NOV. 11 — Franklin And Kauffman Achieve All-Conference Status
Junior midfielders voted among best players in league by coaches

Junior Tera Franklin Junior Greta Kauffman

Junior Greta Kauffman

Upland, IN — Traveling to third-seeded Taylor on Saturday, the sixth-seeded Leafs dropped a 4-1 decision to the host Trojans in the first round of the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Tournament.

Two Taylor first-half scores put Goshen in an early hole that the team could not get out of. Junior Greta Kauffman scored at the 35th minute to make the score 2-1, Taylor, but scores at the 60th and 77th minute by Taylor forward Gina Hugland insured the Trojans’ win.

“We played much better than our regular season match with Taylor (a 3-1 Taylor win),” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “We made a number of good chances at the goal. I am pleased with our performance. We felt good about our effort as a team.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Megan Morris had another outstanding afternoon in goal, getting 10 saves against a strong Taylor front line.

“Megan Morris played extremely well,” Mounsithiraj said. “She saved numerous close-range shots.”

Goshen ends its season with an overall record of 5-10-2 and a conference mark of 1-4-2. Mounsithiraj said he was pleased overall with his team’s play in his first season as head coach.

“We have work to do in the off-season, but I feel we’ve set a standard for what’s expected in terms of effort and desire,” he said. “I’m excited to get started preparing for next year.”

Freshman Molly Kauffman

Grand Rapids, MI — Playing the majority of the game without its core group of defenders in senior Emily Rupp and juniors Ashley Clark and Miriam Miller, the Goshen women’s soccer team lost to Cornerstone by a 3-0 score Tuesday.

The defensive trio of Rupp, Clark and Miller are all battling nagging injuries, and those problems kept them off the field for most of the game against the Golden Eagles.

“We gave up two early goals which is quite tough psychologically,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “We played most of the game without our three starters in the defense, which made it even tougher.”

Cornerstone scored at the 10th and 37th minute-marks in the first half, and added an insurance goal late in the second period. Mounsithiraj gave credit to junior Lauresta Piper-Ruth and freshman Molly Kauffman for their effort in solidifying an injured defensive group.

“We played well and controlled the possession solidly for most of the game,” Mounsithiraj said. “Lauresta and Molly stepped in and did some good things for us.”

Goshen (5-9-2, 1-4-2) has concluded its regular season, and will begin play in the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Tournament beginning this Saturday. The Leafs finished the regular season as the sixth-place team in the MCC, and will travel to #3 seed Taylor. Match time is slated for 2 p.m.

Lead pass: Junior Greta Kauffman passes the ball ahead to an open teammate in Monday night's game against EMU. Goshen did not control the ball for most of the match — EMU had 16 shots on goal to Goshen's four.

Goshen, IN — In the latest chapter of the Eastern Mennonite-Goshen rivalry, it was EMU that came away victorious, winning Monday night’s contest by a 4-0 count in front of a sold-out crowd at the Goshen College Soccer Complex.

After taking a 1-0 lead early in the first half, EMU was shut down for the remainder of the initial period. Such was not the case in the second half, however, as the Royals ripped off three straight scores over a span of just under 10 minutes.

“EMU is an excellent team,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “They had a complete game over us tonight. They exposed our weaknesses and never let up on their attack. They had numerous shots and near misses (on goal). The score could have been higher.”

Goshen sophomore goalkeeper Megan Morris had a busy night, collecting 12 saves on the evening while being placed in some precarious defensive positions. Goshen (5-7-2, 1-4-2) had some chances offensively as well, but could not take advantage. The best opportunities for Leaf scores came midway through the first half when freshman Addie Liechty could not convert on a penalty kick, and late in the game when junior Tera Franklin just missed the goal on a headed attempt.

The Leafs were without sophomore forward Rebekah Henn, who had automobile troubles in returning to campus from her home in Wisconsin. Henn’s speed on the outside was missed against EMU.

“We have a lot of work to do as we approach tournament play,” Mounsithiraj said.

Goshen will host its final home game of the season Saturday against Spring Arbor. Match time is set for 5 p.m.

Junior Greta Kauffman

Upland, IN — Falling behind by two goals in the first half against Taylor Saturday was too much for Goshen to overcome, as the Leafs fell to the host Trojans by a 3-1 score.

Goshen (5-6-2, 1-4-2) went into halftime trailing 0-2, and despite a score from junior Greta Kauffman midway through the second stanza, could not recover.

