The Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks enter the 2022 soccer season as the two time defending regular season conference champions, and ranked 15th in the nation.
"I'm not sure the NJCAA has done us any favors with the preseason ranking," said coach Michael DuRoy. "We always have a target on our backs, but anytime you are ranked it's even bigger. This group has potential to be a good team. How soon that will be is anyone's guess. We have had basically the same lineup for the last three years so it's a lot different having so many guys that have no idea what it takes to play at this level. It's a learning process, and I'm sure we will have some ups and downs. If we do things right we will be playing our best soccer in October."
Returnees include Forward Jaron Frye, defender David Garcia, and All Conference midfielder Daniel Clarke who are expected to provide leaderships for the Mavs. Returning sophomores include Assanie Brown, Leon Schmitter, Eli Little, Casey Clemo, Gin Muang, Connor Moreno, Marko Madaras, and Kevin Ayala. Brown has stood out for the Mavericks as the top forward this preseason. Little is challenging for a starting spot in the midfield. Casey Clemo started the preseason game in goal, and did not allow a goal.
The freshmen class will be relied on heavily this season. Goalkeeper Aron Kanyai has been hurt during the preseason, but has shown enough to be pushing for the starting spot. Three newcomers have won starting spots on the back line. Sophomore transfer outside back Boris Nguelle has been solid and can play right and left back.
Juan Escobar is starting at left back, but can also play right back or either wing position. Blayne Bryant came to Mavs as a forward, but has locked down one of the centerback positions. Newcomers Ryan Doig and Vum Khup have been getting the majority of the reps with the first team. Jhevan Smith has continued the Jamaican pipeline of forwards through Northern. Smith has been starting as a winger this preseason.
Last season, the Mavs were 13-4-2.