The Saints hope to keep up the pace they set in 2006 after racking up their first winning season since 2002 under the direction of then first year Coach Joe Veal. The Saints (11-6-2 overall/ 6-4-2 WHAC),who scored just 13 goals in 2005, far exceed that number in 2006 as they chipped in 48 goals on the year. “We have added much needed depth this year which will help us overcome obstacles such as injury and fatigue, “ states second year head coach Joe Veal, “Also we are already seeing the benefits of  the addition of goalkeeper coach Tony Rowe .” After finishing fifth in an evenly match conference a year ago, the Saints look to climb to the top of the WHAC this season. “We lost a few key players from our 2006 roster, but we feel the combination of the experience of our returning players along with the skill of our recruits will allow us a chance to do better again this year.”

The Saints will be powered by the experience of senior captains Ryan Robleske (Kentwood, MI) and Levi Swaney (Mattawan, MI). Robleske started in all of the Saints 19 games in 2006 while tallying three goals. Swaney’s game knowledge and leadership skills will look to help conduct the Saint’s attack. Fellow senior Goran Guzina (Schererville, IN) will look to aid the Saints again in 2007. Guzina tallied seven goals and six assist in 2006.  Junior goalkeeper Ben Richardson (Traverse City, MI) will man the net for the Saints. Richardson charted a 1.27 goals against average in 13 games in his sophomore season with the Saints. The brother duo of senior Erich Smith (Middleville, MI) and junior Jarod Smith (Middleville, MI) combined for 29 points a year ago. Jarod chipping in five goals and four assist while older brother Eric garnered three goals and nine assists.  The Saint’s return their leading scorer in junior Erich Jackson (Petoskey, MI). Jackson chalked up 10 goals and four assists a year ago. Rounding out the upper classmen are juniors Carlos Martinez (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Chris Smith (Holt, MI), Aaron Fortier (Hastings, MI) and senior Mark Decker (Belmont, MI). Sophomores Brian Himes (Fenton, MI) and Brian McKeough (Hastings, MI) will look to add to the Saint’s line-up this year.

The Saints look to the addition of 10 talented freshman players to help complete their roster.  The pool of freshman includes many high school All-State selections and All-Conference selections. The Saints are eager to see if they have stirred up the right mixture to bring home a WHAC championship.

Aquinas has had consistent success in the past with its Men’s Soccer team, and the tradition continued through the 2007 season.  With a record of 14-6-1 and 7-4-1 in the WHAC, the Saints won their way into the conference tournament to claim the WHAC tournament championship.

Coach Joe Veal (2nd year) and his Saints began their season with a successful start on the road.  They started off with a “home game away from home,” at the MVP field house, due to the construction of the new soccer field with a victory over Calumet 6-2.  The road trip ended with a 4-2 record and included the championship at the University of St. Francis Tournament.  Upon returning home, the Saints opened their new field with a victory over St. Xavier University 3-2.  After a home loss to Cornerstone, Aquinas rolled off 6 victories in a row including a Homecoming victory following the Lady Saints over Indiana Tech.

The Saints ended out the regular season winning 2 of their last 3 games making their way into the WHAC tournament as the 4 seed.  The opening round of play had the Saints traveling to Livonia to play Madonna who has been a thorn in the Saints side the past few years.  Aquinas came out on top (3-1) in a grueling contest that proved the heart and determination of this year’s squad.  The championship round was a match up between Aquinas and up and coming Davenport.  The Saints prevailed with a convincing 3-0 victory to win the WHAC Tournament and advance to the regional.  

Aquinas’ season came to a sad end when they lost to Goshen in the first round of the final regional tournament for the NAIA.  (Next year the NAIA is adopting a direct qualification plan to give the conference winner and automatic trip to the national tournament.)  The Maple leafs defeated the Saints 2-0, finalizing another successful season.

The Saints were headed by seniors; Ryan Robleski (Kentwood, MI) and Levi Swaney (Mattawan, MI) as they were voted WHAC first team All-Conference.  Jared Smith (Middleville, MI) and Erich Jackson (Petoskey, MI) were voted to the All WHAC 2nd team.  Jackson led the team with goals (17) and points (39). 

Aquinas’ future looks bright with many returning players as they hope to continue on with their strong play and perseverance in the post season.