The MVNU men’s soccer team enters the new season with many fresh faces, including a new head coach and a variety of international athletes. Of the 52 players, 25 traveled from 18 different countries outside of the U.S.

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Before MVNU, coach Kaleb Blevins started coaching at 14 and has since coached for club and college teams. He played college soccer at Ohio Christian University. At MVNU, he appreciates the Christian environment as well as the high-level soccer, saying, “It’s a very tight knit community feel here. I think that the guys definitely have a brotherhood between the players. The community aspect of all of it is really unique.” Blevins has seen the team’s diversity as a blessing and is excited to lead the Cougars this season.

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One of Blevins’ recent recruits was Elkana Maier. Just four weeks ago, Maier traveled more than 4,000 miles from Germany to MVNU. He gave up having no speed limits in Germany to study business and be a midfielder for the Cougars. 

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Maier was drawn to MVNU because of the coach’s openness and kindness. “I wanted to go to college to play soccer. The coach talked to me and was really open. He saw me as a player and was really kind,” he explained. Maier has a goal of leading the Cougars to the playoffs and a national title. Off the field, Maier feels very welcomed at MVNU and loves how friendly and genuine everyone is. 

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This is Maier’s first time in America, but Matias Del Solar has lived in America for the past two years. Originally from Peru, Del Solar transferred to MVNU from a community college in Texas. 

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Del Solar loves his home country, especially its food. “My favorite food there is ceviche, and we are number one in the world for gastronomy,” he said. He loves Peru—but also enjoys life in America. Like Maier, Del Solar was drawn to MVNU by the team and coach. He believes that the team has skilled players and is eager to win the conference championship. 

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The Cougars are off to a strong start under Blevins, with a record of 4-1-2.

 

Fans can catch them in action at CH4 Stadium against Goshen on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.