Legends men's soccer has record first season

The Legends Men's Soccer team ended their first season with a third-place finish in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC). This finish allowed the Legends to participate in the NJCAA Division III Region XIII men's soccer semifinal.

Alexandria was the No. 3 seed going into the tournament and ultimately fell to No. 2 seed Riverland Community College, 4-3.

"Riverland was a very talented team," said Co-Head Soccer Coach William (Chato) Alvarado. "We tried to work on game management, looking at the different situations that could happen in the game. We also knew we had to put pressure on the ball right away. They have very talented players, and we knew we couldn't give them much time and space."

The Legends played with confidence and were able to make several combinations of plays during the game. Legends Forward Dahir Mohamed challenged three Riverland defenders at one point in the game and scored to tie the game 2-2.

"The team was on a mission," said Midfielder and Defender Sebastian Centeno. "Everyone came to the game ready without a doubt. Every single one of us was able to manage and control the entire game. Not at one point I felt the team was disorganized, and we didn't let the goals get to us. I am so proud of everyone today, and I am grateful to be a part of this amazing team."

Coach Alvarado said it was a close game, and the Legends were able to keep tying up the game shortly after Riverland took the lead. "The boys showed great resilience and determination and never gave up, even after some key players had to leave the field because of injuries," he said.

"It was a good game. Unfortunately, it was not the result we were looking for," said Midfielder Joao Seguti, who scored two goals in the game. "The team is to be congratulated for the season. It is difficult to build a team from scratch and achieve the results that we achieved. For sure, ATCC is going to be one of the top soccer teams in the state for years to come."

Legends Athletic Director Sean Johns was happy with the men's first season.

"Despite a couple of bad injuries, we played a very good game," said Athletic Director Sean Johns. "Starters and players who came from the bench responded very well to the challenge. We kept our composure during the game. Our team did a good job at controlling the ball and the tempo. The coaches are very proud of the job the players did; they play with great passion and conviction. We are looking forward to next year's season."

In addition to a third-place finish in the conference, Co-Head Coaches Tom Roos and Alvarado were named Coach of the Year.

"This award is a great way to recognize the work and the effort of many people," said Coach Alvarado. "Tom Roos did all the recruiting last year, and that is why ATCC was able to have a strong team this season. I feel fortunate to coach alongside Tom."

Dahir Mohamed, Alex Westveer, and Jackson LePage were named to the All-MCAC team, and Westveer was also selected to the 2022 All-Region 13 Men's soccer team.

"We are very excited about next year," said Coach Roos. "Unlike a year ago when we were putting together a team from scratch, we will already have a strong core group of returning players. That will allow us to be really selective in the recruiting process, and hopefully, we will be able to bring in players that will have an immediate positive impact on the team and the school."

Next season, the men's soccer team will implement world-class technology to help the player develop and perform. These include recording all the games so players and coaches can review and analyze performance during the games and sensors to help collect data.

"These sensors will be available to all our soccer players for the 2023 soccer season," Coach Alvarado said. "ATCC is the only two-year college in Minnesota to use this technology. We are excited to see growth in the program."