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A new face takes over the helm, but plenty of familiar faces return for the Saint John’s University soccer team this season.
Former student-athlete and assistant coach Noel Quinn was named interim head coach Aug. 8, inheriting a team that returns 75 percent (51 of 68) of its points from a year ago. The Johnnies finished sixth in the MIAC in 2023 with a 4-4-2 record (7-7-4 overall) and made their 13th appearance in the MIAC Playoffs – and 10th in the last 11 seasons. Individually, they welcome back five of their top-seven point scorers and senior goalkeeper Evan Siefken (Lakeville, Minn./North), who is a two-time United Soccer Coaches AllRegion IX and All-MIAC honoree.
The Johnnies’ 15-game, regularseason schedule includes four NCAA tournament teams from last season and 10 contests in Collegeville – the most at home since 1993 (11).
A Familiar Face
Quinn served as the Minnesota United FC’s Director of Youth Development from 2020-23 and has been the executive director for the Tonka United Soccer Association in Minnetonka since. He replaces John Haws ’99, who resigned July 18 following 14 seasons as head coach.
Quinn served as Haws’ assistant coach in 2019 and again during the 2020-21 academic year that saw the Johnnies play six games in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also assisted former head coach Pat Haws ’72 for two seasons that saw SJU win the MIAC playoff championship in 2005 and the conference’s regular-season title in 2006. The Johnnies totaled a 39-18-6 (.667) record, including a 22-7-1 mark in MIAC play, during his four seasons on staff.
A 2002 graduate of the University of Ulster and a native of Belfast, Ireland, Quinn attended SJU in 2000-01 and has 13 years of high-school coaching experience in Minnesota. He recorded nine points (3g/3a) for the Johnnies during the 2000 season. In addition to stops at Columbia Heights (2006-07), Simley (200811) and Eden Prairie (2012-15) High Schools as a coach, Quinn led St. Thomas Academy (2016-18) to a state Class A championship in 2016. He accumulated six top-three finishes in seven appearances at the state tournament.
Siefken’s Net
Siefken went 3-4-2 with two shutouts and finished second in the MIAC in both save percentage (.818) and saves (63) in conference play last fall. Overall, Siefken posted a 6-6-4 record with six shutouts, a 1.36 GAA and a .837 save percentage (108 saves). He begins his senior season with a 20-22-8 record, 13 shutouts (another shared), a 1.26 GAA and a
SEASON PREVIEW
.810 save percentage (269 saves) in 50 career games.
Returning Experience
SJU returns 17 student-athletes who played 12 games or more in 2023. The number would be 18, but junior defender Noah Hermanson (St. Paul, Minn./Holy Angels) - who was one of three players that started all 18 games last fall - suffered an injury during spring practice and may not play in 2024. As noted above, however, five of the Johnnies’ topseven point scorers are back. Junior forwards Alex Bowman (Elk River, Minn./Rogers) and Riley Buxell (Afton, Minn./Stillwater Area) tallied eight points and two game-winning goals apiece. Bowman tied for the team lead with four goals and now has 18 points (9g/0a) in 29 career games, while Buxell has 11 points (3g/5a) in 32 career contests. Another junior - forward Carter Hermanson (St. Paul, Minn./Holy Angels) - started all 18 games and totaled five points (1g/3a) to boost his ledger to 16 (3g/10a) in his 36-game career and classmate Will Falkman (Waconia, Minn.) collected three assists in 17 games (12 starts) a year ago. Both tied for the team lead with three assists apiece.
Midfielders Christian Rodriguez (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) and Joe Pearson (St. Cloud, Minn./Tech) are two of the team’s five seniors in 2024. Rodriguez appeared in 13 games with four starts and registered a goal and an assist, while Pearson played 15 games with two assists.
On the back line, senior Landon Atkins (Lakeville, Minn./North) and juniors Lucca Holman (San Rafael de Escazu, Costa Rica) and Caden Ligman (St. Paul, Minn./Highland Park) return for SJU. All three tallied an assist and made 13 starts or more.
Siefken
Quinn
The Johnnies’ defense also welcomes the return of junior defender Foster Conlin (Mooresville, N.C./Mounds View), who posted two assists and started all of the team’s games as a freshman in 2022, but suffered a season-ending injury eight games in.
