50 Years of Soccer: All-Leatherneck ‘Second Team’ Members

Leatherneck Athletics takes a look back at the program’s ‘Second Team’ honorees from the first 25 years

MACOMB, Ill.— In celebration of the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration of the Western Illinois men's soccer program on Oct. 6-7, as well as the anticipated announcement of the second 25-year team, the Leathernecks Athletics Department looks back on the former student-athletes and their accomplishments from 1967-1992.

In this edition, Western Illinois glimpses back on the 'All-Leatherneck Second Team' from the first 25 seasons, which was decided by a committee based off of former players who nominated their teammates. This 'Second Team' that was released on Sept. 20, 1991, consisting of 11 individuals who were able to leave their mark during their tenure with the men's soccer program.

Ken Dugan was honored as a "Second Team All-Leatherneck' honoree on the 25th Anniversary of the program, where he collected a conference 'Player of the Year' honor (1986), two all-conference honors (1986-87) and earned the single-season scoring record that still holds place to this day (41 points, 1986). He is fifth all-time in program history for career scoring with 84 points. The forward also holds the individual record of the most points (10) and goals (four) in a single match (Sept. 5, 1986 vs. Harris-Stowe). Dugan also has the most goals in a season with 17.

In 1969 as a forward, John Sanders still ranks within the top-10 all-time in program history for goals in a season with 13. His eight assists in 1969 also put him tied for sixth all-time, and his 34 points in a season are tied for seventh in Leatherneck history. Sanders is currently sixth all-time in career-scoring with 79 points off 27 goals and 25 assists. His 25 assists are still the most in program history for a career. Sanders was selected as a member of the Leatherneck Hall of Fame Class of 1988.

Scott Jones, Neil Flynn (Leatherneck Hall of Fame Class of 1998), Don Murphy and CJ Easton made up the 'Second Team' for midfielders, while John Brandstetter, Joe Soehn, Mike Goszcyski and Scott Biason were honored as the program's 'Second Team' for defenders in the span of 1967-1992. Nick Owcharuk, who played in net from 1972-73 and '75, was honored as a 'Second Team All-Leatherneck' from the program's first 25 years.

During the years in which these 11 played, Western Illinois saw the achievement of multiple records that still rank within the top-3 today. This includes single-match records in points: (Second All-Time: 26 vs. Chicago State, 1987 and Third All-Time-22 vs. Harris-Stowe: 1986), goals: (Program Record Holder: 15 vs. Calumet, 1972 and Second All-Time: 9 vs. Chicago State: 1987), assists: (Third All-Time: 8 vs. Chicago State, 1987) and shots on goal: (Program Record Holder: 26 at Valparaiso, 1991 and Second All-Time: 25 at Missouri State: 1984).

Fans can be on the lookout for the upcoming release of the 'First Team' from the first 25 years of the program (1967-1992), which consists of 11 honorees.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration begins Friday, Oct. 6, with the alumni social, which starts at 7 p.m. at Sports Corner @ 124 (complementary appetizers and refreshments). Festivities continue the next day (Oct. 7), when the Leathernecks play host to Lincoln Land College at 1 p.m. at John McKenzie Alumni Field.

At 3 p.m. on Oct. 7, the program will feature an alumni match of the odd graduation years versus the even years. The alumni match is followed by dinner at the University Union LaMoine Room. The cost of attendance and dinner is $25.

Attendees will also hear from coaches John MacKenzie and Eric Johnson, and hear the announcement of the second 25th Anniversary Team, which consists of former players from 1993-2017. Former players are encouraged to nominate their former teammates, and a committee will make selections for the First and Second Teams, along with Honorable Mentions.

For information about registration, please visit LeatherneckTickets.com.

All-Leatherneck Second Team (1967-1992)

Forwards:
Ken Dugan (1984-87)
John Sanders (1969-73)

Defenders:
Scott Biason (1986-88, 90)
John Branstetter (1969-72)
Joe Soehn (1984)
Mike Goszcycki (1980)

Midfielders:
CJ Easton (1986-89)
Neil Flynn (1972-74)
Scott Jones (1974-76)
Don Murphy (1977-78, 80)

Goal:
Nick Owcharuk (1972-73, 75)

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