“We started the game flat and never quite seemed to get out of it,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “Taylor is a very good team with a lot of speed and skill.”

Kauffman, an all-Mid-Central Collegiate Conference selection from last season, scored her third goal of the current year on a nifty one-on-one move in the second play. Mounsithiraj credited Kauffman and fellow center-midfielder Tera Franklin (junior) for their effort on Saturday.

“I thought that Greta Kauffman and Tera Franklin played a solid game for us,” Mounsithiraj said. “They never seem to give up on any ball. Their effort created a few chances for us.”

Goshen will return to play on Monday evening, when the Leafs will host Eastern Mennonite University in a women’s-men’s double-header. The women’s game will begin at 5 p.m. while the men’s game will start immediately following that contest, at approximately 7 p.m.

One on one: Freshman Addie Liechty sets up a shot on goal in an earlier season match. Liechty was responsible for half of the Leafs' scores against Bethel Wednesday, putting a header into the net off a Rebekah Henn (sophomore) pass in the first half of play.

Goshen, IN — Claiming its fifth win of the season thus far — and its second straight — the Goshen College women’s soccer team defeated visiting Bethel by a 2-0 score Wednesday night. With the win, the Leafs have won four of their last five outings, and claimed their first Mid-Central Collegiate Conference win of the year.

“To get a win from a team like Bethel is always satisfying,” said Goshen head coach Thavisith Mounsithiraj. “Bethel went to the national tournament just two years ago. We’re happy with our play tonight.”

Goshen (5-5-2, 1-3-2) started off strong, scoring two goals over a nine-minute stretch in the first half. Junior Tera Franklin scored her team-leading fourth goal of the season on a direct kick at the 27th minute. Freshman Addie Liechty then took a pass from sophomore Rebekah Henn at the 36th minute and headed the ball into the back of the net for a two-goal cushion. And while Mounsithiraj thought that his team could have remained more aggressive with the lead, it all worked out in the end for the 2-0 victory.

“I thought our first half was much more intense and purposeful than the second,” he said. “Our goal was to come out strong and stay on top of them right away. We had a two goal lead at the half but I knew it was far from over. Bethel has a lot of speed and skill.”

The defense took over in the second stanza, continually thwarting Pilot attempts to score. Bethel had nine shots on goal for the evening compared to Goshen’s five, but the defensive backfield and sophomore keeper Megan Morris did not budge, giving Goshen its third shut-out of the season.

“I have to give credit to our defensive game,” Mounsithiraj said. “We were able to remain much more compact and defend as a unit against Bethel’s speed on the outside.”

Goshen will play in its final MCC regular season match this Saturday, when the team will travel to Taylor. Match time is set for 2 p.m.

Senior Juliet Aungst Junior Greta Kauffman

Clearing: Junior defender Leah Rayl fires a ball upfield in the second half of Friday's game against St. Francis. Goshen's defense held the Lady Cougars to only three goals, a much better output than what the Leafs' gave up to nationally ranked teams earlier in the season.

Near score: Junior midfielder Greta Kauffman leaps up for an attempted redirection of a second half corner kick in Friday's match. Kauffman nearly scored on two different corner kicks, but couldn't find the net.

Goshen, IN — Playing on a cold, gusty Friday evening, the Goshen women’s soccer team was defeated by Mid-Central Collegiate Conference foe St. Francis by a 3-0 count. The Leafs put up a tremendous fight against a Lady Cougar team that had been ranked as high as 19th in the country this season, leaving head coach Thavisith Mounsithiraj proud following the match.

“As a team, I thought we played extremely well,” Mounsithiraj said. “(Junior) Greta Kauffman did an extremely good job in marking St. Francis’ best player all evening.”

Kauffman also had the best chances to score for the Leafs, as two headed attempts of Goshen corner kicks nearly found the back of the net. The loss to St. Francis ended the Leafs’ two game winning streak, where Bluffton and Aquinas were both beaten at their home fields over the last week.

For Goshen (3-5-2, 0-3-2) the end result against St. Francis was much better than what the team was seeing earlier in the season, however. Losses to ranked teams by the scores of 0-8 and 0-9 in early September are now a faded memory in Mounsithiraj’s opinion. Goshen trailed USF by only two goals at halftime on Friday — the Lady Cougars scored at the 15th and 33rd minutes — and gave up the final score with only seven minutes remaining, a moot point.

