Men’s Soccer to Host Recruiting Showcases
Toccoa Falls College men’s soccer will be hosting two on-campus tryouts for the 2013 fall season. In conjunction with the TFC admission department’s events “Friday at the Falls” and “TFC Campus Preview,” the try outs will be held on Friday, March 8 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm) and Saturday, April 6 (9:30 am – 11:30am). The purpose of these training sessions is to give prospective student-athletes the opportunity to experience TFC, and what it’s like to be a part of an intercollegiate soccer program. Prospective players will participate in training sessions and competitions under the direction of the TFC men’s soccer coaching staff along with other prospective players and current TFC players. Included in the showcase events are opportunities to meet with our coaching staff and players, take a campus tour, and participate in other informational sessions about the college. Don’t miss this opportunity to see what makes TFC soccer special, and why this could be the place for you!
If you have any questions about this event, please contact head Coach Robert Worsley by email at RobertWorsley@tfc.edu or by phone at 864-907-2124.
TFC Finishes 7th at National Tournament
The Toccoa Falls College Eagles traveled to Kissimmee, Florida, on November 8-10 to participate in their first national tournament since 2006. TFC earned the right to attend the national tournament when they defeated Clearwater Christian College in the south region final on October 27. As south region champions, TFC was given the #7 seed in the 8 team tournament.
The Eagles first round match up was against Northland International University. The Pioneers from Dunbar, Wisconsin, entered the tournament with a #2 seed and a 14-5-1 record. NIU was too much for the Eagles, and won the opening round 3-0. TFC then faced #3 Providence University College from Manitoba, Canada, in the consolation bracket. TFC surrendered a late goal to Providence (13-2-2), and lost 1-0.
In the final match of the tournament, the Eagles jumped to an early 2-0 lead over #8 Bible Baptist College with goals from seniors Tyler Timberlake and Phil Stice. BBC scored in the 41st minute to draw back a goal before the halftime whistle. Each team scored early in the second half for a 3-2 Eagles advantage. For the Eagles, Josh Gailer scored to put TFC back in front. The Eagles would surrender a late equalizer, and the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Coach Rob Worsley said, “I’m really proud of this team for all they accomplished. Our seniors Phil Stice and Tyler Timberlake had great seasons. We will return all but those two players, and we’ll be expecting a return trip to nationals next season.”
Sophomore goal keeper Elijah Smith was named to the all tournament team. In his fourth and final year for the Eagles, Timberlake led the Eagles (7-14-2) in scoring this season with 10 goals and 6 assists. Stice added 6 goals, and Gailer contributed five on the year. TFC’s All-American selections will be announced by the NSCAA on November 19.
TFC at the National Tournament
For the first time since 2006, the TFC men’s soccer team earned a bid to the NCCAA national tournament. The south region champions are the #7 seed, and will play #2 Northland International University on Wednesday at 12:00 pm. Once again, the NCCAA will be streaming games from both the men’s and women’s national tournaments. Tournament brackets and online streaming information can be found here: www.thenccaa.org/sports/2012/6/26/MSOC2_0626122640.aspx?path=msoc2
Eagles Win Region Tournament, Earn Bid to Nationals
The men’s soccer team hosted the south region tournament on October 26-27. After defeating Trinity Baptist College 3-0 in the semi-finals, the Eagles defeated Clearwater Christian College, 1-0 to win the south region banner, and an automatic bid to the NCCAA national tournament. The Eagles are now 6-12-1 overall, and 6-2-1 against NCCAA Divison II opponents.
