Published: November 13, 2008 11:44 pm      

Mountain State faces Mobile in NAIA regional

Fresh off two conference championships and a slew of postseason awards, Mountain State University’s men’s soccer team got down to business Thursday.

Starting with a long trip south to Alabama.

“We had a 12-hour drive,” coach John Birkelbach said as the Cougars made final preparations for their 4 p.m. NAIA regional tournament game today at the University of Mobile. “It’s been a hectic week.”

MSU (12-4-1) beat Asbury College 2-1 in overtime last Friday to capture the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament crown. Two weeks earlier they nailed down the KIAC regular-season title with a 4-0 mark.

Birkelbach was named conference coach of the year in just his third season at the Cougars’ helm.

Forwards Charlot Nacius Hasan Katrib, midfielder Ali Katrib and defenders Adam Thompson and Fredson Jean claimed all-KIAC honors. Thompson was also named defensive player of the year by the conference.

Thompson, Ali Katrib and Nacius were also named all-region.

Birkelbach thought Ali Katrib should have been recognized as the KIAC’s top offensive player. That award went instead to Drew Roberts of Cincinnati Christian University.

“We beat them, and so did Asbury,” Birkelbach said. “It taints my award. I would give it up to have Ali get the award.”

Roberts scored 12 goals on the season. Ali Katrib had 5 goals and 5 assists.

“Every game we played, Ali was the best player on the field,” Birkelbach said. “He shines every game, whether on offense or defense.

“He was the best player in the conference.”

Of course, Katrib and the Cougars can get a measure of satisfaction by beating NAIA No. 22 Mobile, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion.

It won’t be an easy task.

Mobile advanced to the regional by downing No. 14 William Carey 2-0. The Rams are on a three-game winning streak.

“They play Top 25 competition and they lost 1-0 to Lindsey Wilson, the No. 1 team in the nation,” Birkelbach said. “That tells you how good they are, right there.”

Ruben Diaz leads Mobile with 10 goals and eight assists. Teammate Mark Watts has five goals and five assists.

MSU defenders Mauricio Pena and Alex Thompson, who suffered leg injuries against Asbury, will miss the game.

“We’ve dealt with (injuries) all season,” said Birkelbach, who will leave for new opportunities after the season is over. “The boys believe in each other. They’ve found ways to win all season.

“We’re looking to go win this and get a berth in the national tournament.

“That’s why we drove 12 hours.”