Sophomore Duo
A pair sophomores, midfielder Andrew Pitzner (Maple Grove, Minn./Heritage Christian Academy) and defender McKaid Schotzko (Rochester, Minn./ Lourdes), had productive freshman seasons for the Johnnies last fall. Pitzner played all 18 games and finished fourth on the team with seven points (3g/1a), while the 6-foot-4 Schotzko saw the field in all 18 games (with 15 starts) and scored a pair of goals.
Non-Conference Play
SJU begins the 2024 season within the friendly confines of Haws Field for the first five games (six of the first seven), starting on Aug. 30 vs. Wartburg, Iowa. The Knights went 12-2-6 and hosted an NCAA Regional last fall. The Johnnies then play host to Carroll (Wis.) Sept. 1, St. Norbert (Wis.) Sept. 6 and Minnesota-Morris Sept. 10. SJU wraps non-conference play Oct. 21 vs. Wisconsin-River Falls
in Collegeville. The 2024 season is UWRF’s first in men’s soccer.
The MIAC Schedule
The Johnnies open MIAC play Sept. 17 vs. Macalester to end the seasonopening, five-game homestand and make their first road trip Sept. 21 to Hamline before closing the month Sept. 28 vs. Saint Mary’s. SJU visits Augsburg Oct. 2 for a game under the lights and hosts Gustavus Adolphus, which finished 11-4-7 and earned an at-large bid to the 2023 NCAA tournament, on Friday, Oct. 11.
The team hits the road Oct. 15 to take on Concordia and returns to Collegeville for an Oct. 19 date with Bethel and the first of three-straight home games. The Johnnies travel to face St. Olaf – the reigning NCAA Division III, MIAC regular-season and playoff champions with a 20-3-3 record – Oct. 26 and visits Carleton, which finished 15-3-2 and received an at-large berth to the NCAA tournament last fall, Nov. 2 in the regular-season finale.
SEASON PREVIEW
MIAC Playoffs
The first round of the six-team MIAC Playoffs is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 4, and the MIAC semifinals follow on Thursday, Nov. 7. The MIAC championship game, with the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division III tournament on the line, is set for Saturday, Nov. 9. The high seed hosts in all three rounds.
Date Time Opponent Site
Aug 30 5 p.m. Wartburg Collegeville
Sep 1 12 p.m. Carroll Collegeville
Sep 7 4:30 p.m. St. Norbert Collegeville
Sep 10 5 p.m. Minnesota-Morris Collegeville
Sep 17 4 p.m. Macalester Collegeville
Sep 21 3:30 p.m. at Hamline St. Paul
Sep 28 3:30 p.m. Saint Mary’s Collegeville
Oct 2 7:30 p.m. at Augsburg Minneapolis
Oct 11 5 p.m. Gustavus Adolphus Collegeville
Oct 15 4 p.m. at Concordia Moorhead
Oct 19 3:30 p.m. Bethel Collegeville
Oct 21 4:30 p.m. UW-River Falls Collegeville
Oct 26 3:30 p.m. at St. Olaf Northfield
Oct 30 3:30 p.m. St. Scholastica Collegeville
Nov 2 3:30 p.m. at Carleton Northfield, Minn. *Visit gojohnnies.com for the most up to date schedule.
Pitzner Schotzko
Sports coverage to yo u . J o h n n i e s
ANDY RENNECKE Sports Editor
NOEL QUINN
HEAD COACH
Noel Quinn was named as the interim head soccer coach at Saint John’s University in August of this year. He replaces John Haws ‘99, who resigned July 18 following 14 seasons as head coach.
Quinn had previously served as Haws’ assistant coach in 2019, and again during the 2020-21 academic year that saw the Johnnies play six games in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also assisted former head coach Pat Haws ‘72 for two seasons, during which time SJU
won the MIAC playoff championship in 2005 and the conference’s regularseason title in 2006. The Johnnies totaled a 39-18-6 (.667) record, including a 22-7-1 mark in MIAC play, during his four seasons on staff.