The Eagles had played rival Clearwater Christian College two previous times this season, but were on the losing ends of 2-1 and 1-0 games. Saturday night’s match would prove to be just as tight as the previous contests. Off the opening kickoff, Clearwater immediately challenged TFC’s defense, and won a free kick in a potentially dangerous spot close to the Eagles’ net. TFC’s defense sustained the initial surge, and kept the score tied at 0-0. TFC’s goalie Elijah Smith made several clutch saves in the early part of the match. Just as the frantic beginning began to calm, TFC won a corner kick in the 11th minute of the match. Andy Hoeweler’s corner kick found the foot of senior captain Tyler Timberlake, who slotted a shot through the crowd, and beat Clearwater’s keeper Garrett Hollenbach at the far post. Timberlake’s goal was his 9th goal of the year, and gave the home side a 1-0 lead. TFC would search for another goal before the half, but Hollenbach would deny the Eagles a second goal with two spectacular saves that keep the Cougars in the match. After the halftime break, TFC focused its energy on defensive shape and keeping defenders in front of CCC’s long shooting range. With numbers behind the ball, the Eagles defense was able to frustrate the Cougars, despite their majority of ball possession. Timberlake’s first half goal proved to be the lone goal of the match as the Eagles were victorious 1-0. South region Coach of the Year Rob Worsley said, “I’m really proud of this team. Tonight’s win was our goal the entire season, and these guys worked hard for it. I’m really happy for our two seniors, Tyler Timberlake and Phil Stice.”
Four Eagles were named to the south’s All-Region team. Keeper Elijah Smith, defender Noah Smith, midfielder Tyler Timberlake, and forward Phil Stice earned first team honors. Forward Josh Gailer and defender Justin Lewis were named to the south’s second team.
With the win, the Eagles earned an automatic bid to the NCCAA Division II national tournament. The national tournament will be played November 7-10 in Kissimmee, Florida. This is the first time since 2007 the Eagles have earned a spot at the national tournament.
TFC to Host South Region Tournament
Toccoa Falls College men’s and women’s soccer programs will host the South Region tournament on October 26 and 27. The women are the #2 seed, and will face #3 Florida Christian College on Friday the 26th at 4:30. The winner of that match will face will #1 Clearwater Christian College on Saturday at 4:30.
TFC’s men are also the #2 seed, and will host #3 Trinity Baptist College on Friday, October 26th at 7:00. The winner of that match will advance to face #1 Clearwater Christian College on Saturday at 7:00. The winners of Saturday’s matches will advance to the NCCAA national tournament in Kissimmee, Florida, on November 8-10.
Eagles Earn Homecoming Win
The men’s soccer team at TFC defeated their homecoming opponent The Crown College on October 13, 3-0. TFC relied on strong keeper play and ball possession to earn the win.
TFC controlled the early portion of the match with quick passing and the ability to switch the point of attack quickly. In his last homecoming game, senior Tyler Timberlake gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute of the game. Josh Gailer slotted a through ball for Timberlake, who finished from close range. Midway through the first half, Gailer would score a goal as he hustled through Crown College defenders for a loose ball in the box. Despite possessing the ball and having several good looks at goal, the score would remain at 2-0 throughout the remainder of the half. In the first half, TFC keeper Elijah Smith had five saves. Chris Chestnut would score TFC’s final goal with 20 minutes left in the game. Chestnut received a pass at the top of the 18 yard box, made a nice touch around his defender, and buried his first career goal past Crown College’s goalie, Michael Fuller. “It was great to get the win in front of the homecoming crowd,” said TFC head coach Rob Worsley. “We got several valuable minutes out of some reserve players, and now we need to focus on getting everyone healthy.”
TFC placed 18 shots on frame in the game, 15 of which were saved by Crown’s Fuller. TFC’s goalie combination of Smith and Jon Wright combined for 13 saves on the day, five saves and 8 saves respectively. TFC is now 5-10 on the year, but are 4-2 against opponents who are also in NCCAA Division II.
The Eagles will host Talladega College on Tuesday in a 7:00 match.
TFC Suffers Another 1-0 Loss
The men’s soccer team hosted Columbia International University in a non-conference match on Thursday afternoon. Sitting several starters to rest injuries, Toccoa Falls suffered another 1-0 loss. The 1-0 defeat is the Eagles’ sixth loss of the season by that score line.
