience and age to the T-Birds.

“We’re still getting used to each other, but I expect a great season,” Crockett said.  “We have a lot of younger guys and they add to the team.”

MCC opened their season with an impressive 5-0 win over Glendale Community College on Aug. 25. Hunter had two key goals in Cosgrove’s first shutout of the year.

The T-Birds met up with Scottsdale Community College on Aug. 30, and won easily 4-1 on the road.

Cosgrove, a sophomore goaltender,  notched six shutouts in 1999,  and adds depth and talent as well.  He stopped all but one shot in his first two games this season.

The T-Birds suffered a set-back in the Labor Day Invitational, losing 2-1 to Johnson County Community College (Kan.) and 3-2 to Lewis and Clark Comunity College (Ill).

MCC bounced back in conference play with an impressive 3-0 victory over Paradise Valley Community College on Sept. 6, bringing their record to 3-2, 3-0 in ACCAC play.

Jorge Rubi, a member of the ’98 and ’99 MCC cross-country teams, chipped in a goal against PVCC.

Sanchez, now in his sixth year at MCC, has high hopes for the team as well.

“We’ve been to the playoffs for five years straight and we’re doing well in our conference,” Sanchez said. “We don’t have as much depth as last year, but this should be a great season.”

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