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Raider Soccer is Back in Action

Picture of Chloe Bird

Chloe Bird

  • Big Time Sports Ohio

The 2025 men’s soccer team is off to an incredible start. The Raiders’ have started off the year with two wins defeating Trine 3-1 and Waynesburg 2-1. Zander Plizga, a senior at the University of Mount Union, has made huge contributions to the soccer team over the past two years. Plizga transferred to Mount Union to start his junior year of college. During the 2024 season, he played in all twenty-one games, recorded one goal, and two assists for the team. Plizga has already scored a goal for the Raiders’ this season during their matchup against Waynesburg;“It was great getting in the scoresheet early, but there’s still a lot to work on offensively. We have a great attack and as we build more chemistry throughout the season, that’s when it’ll get scary for other teams. I’m not the loudest or most vocal guy, but I hope how I play can help lead the team this year.” Plizga was named to the All-OAC Tournament team during the 2024 tournament. When asked about prepping for a big game, Plizga said “I don’t necessarily have any rituals or routines, I just remind myself of my personal goals and want to make sure I’m working to achieve those come game time.” Plizga keeps his head down, works hard, and has plans to achieve his goals. 

Soccer is a team sport and individual success does not happen without the help of others. “The team’s goals this year are to repeat as conference champs and to make a run in the NCAA tournament,” stated Plizga. The team had a successful year last year ending the season with a record of 15-5-1. The team is eager and hungry to make it to the NCAA this year; “Despite the 2-0 start we know that we haven’t hit the standard of how we want to play. We need to keep working hard and holding each other accountable and we will keep winning,” expressed Plizga. 

Zander Plizga is a hard worker ready to achieve his personal goals and team goals; “I hope that my last year can be the year that we break through and can help solidify Mount Union Soccer as a top program for years to come,” said Plizga. The next home game for the men’s soccer team is Thursday, September 11th at Kehres Stadium at 7p.m. Be sure to come out to support Zander Plizga and his fellow teammates as they are bound for a successful season! 

"Every fighter is fueled by his past and whatever they’ve got going on. What got him to this point, I can’t tell you, but whatever it is, he uses it very well to do what he’s doing here.”

Lee Kreisher, T-County Boxing Academy

Raider Soccer is Back in Action

Picture of Chloe Bird

Chloe Bird

  • Big Time Sports Ohio

The 2025 men’s soccer team is off to an incredible start. The Raiders’ have started off the year with two wins defeating Trine 3-1 and Waynesburg 2-1. Zander Plizga, a senior at the University of Mount Union, has made huge contributions to the soccer team over the past two years. Plizga transferred to Mount Union to start his junior year of college. During the 2024 season, he played in all twenty-one games, recorded one goal, and two assists for the team. Plizga has already scored a goal for the Raiders’ this season during their matchup against Waynesburg;“It was great getting in the scoresheet early, but there’s still a lot to work on offensively. We have a great attack and as we build more chemistry throughout the season, that’s when it’ll get scary for other teams. I’m not the loudest or most vocal guy, but I hope how I play can help lead the team this year.” Plizga was named to the All-OAC Tournament team during the 2024 tournament. When asked about prepping for a big game, Plizga said “I don’t necessarily have any rituals or routines, I just remind myself of my personal goals and want to make sure I’m working to achieve those come game time.” Plizga keeps his head down, works hard, and has plans to achieve his goals. 

Soccer is a team sport and individual success does not happen without the help of others. “The team’s goals this year are to repeat as conference champs and to make a run in the NCAA tournament,” stated Plizga. The team had a successful year last year ending the season with a record of 15-5-1. The team is eager and hungry to make it to the NCAA this year; “Despite the 2-0 start we know that we haven’t hit the standard of how we want to play. We need to keep working hard and holding each other accountable and we will keep winning,” expressed Plizga. 

Zander Plizga is a hard worker ready to achieve his personal goals and team goals; “I hope that my last year can be the year that we break through and can help solidify Mount Union Soccer as a top program for years to come,” said Plizga. The next home game for the men’s soccer team is Thursday, September 11th at Kehres Stadium at 7p.m. Be sure to come out to support Zander Plizga and his fellow teammates as they are bound for a successful season! 

"Every fighter is fueled by his past and whatever they’ve got going on. What got him to this point, I can’t tell you, but whatever it is, he uses it very well to do what he’s doing here.”

Lee Kreisher, T-County Boxing Academy