TFC and Columbia International kicked off the match playing nearly identical strategies. Both teams sought to get extra defenders behind the ball, and hoped to convert errant passes into counter attacking opportunities. Like TFC, CIU’s squad was also hampered by injuries. Both sides were content to pass the ball quickly, and worked to enter the second half without allowing a goal. With both sides imploring a conservative approach to the game, the first half saw limited chances to score, and the half ended in a scoreless draw. Shortly into the second half, CIU midfielder Daniel Miele provided the game’s only goal. Just five minutes into the half, Miele put CIU ahead with a strike from distance that froze TFC keeper Elijah Smith. TFC was able to pressure CIU’s backline, but the Eagles were unable to bury the equalizer. The match ended for the Eagles in a 1-0 loss, and TFC was out shot by a narrow 16-14 margin. CIU’s keeper Stephen Replogle was credited with six saves on the day, and TFC’s Smith tallied 8.
The Eagles will return to the field on Saturday, as they host The Crown College for the homecoming match. Kickoff is set for 3:00, and will follow the Lady Eagles’ 1:00 match against region opponent Florida Christian College.
Eagles Go Toe-to-Toe With #5 Clearwater
The Eagles soccer team was defeated at home by rivals Clearwater Christian College on Thursday, 2-1. With first place in the region on the line, the energetic crowd provided a great home atmosphere for the Eagles, but two curling strikes from distance gave the visiting Cougars the come-from-behind win.
After a tense opening to the game, TFC’s sophomore forward Josh Gailer put the Eagles ahead midway through the first half. After a long ball from the midfield put Gailer behind the Cougars’ back line, Gailer was able to hustle through a crowd of defenders and slotted a shot past the oncoming Clearwater goalie. The goal further energized the home crowd, though the lead would be short lived. Clearwater answered ten minutes before the halftime whistle with a bending shot from 20 yards out that was just out of the reach of TFC’s goalkeeper Elijah Smith.
The second half was more of the same, with both squads getting great chances at goal; however, both keepers were up to the task. Clearwater scored the eventual game winner with 25 minutes left in the game when James Sikes hit a slicing shot into the top corner of the net. With Clearwater up 2-1, the Eagles did not back down from the country’s fifth ranked team. In the last 15 minutes of the game, the Eagles bombarded the Clearwater net, but were unfortunate not to pull even. In search of the equalizer, Josh Gailer hit a beautiful half volley that dipped over the keeper, but rattled the crossbar. Minutes later, senior Tyler Timberlake struck a well-designed free kick that required every inch of the keeper’s long arms. “I’m really proud of this team. We did a lot of things right tonight, and we’re a much better team than we were earlier in the season,” said head coach Rob Worsley. “Beating them tonight would have been nice, but the loss doesn’t affect our end goal of being region champs.”
In the match, Clearwater settled for several long-range shots that provided sure saves for Elijah Smith in net. Clearwater totaled 23 shots on the night, and Smith was credited with 13 saves. TFC had 10 total shots, and five that required saves from the Clearwater keeper.
The Eagles will have a rare week off in between games. The next game will be Thursday, October 11 at 4:00 as the Eagles welcome Columbia International University to Toccoa Falls for the first time in their program’s brief history. Following the game, Dr. Meyers will be inducted as TFC’s president. Homecoming is October 13, and the Eagles will host The Crown College at 3:00.
TFC Stumbles at Bob Jones
The Toccoa Falls Eagles soccer team traveled to Greenville, South Carolina, to take on NCCAA new-comer Bob Jones University on September 25. A quick start from the Bob Jones Bruins doomed the Eagles as they were defeated 3-0.
Bob Jones opened the scoring quickly when the Eagles surrendered a seemingly harmless thrown-in in the second minute of the match. However, a long throw caught the Eagles defense off guard, and BJU forward Ryan McCarty pounced on the loose ball and finished from close range. The Eagles were under constant defensive pressure as they intentionally sat back and looked for the quick change of possession. The Eagles offense in the first half was sparse, but the solid defensive shape from Toccoa Falls kept the score at 1-0. Bob Jones scored their second goal of the match after halftime. Bruins forward Cody Lehman connected on a served cross, and his header managed to cross the goal line after deflections from Eagles goalie Elijah Smith and the goal post. The Eagles were able to manage several potential scoring chances as they pushed forward and looked to get in the scoring column. In total, the Eagles forced 6 saves from the Bruin keepers. As the Eagles searched to close the scoring gap, they surrendered an unlucky third goal to fall behind 3-0. BJU’s Tommy Sims earned the goal after his shot on frame took a large deflection that redirected Sims’ shot into the net. Coach Rob Worsley said of his team’s effort: “The last 20 minutes of the game showed our potential, but we can’t allow 70 minutes to pass before we begin to communicate and play our style of soccer.”