“I truly believe that this team is on the verge of something spectacular,” Mounsithiraj said of his club. “We’ve been playing extremely sound soccer this past week.”

Mounsithiraj will have one week to prepare his team for its next test. Goshen will travel to Tri-State on Friday for a 4 p.m. match.

Junior Tera Franklin

Grand Rapids, MI — Playing against a very physical Aquinas squad Tuesday, the Goshen College women’s soccer team got a big win on the road, defeating the Saints by a 1-0 score. The Leafs were able to avenge last season’s 0-2 defeat to Aquinas, and left head coach Thavisith Mounsithiraj applauding his team’s effort.

“I was thoroughly impressed and in awe of our play tonight,” Mounsithiraj said. “Going into the game, we expected a very physical, fast and skillful team from Aquinas. They were all of the above and then some. We were patient and took advantage of our chances.”

Goshen (3-4-2, 0-2-2) was also efficient. The Leafs only took five shots on the Saints' goal, but connected on the all important one at the 35th minute of the game. Junior Tera Franklin intercepted a ball just outside the 18-yard mark, made a quick move around a defender and fired the ball at the goal. It found the upper right corner of the net, and proved to be the game-winner.

“She (Franklin) had a small opening and she took a shot that we would expect from her,” Mounsithiraj said.

Mounsithiraj also gave much of the credit to his defensive unit, who had to stave off 11 attempts from the quick and aggressive Saints. Aquinas took six corner kicks on the evening, compared to none by the Leafs.

“It was our most tactically sound and mature game (so far this season),” Mounsithiraj said. “I am so pleased with our intensity and the intelligence of our team.”

Goshen will not have long to savor the victory. The Leafs host Mid-Central Collegiate Conference rival St. Francis on Friday. Game time is set for 6 p.m.

Sophomore Rebekah Henn Senior Juliet Aungst Sophomore Alisa Hartzler

Winning the ball: Junior Tera Franklin gets up over a Huntington midfielder to redirect a pass in Wednesday's game. Mounsithiraj credited Franklin for helping to create Goshen's 24 shots on goal for the game.

Goshen, IN — Goshen head coach Thavisith Mounsithiraj saw his team play approximately 80 minutes of ball control soccer Wednesday against Huntington, dominating possession with precision passing and outshooting the Foresters on goal by a 24-10 count.

Then, in the last 10 minutes of the game, the ball started to bounce in the wrong direction for the Leafs.

After Goshen had dominated the game but just could not find the net, Huntington took advantage of a freakish play to score. At the 81st minute mark, Forester forward Erin Abbey rocketed only the 11th shot on goal in the game for her team. The ball took a wild bounce off the cross bar, and ricocheted to her feet. Abbey, surprised as anyone to have the ball again, calmly touched the ball into the corner of the net. Goshen’s sophomore goalkeeper Megan Morris had not even landed from her leap in trying to deflect the first shot when the second one crossed the line.

It only got worse for Goshen (1-4-2, 0-2-2) after that. With the Leafs pushing hard for a score with under nine minutes to play in the contest, Huntington took advantage of Goshen’s desperation. After gaining possession ahead of the Leafs defenders, Abbey took a shot from 30 yards out. The kick came right to Morris, but in her attempt to get rid of the ball quickly, it grazed through her hands. The ball gently rolled across the goal line at the 87th minute, ensuring Huntington would win the game.

“We played hard and well,” Mounsithiraj said after the difficult-to-swallow defeat. “We even outplayed Huntington at times. But to give up two goals with less than 10 minutes left in the game is really difficult to take.”

Goshen outshot the Foresters by a 24-13 count on the night, indicating the type of possession control the Leafs displayed throughout the contest. Mounsithiraj gave credit to his sweeper and midfielders for directing the team’s positioning.

“(Junior) Ashley Clark did a great job at the sweeper position for us, getting people in the right spots,” Mounsithiraj said. “(Junior midfielder) Greta Kauffman and (junior midfielder) Tera Franklin moved the ball and created many opportunities for us offensively. This is a tough one, but we are improving continually every week.”

Goshen will take two days to work until Saturday when they will travel to Bluffton. Match time is slated for an 11 a.m. (central time) start.

Crossing: Senior Juliet Aungst centers a ball during the second half of Saturday's match against Grace. Sophomore Kiara Wagoner is seen coming in from behind.