He was the Minnesota United FC’s Director of Youth Development from 2020-23 and has been the executive director for the Tonka United Soccer Association in Minnetonka since 2023.
A 2002 graduate of the University of Ulster and a native of Belfast, Ireland,
Quinn attended SJU in 2000-01 and has 13 years of high-school coaching experience in Minnesota.
In addition to stops at Columbia Heights (2006-07), Simley (200811) and Eden Prairie (2012-15) High Schools, Quinn led St. Thomas Academy (2016-18) to a state Class A championship in 2016. He has accumulated six top-three finishes in seven appearances at the state tournament.
“I am excited to step in to help SJU on an interim basis,” Quinn said. “SJU is a school and soccer program that is close to my heart and the opportunity to help through this moment of change is very meaningful to me. I look forward to helping SJU set up for the future in a positive way. With the help of the school and the assistant coaches, I believe we can have a successful season that is a rewarding experience for the student-athletes.”
The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are teaming up with Minnesota United FC.
The two schools have entered into a three-year agreement to become the official higher education partner of the Major League Soccer franchise, which averaged 19,568 fans per home game during the 2023 season.
As part of the exclusive partnership, CSB and SJU have already taken on a prominent presence at Allianz Field through in-stadium scoreboard and field-level digital displays – providing expanded visibility not just to soccer fans in attendance, but to the sizeable audience viewing the team’s broadcasts on Apple TV.
The agreement also provides for a number of other promotional opportunities, including CSB/SJU Night at Allianz Field when Minnesota United plays host to St. Louis City SC in the regular-season finale at 8 p.m. on Oct. 19.
A total of 500 tickets for that match will be made exclusively available to current CSB and SJU students, alumni and friends.
“We could not be more excited to become the exclusive higher education partner of Minnesota United FC for the next three years,”
TOGETHER UNITED WITH MNUFC
said CSB and SJU President Brian J. Bruess, Ph.D. “This exciting collaboration both strengthens our already deep ties with alumni and friends in the Twin Cities metro area and connects our current students with the exciting and dynamic world of professional soccer. Further, the team’s broadcasts on Apple TV will showcase our incredible institutions to a broader audience, significantly enhancing our visibility at the local and national level while highlighting the exceptional educational experiences we offer.”
The partnership between CSB and SJU and Minnesota United is a natural fit given the prominent roles a group of the schools’ alumni already hold with the team.
• Gretchen Korf, a 1998 CSB graduate, joined the organization in 2022 as the team’s chief financial officer after spending 14 years at UnitedHealth Group, working primarily in corporate affairs and philanthropy.
Last November, her role was expanded to executive vice president, chief administrative officer and chief financial officer.
• Bryant Pfeiffer, a 1994 SJU graduate, has been with Minnesota United for more than seven years and is now the
• Joe Deignan, a 1995 SJU graduate and former All-MIAC and Academic All-American standout on the basketball court, is one of the club’s investors.
• Tom Vertin, part of SJU’s class of 1968, is also one of the team’s investors.
• Eric Thomes, a 1994 SJU graduate and another former basketball standout, is the chief commercial officer for Allianz Life Financial Services, the team’s stadium partner.
• Dr. Ryan Fader, a 2007 SJU graduate, is an orthopedic surgeon with Allina who serves as one of the team’s physicians.
“We are thrilled to join forces with the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University as our exclusive higher education partner,” Pfeiffer said. “The two schools offer a premiere and distinct educational experience and a passionate and devoted base of alumni and friends. The Johnnie/Bennie network extends far and wide. That includes myself –class of 1994 – and other members of our organization, making this partnership a natural fit.”