The Eagles will travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to face Tennessee Temple on September 29 at 3:00 pm. The next home game against rival Clearwater Christian, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 4 will now be played on Friday, October 5 at 7:00 pm.
Eagles Win, Improve to 2-1 in Conference Play
The TFC men’s soccer team traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, on September 22 to face region foe Trinity Baptist. The visiting Eagles were victorious in the match, 5-2.
The Eagles improved their record to 4-6 on the year and 2-1 in conference games. TFC Captain Phil Stice scored twice in the match, his first and second goals of the season. Also scoring for the Eagles were Nathan Dority, Josh Jordan, and Toccoa native Dustin Martin. The Eagles scored early and often, and jumped to a comfortable 4-0 halftime lead. The margin allowed the Eagles to heal several injured players, and allowed valuable game minutes for the reserves.
TFC will travel to Bob Jones University on Tuesday, September 25 and to Tennessee Temple University on Saturday, September 29.
Eagles Fall at Emmanuel
Toccoa Falls College’s men’s soccer team was defeated by nearby Emmanuel College on September 15. The local derby, a soccer game between geographically close teams, was played at Emmanuel’s temporary home field, and was dominated by the home squad.
Emmanuel College (5-1-1), a member of the NAIA athletic conference, played an aggressive style of play that allowed them to display their superior skill against the injury-riddled Eagles (3-5). The Eagles were without three starters, and were forced to play two other starters who have been slowed by lingering injuries. Being limited in their substitution patterns, the Eagles were content to bunker down and slow the tempo of the game by getting multiple defenders behind the ball.
As pre-match plans tend to do, the Eagles’ conservative approach was disrupted in the second minute of the match. After a questionable “no call” on an apparent offside, Emmanuel’s forward Jonathan Faile finished an uncontested cross from close range. The Eagles’ bad luck continued when, in the 13th minute, a mishit from the Eagles’ defense resulted in an own goal and a 2-0 advantage for the Lions. The Eagles would give up a third goal and finish the half down 3-0. The polarizing depth of each team’s bench became evident in the match as the Eagles would give up two more goals in the second half. TFC goal keeper Elijah Smith continued his good form and made 12 saves in the loss. The Eagles were out shot 31-3 on the night.
The Eagles’ next matches will be played in Florida. First, at Clearwater Christian College on September 21 and at Trinity Baptist College on September 22.
TFC Earn Home Victory Over Warren Wilson
The men’s soccer team was victorious in their home match against Warren Wilson College on September 13, 1-0. Five of the 7 games the Eagles have played this year have finished with a 1-0 score. This was the first 1-0 match in which the Eagles were winners. The win improved TFC to 3-4 on the year, and dropped the Warren Wilson Owls (USCAA) to 1-5 overall.
The first half of the match was fairly even with both sides attempting to break down the opponent’s back line with contrasting styles of play. The Eagles played solid defensively while attempting to hold possession of the ball, and WWC played a more direct style, trying to find their forwards making runs towards goal. Despite both teams having decent chances at goal, the score sheet remained empty in the first half. The score remained even until the 69th minute, when TFC’s junior forward Mike Howell scored his fourth goal of the year. Howell connected on a long through ball from freshman Sully Adams to finish the eventual game-winning goal. “It was good to win at home,” coach Rob Worsley said. “The shut out was something we wanted too. We had to count on several reserves there at the end as the injuries started to pile up, but those guys showed what they’re capable of, and that was good to see.”
TFC goal keeper Elijah Smith recorded his second shutout of the year, and blocked five of Warren Wilson’s 9 shots on goal. Smith leads the NCCAA, conceding a measly .71 goals per game. TFC out shot WWC, 16-9 on the night. WWC’s goal keeper was credited with 9 saves in the game.
The Eagles will travel to Franklin Spring, Georgia, on September 15 for a 7:00 kick off against Emmanuel College. The Eagles’ region schedule will resume on September 21-22 when they travel to Florida to play Trinity Baptist College and Clearwater Christian College.