Black wall: Goshen attempts to defend its goal with a human wall on a second half Grace direct kick. Sophomore Megan Morris (lurking in the background) finished the day with 24 saves in keeping goal.

Winona Lake, IN — Goshen was able to walk away from Lancer Field with a 1-1 tie Saturday, and was fortunate to do so. Being outshot 25-13 by the Lancers (with most of Grace’s shots coming in the final 30 minutes of the double-overtime affair) provided a nerve-wracking finish to what started as a Maple Leaf rout.

Goshen (1-3-2, 0-1-2) started the afternoon in complete control, dominating possession for much of the first half in taking a 1-0 lead to halftime. Senior Erica Schmucker scored at the 25th minute mark, after a beautiful pass from sophomore Alisa Hartzler set her up.

“We were playing a very good possession game,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj of the first half. “Grace is a very fast and skilled team.”

In the second half, however, Grace began to show some of its collective speed and skills. At the 51st minute mark, Goshen junior Miriam Miller was called for a foul inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick for Grace. The Lancers’ Kari Wildman connected to tie the score.

Grace had several more opportunities to score, but Goshen keeper Megan Morris (sophomore) provided an amazing performance in goal. Finishing with 24 saves on the day, Morris continually denied Grace’s attempts. In a bang-bang scenario late in the second half, a Grace player rocketed a shot at Morris, only to have the shot ricochet off her chest and land directly at the Lancer forward’s shooting foot. Attempting a rebound shot from eight yards out, Morris was able to wrap her arms around the ball and secure it.

“Meg (Morris) continued to provide solid goalkeeping for us,” Mounsithiraj said. “Miriam (Miller) did a stellar job of marking Grace’s fastest player and playmaker (in Wildman).”

The Leafs’ biggest scare of the day came from Wildman with only 3:30 to play in the second overtime. After making a couple of nifty moves, Wildman had a wide-open goal from 10 yards out. Her shot to the left post sailed just wide, and a Goshen defeat was avoided.

“I am very pleased with our performance,” Mounsithiraj said. “We were patient for most of the day and executed well. I am very happy with our effort. We played smart soccer today.”

Goshen will host Mid-Central Collegiate Conference rival Huntington on Wednesday. Match time is set for 4 p.m.

SEPT. 18 — Leafs' Lack Of Intensity Leads To Rout
Mounsithiraj displeased with team's play in 5-0 loss to Manchester

Change of direction: Junior Tera Franklin puts a nifty behind-the-leg move on a Manchester defender Wednesday afternoon. It was the Spartans that had more good moves for the game, however, as they defeated the Leafs 5-0.

Goshen, IN — It was not a good afternoon for the Goshen College women’s soccer team Wednesday, as they were literally run off the field by the visiting Manchester Spartans. Manchester benefited from an onslaught of goals by freshman Missy King (four) en route to a 5-0 drubbing of Goshen (1-3-1, 0-1-1).

“We didn’t play with any hint of intensity or urgency today,” said Thavisith Mounisthiraj, who was displeased with his team’s effort. “Our poor running deeply hurt us in the first half. Even though we played a little better in the second half, Manchester was able to shut down any offense we attempted.”

It was mostly King who ran circles around the Leafs throughout the contest. Goals coming at the 16th, 25th, 39th and 78th minute marks equaled the most any one individual had scored against a Goshen College team in the sport’s 11-year history at the college. Manchester’s other goal was scored by sophomore Colleen Kay at the 20th minute.

“I believe that our team is better than what we’ve demonstrated this afternoon,” Mounsithiraj said.

Goshen must rebound for a Mid-Central Collegiate Conference match up next. The team travels to Grace on Saturday. Match time is set for 12 noon.

Positioning: Sophomore Kiara Wagoner looks for an opening between two Marian defenders Saturday. Goshen played solid, ball-controlling offense for much of the day, getting 26 shots on goal for the match.

Goshen, IN — On a warm, muggy afternoon, the Goshen College women’s soccer team fought its way to a tough 1-1 tie with Mid-Central Collegiate Conference foe Marian, after trailing for most of the contest. The Knights were able to keep the score at 1-0 for over half the game, until junior Greta Kauffman was able to break into the scoring column with her first goal of the year at the 77th minute mark.

“I thought we played well,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “I am especially impressed with our juniors and seniors for their unrelenting intensity despite the heat and injury which is affecting most of our starters.”