MIAC FINISHES
Pitzner
Buxell
Pearson
Siefken
Bowman
Atkins
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
All-MIAC (First Team only)
1974
Mike Lilly F
1975 Mike Lilly M
1976 Mike Lilly F
Mark Cote M
Steve Westlund FB
John Warren GK
1977 Mike Lilly F
Pat Lilly M
Tim Rutka F
John McHale HB
1978 Pat Lilly M
Tim Rutka F
1979 John Cella FB
Dave Clark FB
Tim Frederick GK
Sulayman N’Jie HB
Jim Phelps F
Paul Schoen HB
1980 Dave Clark D
Terry Leiendecker GK
Jim Phelps F
Mike Tierney M
1981 Jeff Graen M
Terry Leiendecker GK
Dave Rymanowski D
John Tracy F
1982 Jeff Graen M
Terry Leiendecker GK
Tim Leonard D
Sulayman N’Jie F
Dave Rymanowski D
John Tracy F
Academic
All-District
2002 Mike Rutter M
2005 Ben Passe M
2006 Jason Daly D
Ben Passe M
2007 Cam Christensen F
Jason Daly D
2008 Cam Christensen M
Jason Daly D
2010 Ryan Fuchs D
2013 Joe Balder D
2015 Dylan Lehrer D
Alex Niederloh M
Paul Wageman F
2016 Dylan Lehrer D
2021 Aidan Becken D
1983 Tim Coughlin F
Jeff Graen M
Terry Leiendecker GK
Dan Lilly D
Sulayman N’Jie F
1984 Mike Lynn D
Paul Rocheford F
1985 Ryan Logan M
Tim Zitur D
1986 John Boyd* F
John Stevens F
Scott Swedal B
1987 John Boyd F
Ryan Logan B
John Stevens F
1988 Steve Bennett M
John Boyd* F
Mike Oelrich D
John Stevens M
1989 Gary Bischel GK
George Fehrenbach F
Mike Oelrich* D
Kurt Roemer M
1990 Gary Bischel GK
George Fehrenbach F
Derrick Lance D
1991 Mike Fahey GK
Brent Johnson M
Derrick Lance D
1992 Dave Clements M
Bryan Dieleman M
Brent Johnson M
1993 Dave Clements D
Bill Vance F
1994 Chris Foreman GK
Eric Ross M
Nabil Gharib F
1995 Gage Dennison D
Eric Ross M
1996 Nabil Gharib F
Eric Ross M
1997 Ross Golla F
1999 Kevin Kohnen GK
Nick Wessinger M
2000 Ross Golla M
Kevin Kohnen GK
Mike Rutter M
2001 Mike Rutter M
Joe Schmidt F
2002 Tyler Bosch F
Mike Rutter M
2003 Joe Schmidt F
Andy Witchger F
2004 Tyler Bosch F/M
Thoralf Knoll D
Andy Witchger F/M
2005 Tudor Flintham F
Tyler Kodet F
2006 Tyler Kodet F
Bryan Mills D
Ben Passe M
2007 Jason Daly D
Chris Schultz D
2008 Jason Daly D
Cavin Allen D
Matt D. Anderson M
Aidan Becken D
Drew Engel M
Evan Siefken GK
Jack Simonet M
2023 Matt D. Anderson M
Noah Hermanson D
Academic
All-Americans
2006 Ben Passe M
2015 Paul Wageman F
2016 Dylan Lehrer D
2021 Aidan Becken D
2022 Aidan Becken D
Levi Lowell F
Chris Schultz D
2009 Colin Hall M
2010 Michael Coborn M
2011 Michael Coborn M
2012 Michael Coborn M
Ian Scudder F
2013 Michael Coborn M
David Wee F
2014 Rocky Harmon M
Zane Heinselman F
Alex Niederloh M
2015 Kevin Lebahn GK
Alex Niederloh M
Paul Wageman F
2016 Zack Boerjan F
Justin DuQue D
Rocky Harmon F
2017 Zack Boerjan M
Daniel Bruckbauer M
2018 Leighton Lommel M
2019 Kagan Foster F
Leighton Lommel M
2021 Matt D. Anderson M
2022 Evan Siefken GK
2023 Matt D. Anderson M
Evan Siefken GK
*MIAC Most Valuable Player Award recipient
SJU RECORDS
Goals
Individual Game
1. 7 Mike Lilly vs. Saint Mary’s 10/30/1976
Assists
Individual Season
1. 18 Ken Potts 1974 2. 15 Sulayman N’Jie 1982
3. 14 Jim Phelps 1980
4. 12 Michael Coborn 2012
5. 11 Andy Witchger 2003
11 Nabil Gharib 1994
11 Bryan Dieleman 1991
8. 10 Michael Coborn 2011
10 Tudor Flintham 2005
10 Eric Ross 1996
10 Paul Markson 1991
1994
