The 2017 Men's Soccer season began with a focus on integrating a new group of players to Moody Bible Institute, and culminated with the understanding that playing for this Archer's program represented an opportunity to "Play for the King!" 

Heading into the season, Moody's 23-man roster consisted of only two veteran players, with senior captain Adam Powlus and junior, Jared Weix. Of the remaining 21 team members, 12 would be first-time athletes at Moody and 9 would be returning for their sophomore season of competition. When Weix suffered a season-ending injury in Game #3, the leadership responsibilities for Powlus and fellow captain, Daniel Martinez was intensified and the opportunities for others to step-up were increased. 

As Moody progressed through a challenging 3-6-1 start, facing NAIA, NCAA DIII, and fellow NCCAA D2 North Region competition, there was an increasing sense that post-season success was still a possibility for this Archers squad. Timely contributions began to arise from players throughout the roster, as the coaching staff utilized a variety of team members to fill starting spots and roles as matches or injuries dictated. 

A veteran coaching staff, all with strong Moody connections, consisting of assistants Sam Slennett (4th year, MBI-2015), Jon Forsythe (2nd year, MBI-2016), Joey Waltz (2nd year, MBI Seminary-2018), and Kenny McBride (1st year, MBI-2017) helped the young squad to navigate the season. The program was buoyed further in 2017 when head coach Chris McHugh welcomed Peter Distler (Director of Digital Technology & Marketing at MBI) to the program in the role of Team Chaplain. 

As the team headed for Dubuque, IA, and the NCCAA DII North Region Tournament in November, they were coming off of their best performance in a loss at Illinois Tech. The Archers had become solidified in spirit and become determined to "Play for the King." 

These characteristics are shown through brightly at the Regional Tournament, as Moody defeated Emmaus Bible College 1-0 (OT) in the quarterfinal, on a header goal from sophomore, Santiago Fajardo. Moody followed that performance with an equally resolute effort in the semifinals, succumbing to eventual Region Champion, Providence University College, 3-2 (OT), in a match that featured another goal from Fajardo, a career-first goal from sophomore, Henry Ash, and a penalty kick save from freshman, Brooks Montgomery in net. 

In heart-breaking defeat, the Archers had demonstrated their commitment to play for one another and for the Lord Jesus. As 2017 drew to a close, they had established a new standard, for a now veteran squad, that is primed to compete for championships in 2018!