Several Goshen (1-2-1, 0-1-1) players pushed themselves to the point of physical exhaustion during the game, while others were injured. Senior Juliet Aungst had an especially difficult afternoon, dealing with severe shin splints in the first half before returning to the game, only to be elbowed in the head and taken out of the game in the second.

“In a game like this, it is difficult to distinguish one notable player,” Mounsithiraj said. “We all played extremely hard through the elements, and we showed toughness.”

Mounsithiraj gave credit to his quick forwards in sophomore Bekah Henn and freshman Addie Liechty, who continually pushed the ball forward making charges on the Marian net. Sophomore goal keeper Megan Morris also had a good day, saving 14 Marian shots on goal including an amazing one on one save with a little less than three minutes remaining in regulation.

“Megan was impressive,” Mounsithiraj said. “She kept us in it for the entire game, and made that incredible save to keep the game tied late.”

Goshen will return to their own field Wednesday, when the team will host Manchester. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

Foot skills: Sophomore Rebekah Henn toys with her Concordia defender in the second half of Wednesday evening's game. Henn's play at the outside midfielder position earned praise from her coach following the match.

Goshen, IN — Playing its first home game and first non-ranked team of the season, the Goshen College women’s soccer team notched its first win of the year Wednesday night, taking a 2-1 decision against Concordia. Playing under the lights on a chilly evening, Goshen (1-2, 0-1) scored early and often against the Cardnals, with scores coming at the 10th and 25th minute marks.

“I was very pleased with our performance tonight,” Goshen head coach Thavisith Mounsithiraj said of his first collegiate head coaching win. “Our defense created opportunities for very attractive and exciting soccer. This is a good win for us as we approach another conference game.”

Goshen scored just 10 minutes into the match when senior Juliet Aungst took a Kiara Wagoner (sophomore) pass and zinged a shot past Concordia’s keeper. A mere fifteen minutes later the Leafs scored again, this time by freshman Addie Liechty who placed a centering pass from junior Tera Franklin into the net. Concordia managed to score with just over 15 minutes to play in the first half, but could not mount another serious attack at the Leafs’ goal.

Mounsithiraj gave much credit to his primary ball handlers, citing the control of possession throughout the game. The Leafs outshot the Cardinals by a 16 to 6 count on the evening.

“(Sophomore) Rebekah Henn, I thought, did a nice job on the outside for us with noted speed,” Mounsithiraj said. “(Senior) Erica Schmucker and (junior) Greta Kauffman moved the ball extremely well for us in the middle. As a team, we demonstrated great ball control.”

Goshen will have two days to prepare for its second Mid-Central Collegiate Conference match of the year, when they will host Marian on Saturday. Match time is set for 12 noon.

Junior Miriam Miller

Adrian, MI — Facing yet another outstanding opponent, the Goshen women’s soccer team was blanked by Siena Heights Sunday in a 9-0 defeat. This comes as the second game the Leafs (0-2, 0-0) have had to play a ranked team, as Siena Heights is currently ranked third in the NAIA Region VIII poll and finished last season ranked 21st in the country.

On Sunday, the Saints were able to score seven goals in the first half of play, though those came in a flurry at the end of the period. Siena Heights had an amazing 26 shots on goal, while the Leafs were only able to manage four.

“We were able to move the ball around better as a team but some basic fundamental mistakes really hurt us,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “We were quite effective with our defensive scheme for the first 25 minutes. The kids gave a tremendous effort. We’ll get better.”

Junior Miriam Miller led a defensive unit that saw a relentless attack from the Saints. Sophomore Megan Morris had another hectic day in goal, saving 17 shots on the afternoon.

“Miriam did a nice job for us,” said Marc Green, Goshen assistant coach. “Our defense played well, even though it didn’t show on the scoreboard.”

Goshen will finally host an unranked team on Wednesday, when Concordia travels to Goshen to play under the lights. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

Sophomore Megan Morris

Marion, IN — First-year head coach Thavisith Mounsithiraj probably would have preferred not to play the 22nd ranked team in the country to start his first season as Goshen’s women’s soccer coach, but he had no choice. The Leafs traveled to Indiana Wesleyan Wednesday and were defeated by an 8-0 score, giving up 28 shots on goal while only getting three shots on the offensive end.