11 John Boyd 1986
Individual Career
1. 62 Mike Lilly 1974-77
2. 38 John Boyd 1985-88
3. 30 Tyler Bosch 2001-04
30 Jim Phelps 1978-81
5. 26 Michael Coborn 2010-13
6. 24 Joe Schmidt 2000-03
7. 23 Nabil Gharib 1993-96
8. 22 Tyler Kodet 2005-08
22 John Tracy 1979-82
10. 21 Tudor Flintham 2002-05
Individual Career Games
1. 65 Terry Leiendecker 1980-83
2. 60 Kevin Lebahn 2012-15 3. 50.9 Kevin Kohnen 1998-00 4. 49.8 Eric Prawalsky 2001-04
Jim
Individual Career
1. 36 Michael Coborn 2010-13
2. 29 Eric Ross 1993-96
3. 27 Bryan Dieleman 1989-92
4. 26 Tyler Bosch 2001-04
26 Andy Witchger 2001-04
6. 25 Mike Rutter 1999-02
25 John Stevens 1986-88
8. 24 Nabil Gharib 1993-96
24 Sulayman N’Jie 1980-83
10. 22 Ross Golla 1997-00
Points
Individual Game
1. 14 Mike Lilly vs. Saint Mary’s 10/30/1976
Individual Season
1. 56 Ken Potts 1974
2. 38 Jim Phelps 1980
4. 32 Tudor Flintham 2005
4. 31 Eric Ross 1994
31 Bryan Dieleman 1991
6. 30 Michael Coborn 2011
7. 29 John Boyd 1988
29 Sulayman N’Jie 1982
8. 28 Tyler Bosch 2004
28 Nabil Gharib 1994
9. 27 John Boyd 1986 27 John Stevens 1986 27 Jim Phelps 1979
Individual Career 1. 124+ Mike Lilly 1974-77
2. 93 John Boyd 1985-88
3. 88 Michael Coborn 2010-13
4. 86 Tyler Bosch 2001-04
5. 75 Jim Phelps 1978-81
6. 70 Nabil Gharib 1993-96
7. 64 Andy Witchger 2001-04
64 Joe Schmidt 2000-03
9. 63 Mike Rutter 1999-02
63 Eric Ross 1993-96
Goalkeeper Shutouts
Individual Season
1. 15 Terry Leiendecker 1982
.80 Matt Sundberg 2004-07
.80 Gary Bischel 1988-91
TEAM AWARDS
MVP
Evan Siefken
TERRY LEIENDECKER AWARD
Brandon Morris
RESERVE MVP
Richard Cornejo
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
McKaid Schotzko
HARDEST WORKER
Mahmoud Soumah
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Lucca Holman
GOAL OF THE YEAR
Carter Hermanson vs Saint Mary’s 9/23/23
UNSUNG HERO
Carter Hermanson
INTERNATIONAL TEAM TRAVEL
In addition to the beautiful sights of Collegeville and Haws Field, the Saint John’s University soccer program also takes in the wonders of the world on an international trip every 3-4 years. The travel party consists of coaches, studentathletes, family and friends. Most Recent International Trips
January 2007: Ireland
August 2013: Spain/France/ Monaco
January 2017: Spain/France
January 2020: Italy
January 2023: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
January 2026: To be Determined
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Pantheon, Italy
Nîmes, France
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Rio, Brazil
PROUD
SPONSOR AND CONTRACTOR FOR JOHNNIE
ATHLETICS
LAST SEASON IN PICTURES
SJU Soccer at Gustavus in MIAC Quarterfinals (image courtesy of Graham Miller).
Defender Noah Hermanson, scored what proved to be the gamewinning goal in the 72nd minute on Oct. 11. (image courtesy of
Defender Noah Hermanson, scored the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute on Oct. 11. (image courtesy of
SOCCER FACILITIES
HAWS FIELD
Haws Field, named in honor of retired Saint John’s University soccer coach Pat Haws, opened for the 2013 soccer season. Key features of Haws Field include a natural grass playing surface, permanent team dugouts, bleacher, natural seating and a scoreboard.
