Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(written by Claire Norfleet, Student Sports Information Assistant)
Nov. 2, 2015 - Soccer is known to have some of the most dedicated and emotionally engaged fans that can be found all across the world. With people taking up the sport at such a young age, they are more inclined to loyally support a certain team or player. North Central College senior forward Matt Koth has been a part of this devoted fan base since he was just four years old when he first started playing soccer for a local park district league.
After joining his first travel team at the age of seven, Koth was able to continue playing the game he loves. Once middle school finally rolled around, he found a true passion for the Liverpool Football Club in England that competes in the Barclays Premier League. His obsession with the club has even lead to a unique tradition: wearing Liverpool socks on game days.
Being a Liverpool fan, Koth has always found inspiration from the great Steven Gerrard, who was with the club for almost 20 years before moving to the LA Galaxy where he currently plays today.
"He shows so much passion and intelligence with his play but is also a role model for all of his teammates off the field," Koth said.
While he may not have the "Captain" band on his arm like Gerrard, Koth still considers himself a leader on and off the field. As the Cardinals endured a 1-10 start to the season, he remained positive and kept the team from looking back. The approach paid dividends, as North Central proceeded to put together a 4-3 record in College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play and qualify as the No. 4 seed for the upcoming CCIW Tournament.
"I try to set a great example for my teammates on the field with my hard work and dedication," Koth said. "But I think our biggest challenge was adapting to a new system and making sure everyone got on board with the style of play. It took a while but as you can see, I definitely believe that it has paid off in the long run with our recent conference results."
A Second Team All-CCIW selection last season, Koth shares the team lead in scoring this season with four goals, including back-to-back game-winners against CCIW rivals North Park University and Elmhurst College.
Off the field, the accounting major out of Aurora, Illinois is a part of the North Central Finance Committee that oversees every student organization on campus and provides funds for their operations on a term-by-term basis. Following graduation in June, Koth plans to attend one extra year of graduate school as part of a five-year accounting program, currently looking to do so at either Northern Illinois University or North Central. He will then look to be hired at an accounting firm and earn his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Playing in the CCIW Tournament for the first time since the event's inception in 2002, the Cardinals will travel to face top-seeded Wheaton College on Wednesday. Action at Joe Bean Stadium is scheduled to get under way at 7:00 p.m.