TFC vs. Point University
The Toccoa Falls College men’s soccer team fell at home to Point University on September 11, 1-0. The loss is the Eagles’ fourth on the year. All four losses have been by identical 1-0 score lines, and have come against non-region opponents.
By getting defenders behind the ball, TFC (2-4) allowed Point University (3-4) to control most of the possession in the first half. Despite Point’s possession advantage, the strong defensive shape of the Eagles prevented the Point Skyhawks from many legitimate chances on goal. In the first half, TFC also struggled to challenge the Point goalkeeper. Tyler Timberlake provided the best chance for TFC, but his shot curved wide before it required a save. After a scoreless first half, Point University was able to take the lead off a loose ball scramble in the box. Midway through the second period, Point defender Levi Harville poked home a cross that TFC goalkeeper Elijah Smith deflected, but could not keep out of his net. The Skyhawks held on to their lead after a late surge by the Eagles’ attack. In total, Smith had to make five saves on the night despite Point out shooting TFC 15-5. Point also had the advantage in corner kicks, 4-2. Head coach Rob Worsley said of a his team’s defeat, “I’m really pleased with our effort and defensive ability. We’re really close, but we have to capitalize on our scoring chances.”
TFC will play two more games this week. TFC will host Warren Wilson College on Thursday for a 4:00 pm kick off. The Eagles will travel to Emmanuel College in nearby Franklin Springs, Georgia, on Saturday night.
TFC vs. Johnson University
The Eagles traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee, to take on Johnson University on Septemer 8, and were victorious, 3-1.
In a steady down pour, the Eagles once again jumped to an early lead. In the 3rd minute of the game, a seemingly harmless throw in from TFC’s Tyler Timberlake deflected off a Johnson University defender and skipped past the goal keeper for an own goal. TFC forward Michael Howell would score his third goal of the year, finishing a chip shot on a breakaway to give the Eagles a comfortable two goal lead. A rare indirect free kick from inside the Eagles’ penalty area resulted in the lone goal of the game for Johnson just before halftime. Timberlake restored the Eagles’ two goal advantage in the second half by scoring his fifth goal of the week.
First Win of the Season, 6-0
A dreary night could not deter the men’s team and the home fans from earning their first victory of the year. In front of a wet and boisterous crowd, the Eagles defeated Trinity Baptist College, 6-0.
TFC (1-2) welcomed new-comers Trinity Baptist Eagles (0-3) to the South Region by controlling the flow and possession of the match. Senior forward Tyler Timberlake led the Eagles with a memorable performance. Timberlake got the Eagles on the scoreboard in the 7th minute then added goals in the 47th, 83rd and 88th minutes. Timberlake’s four goals were career best. Timberlake’s high school teammate from Dakar Academy in Senegal, West Africa, finished the remaining two goals for the Eagles. Forward Michael Howell finished goals in the 16th and 70th minutes. Noah Smith, Josh Gailer, and Phil Stice were each credited with one assist in the game. Goal keepers Elijah Smith and Jonathan Wright combined for the shutout behind a strong performance from the Eagles’ backline. Head coach Rob Worsley said of his team’s performance: “It was nice to get our first win under our belts. I especially liked what I saw from some of our younger players today.”
The Eagles are in action two more times this week. The men will host nearby Piedmont College on Thursday for a 7:00pm kick off, and end the week by traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee, to face Johnson University.
North Greenville University defeats Toccoa Falls College 1-0
For the second time in one week, TFC’s defense held strong while the offense was unable to produce much action. The Eagles (0-2) traveled to face NCAA Division II North Greenville University (1-0) on Thursday and were once again defeated 1-0.
The North Greenville Crusaders got on the board early and never relinquished control. NGU forward Luis Mattei scored in the 5th minute of the game, beating TFC goal keeper Elijah Smith off the post. North Greenville controlled the remainder of the half, but were unable to get on the score sheet again in the first period. Following intermission the shot count evened out though the TFC offense never really posed a threat to the Crusaders. Despite the tight score line, North Greenville controlled possession and cruised to a comfortable win. The story of the game for TFC was sophomore goalie Elijah Smith. Smith (Toccoa, GA) looked comfortable in goal, despite being bombarded with 25 shots in the game. Smith was credited with 15 saves on the night. Thursday’s performance gives Smith 22 saves on the season, while allow just a one goal per game average.