The total cost of the project was $600,000, of which $400,000 came from a generous gift from Coborn’s, Inc. The new soccer field was part of a $16 million athletic facilities renovation project at SJU.
The field is made up of “natural turf,” a sand-peat mixture with an engineered sub-base to allow for proper drainage throughout the year. This is designed to ensure that an excess of water will not cause significant damage to the pitch, something that is always a concern for any team with a grass field.
The new renovations to the pitch allows for fans to sit closer to the field of play, especially with the retaining wall running along the touch and end lines. The complex is “light ready,” meaning that conduit is in place for future consideration.
GAGLIARDI FIELD
A big part of the success of the Saint John’s University football program over the years has been the way players of the past helped pave the way for players of the present and future.
The Gagliardi Field and Seasonal Dome complex is a perfect example of that sense of community. Named in honor of legendary former football coach John Gagliardi - the winningest coach in college history - it was made possible by gifts from more than 50 individual donors - many of whom were former players.
The artificial turf field has markings for a full-length football field, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, two crosscourt soccer fields, baseball and softball, along with three batting cages when the Skalicky Dome goes up from October to April each academic year.
It’s a year-round home for intramural sports on campus, but also serves as a practice facility for the football team and other varsity sports.
MCGLYNN FITNESS CENTER
When it comes to training, the right facilities are important. But having the right people in place to staff them is just as critical.
Luckily, Saint John’s University has both.
The 5,600-feet McGlynn Fitness Center - which was made possible by a generous gift from the Burt McGlynn family, and is open to all
students and alums - is equipped with a full range of free weights, upper-body, lower-body and fullcore machines, and cardiovascular machines such as treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bicycles. But SJU athletes also have an exceptional resource on which to draw in Justin Rost, who is now in his 11th season as the assistant athletic trainer and head strength and conditioning coach in Collegeville.
SCHOLARSHIP FEATURE Scholarships help Deutschman thrive at SJU
It was one of his high school coaches who first put Saint John’s University on Jacob Deutschman’s radar.
Ben Sieben – an All-MIAC standout at wide receiver for the Johnnies in the late 1990s – is now an assistant coach at Anoka High School where Deutschman was the starting quarterback before graduating in 2022.
“I didn’t know much about Saint John’s before that,” Deutschman said. “But (Sieben) went here and he talked to me about it. So I took a visit and I really enjoyed the campus. When I discovered more about the quality of education that’s offered here, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
And it was scholarships that helped make that possible. Deutschman – an exercise and health science major who will be a junior this fall –currently receives the Agee Family Scholarship, as well as an academic achievement scholarship.
“It takes away so much stress when you know you have scholarships in place to help make everything work financially,” said Deutschman, who hopes to one day pursue a chiropractic career. “It allows you to focus your energy on academic success.”
Deutschman is doing just that while continuing as a member of the SJU football team.
“Jacob is a testament to the kind of young men that we have here at Saint John’s,” Johnnies head
coach Gary Fasching said. “As a member of our football team, Jacob has battled through a couple of injuries but has persevered. He had a very good spring for us, and we hope that he can carry that into the coming season”.
Deutschman is the oldest in a family of four children – two of whom are cousins whom his parents Brent and Sarah adopted after his aunt died of cancer and his uncle died of complications from ALS within a month of one another in 2016.
“That was a really rough moment to go through as a family,” he recalls. “My cousins lost their mother and father and we lost an aunt and uncle. It was hard, but we got through it, and it drew us even closer together.
“We’re a very tight-knit family.”
Those close familial ties are part of why he values so deeply the sense of community he’s found at SJU and the College of Saint Benedict.
“If I hadn’t been able to come here, I would have missed out on the bonding experiences I’ve had with my classmates, as well as the oneon-one relationships I’ve formed with my professors and coaches,” he said. “I’ve made such great friends during my time here. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
Which is why he’s so appreciative of the assistance scholarships have provided, and so grateful to the donors who’ve helped make that possible.
“I want to say thank you for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “It’s meant so much to me to be here.”