“We were outplayed right from the start,” Mounsithiraj said. “We had a lot of first game newcomers and it took a while to get into the contest.”

The Wildcats scored three goals in the first 20 minutes of the game, en route to a 7-0 halftime lead. Goshen (0-1, 0-1) settled down in the second half, controlling the ball more than in the first period in only giving up a single score.

Goshen was led by sophomore Megan Morris’ busy day in keeping the goal — she collected an amazing 20 saves on the night.

“I believe it was a good game for us in that it allowed us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses in a game situation,” Mounsithiraj said. “IWU is a well coached and skillful team. I am pleased with our effort and commitment to play hard for 90 minutes.”

The schedule gets no easier for Goshen. They travel to Siena Heights Sunday for a 3 p.m. start. Heights finished last year as the 21st ranked team in the country.

AUG. 16 — Goshen Announces Mounsithiraj As Head Coach
Former Maple Leaf athlete returns to alma matter after coaching success at the high school level

Mounsithiraj

Goshen, IN — Goshen College athletic director Ken Pletcher officially announced Thavisith Mounsithiraj as its women’s head soccer coach Friday, just a little more than a week before fall sport athletes will arrive on Goshen’s campus this year. Former head coach Bess Briggs resigned from the position in July, and Mounsithiraj was hired shortly thereafter.

“I have known Thavisith for quite a few years, and find him to be a people person who brings energy and enthusiasm to the women’s program here,” Pletcher said. “He is a quality teacher with experience in coaching women’s soccer, which is vital to a college program.”

Mounsithiraj comes to Goshen after spending the last eight years as the head girls’ soccer coach at Northridge High School (Middlebury, IN), compiling an overall record of 67-42-5 during that time. His teams twice won the Northern Lakes Conference Championship (1997 and 1998) and he was named the NLC Coach Of The Year two times, in 1998 and 2000. While this will be his first opportunity to coach at the college level, Mounsithiraj is excited for the season ahead.

“The biggest difference (of coaching at the college level) will be the level of play,” Mounsithiraj said. “We won’t have to do as much developing to the basic fundamentals of these players — some of these players we have returning have been playing soccer for a very long time. The tactical system of play will be more sophisticated, and the chance to coach in this setting excites me.”

Mounsithiraj, who graduated from Goshen College in 1992, was a three-year letterwinner in men’s soccer for the Leafs. He returns to the Goshen campus with Thavisak Mounsithiraj, his older brother, serving as the head coach of the men’s soccer team, and Viratham Mounsithiraj, his younger brother, working as Thavisak’s assistant coach.

“This opportunity is very rewarding both personally and professionally,” Thavisith Mounsithiraj said. “To be back coaching with my brothers, who I played with all my life, is very special. I enjoyed my time here at Goshen as a student, and I always wanted to come back here in some capacity.”

Mounsithiraj inherits a team that went 4-11-1 in 2001, with a 1-5-1 record in the Mid Central Collegiate Conference. Briggs served as the head coach for the past two seasons, compiling an overall record of 9-25-1 during that time. Mounsithiraj is the third head coach for Goshen in the past four years, and understands the need for consistency.

“I know that there is somewhat of an identity crisis here, but we have a great place to start from,” he said. “ We have a strong group of returning juniors coming back, as well as two or three very talented freshmen.

“First, we will evaluate our strengths and weaknesses and evaluate our personnel,” Mounsithiraj said. “I have in mind the style of play I’d like to use, but a lot of that will depend on our personnel. No matter the type of players, however, we will play attractive soccer — setting up plays, building from the back — not just kicking and running after the ball.”

Mounsithiraj will continue to hold his present position of Director of Guidance at Centreville Public Schools (Centreville, MI), as he did while coaching his last three years at Northridge High School. While the decision to come to Goshen was a tough one, Mounsithiraj believes it was the smart choice.

“I was very blessed with great student-athletes while I was coaching at Northridge, and it was a tough decision to leave,” he said. “But I feel that I have a similar situation here, and it will be my goal in the future to coach players that I coached or coached against while at Northridge. I want to get as many local players to stay (and come to Goshen) as possible. Once you have a good quality program, it will be self-attractive.”

In addition to his undergraduate psychology degree from Goshen in 1992, Mounsithiraj obtained his master’s degree in school counseling from Indiana University in 1998. He resides with his wife, Jean, and their three children Tyler (five), Annie (three) and Kate (five months) in Goshen.