TFC opens their home schedule with a Labor Day match against a new conference opponent. The match versus Trinity Baptist University from Jacksonville, Florida, will kick off at 7:00 pm.
TFC Men’s Soccer Defeated in Historic Season Opener
Toccoa Falls College men’s soccer team opened a new season Saturday, visiting Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. The Eagles were downed 1-0 in front of an energetic CIU home crowd. The match was the first ever intercollegiate competition for the CIU Rams. The fans and CIU community made their excitement and enthusiasm heard throughout the game.
The game began rather equal with each team forcing an early save from the respective goalkeepers. In a back and forth contest, both teams evidenced early season jitters and fatigue. The match remained scoreless until the 77th minute when a CIU winger forced a save from TFC goalkeeper and Toccoa native Elijah Smith. Smith did well to block the initial strike, but Daniel Mallard of CIU crashed the goal and finished the rebound. Throughout the remaining 13 minutes, the Eagles pushed their attack, looking for the equalizing goal. The best chance to tie the game came with less than five minutes remaining. TFC sophomore Erik Garrigo served a corner kick to junior Josh Gailer, whose header went just past the post. When the final whistle blew, the CIU Rams and their fans celebrated a well earned victory, the first in their program’s history. TFC Head Coach Rob Worsley said this about his team’s performance: “We did some really good things tonight. Even though the score line didn’t turn out in our favor, it was good for the guys to get out there and compete in a tough contest in an exciting atmosphere.”
The Eagles will travel to North Greenville College on Thursday, and will host Trinity Baptist on September 3rd for the home opener. Kick off on September 3rd will be at 7:00.
TFC 2012 Season Outlook
With an experienced core of upperclassman and a talented group of freshman, the Toccoa Falls College Eagles will be looking to build upon last season’s success. The defending ACCA national champions will return twelve players from last year’s championship run. Led by seniors Tyler Timberlake (Dakar, Senegal) and Phil Stice (Rockville, MD), the Eagles also return seven starters as they look to capture the South Region championship.
Pairing with Stice in midfield will be Erik Garrigo (Barcelona, Spain) and Stephens County (GA) products Josh Gailer and Dustin Martin. Forwards Nathan Dority (Jayapura, Indonesia), Michael Howell (Brazzaville, Congo), and Timberlake will play vital roles in the Eagles’ attack. The task of shoring up the backline will belong to returners Andy Howeweler (Waynesville, OH), and Noah Smith (Toccoa, GA). Also joining this unit is 2011 starter Shane Hotalen (Orlando, FL). Tending the nets for the Eagles will be Jon Wright (Koutiala, Mali) and Elijah Smith (Toccoa, GA).
“With so many starters returning and guys who provided quality minutes off the bench will give this squad an advantage in experience allowing the coaching staff to challenge the players with more rigorous practices.” said head coach Rob Worsley.
To add depth and skill to the TFC player pool, Coach Worsley signed a talented freshman class. Justin Lewis is transferring in from Clearwater Christian College and brings with him a year of experience playing for a quality program at CCC. In addition to Lewis, local talent Stephen Lee (Toccoa, GA) will be joining the roster along with Dalton Cofer (Eatonton, GA) and Josh Gamber (Athens, GA). Finally, the 2012 roster will be rounded out with the addition of three missionary kids from Papua, Indonesia in Josh Jordan, Ben Maxey and Sully Adams. Coach Worsley is excited about the addition of these seven new recruits and believes they will play an important role in the success of the upcoming season.
TFC will open their 2012 campaign on August 25th at Columbia International University. The home opener will be Saturday September 1 at 3:00 against Trinity Baptist, a new comer to the NCCAA II south region. Homecoming will be October 13 against The Crown College. The regular season will culminate when the Eagles host the south region tournament on October 26 and 27.
Junior Josh Gailer will be joining Seniors Phil Stice and Tyler Timberlake as team captains for the 2012 season.