Christian Rodriguez
5-9, 150, midfielder, Rocori High School
Who is someone you really admire and why?
My parents are both people I admire because they’re hard working. The sacrifices they’ve made to give me this wonderful life is what makes me work even harder every day to make them proud. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today.
What is your best memory of your time here - on or off the field?
The games in California my sophomore season. It was great to spend time with all the guys!
Brandon Morris
5-9, 170, defender, Henry Sibley (now Two Rivers) High School
What is something most people wouldn’t know about you? I did gymnastics.
What made you decide to come to Saint John’s?
Good academics, soccer and the small-school environment.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Landon Atkins
5-11, 165, defender, Lakeville North High School
If you were trapped on a desert island, what teammate would you want with you and why?
I’d want to bring Evan Siefken because he would be great company, and I believe he has great survival skills.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is the frisbee golf course because it’s very peaceful and has a beautiful view overlooking the lake.
Evan Siefken
6-4, 200, goalkeeper, Lakeville North High School
What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
Most people don’t know this about me, but I have a hearing disability called tinnitus. So sometimes people think I’m ignoring them, but I just genuinely don’t hear very well.
Who is someone you really admire and why?
I really admire my former coach Seamus Trichler. He coached me when I was younger and unfortunately has since passed away. He was the first coach who made me love and appreciate the game of soccer. He was a great coach to learn from and an even better person off the field.
Joe Pearson
6-1, 185, midfielder, St. Cloud Tech High School
What is your best memory of your time here - on or off the field?
Beating Gustavus in overtime in the (MIAC) playoffs my freshman year.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is the first bench on the right side of Lake Sagatagan - opposite from the chapel walk.
Mahmoud Soumah
5-7, 160, forward, Sartell High School
What is your funniest memory from soccer at SJU?
Every moment with the boys. I enjoyed them all. I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
Global business leadership because I’ve always wanted to get into business since I was young, and this was the perfect opportunity.
Rodriguez & Morris
Siefken
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SOCCER IN THE SJU J-CLUB HALL OF HONOR
The Saint John’s University J-Club Hall of Honor was established in 2018 as a way to pay lasting tribute to some of the greatest athletes in school history.
Legendary longtime head coaches
John Gagliardi and Jim Smith were honored as the first two inductees in separate ceremonies that year. The first full class was inducted in the fall of 2019, then after a one-year pause brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the second full class was inducted in 2021. The third followed last year.
So far, three individuals connected to the Johnnie soccer team have been enshrined. They are:
Pat Haws ’72 (inducted 2019) - Haws spent 32 seasons as SJU’s head soccer coach before retiring after the 2009 season with a record of 341-14050, making him the winningest college men's soccer coach in Minnesota history. He built the program into a national power, making NAIA or NCAA Division III national tournament appearances in 1979, '80, '82, '86, '89, '90 and 2005. That included two trips to the national quarterfinals (1986 and '89). He also served as SJU’s longtime swimming and diving head coach.
Terry Leiendecker ’84 (inducted 2021) - A four-year starter in goal, Leiendecker allowed just 28 goals in nearly 6,000 minutes of play, which translated into 44 shutouts in 65 career starts. That included his junior season in 1982, when Leiendecker recorded 15 shutouts in 18 contests and earned All-American honors. His shutout percentage that season (0.833) still stands as an NCAA Division III record. He earned All-MIAC honors four times and his career goals-against average of 0.431
remains in the top 15 in Division III history. His success earned him spots in two straight U.S. Olympic Festivals, which in turn led to his selection as a member of Team USA at the World University Games in Japan in 1984. He also went on to spend a season with the Minnesota Strikers of the North American Soccer League.
Mike Lilly ’78 (inducted 2022) - During his four seasons, Lilly led the SJU soccer team to a record of 38-9-1, including an MIAC title and two NAIA District 13 championships. A four-time All-MIAC and all-district selection, He was also named to the NAIA Area III All-America team as a senior in 1977, the first player at a Minnesota
school to earn that honor. The Robbinsdale (Minn.) Armstrong High School graduate is still the Johnnies' top goal-scorer with 62, including a single-season record 20 in 1976.
