It wasn’t long ago that former soccer coach Tom Cassady stepped down off the pedestal for his retirement.

Stepping up is someone who might look familiar to Missouri Southern students. Dr. Nii Abrahams, associate professor of economics is now serving as one of the team’s coaches.

“It felt good to teach kids how to play soccer, it was something I’m passionate about, but I feel that Coach Springer and Coach Abrahams will do just fine this year,” Cassady said.

Coach Nii Abrahams also took a lead role in coaching this year. Abrahams took over control of the varsity team who, as the players and fans rave, “Are definitely determined to be going to state.”

Monday, Sept. 10, both the varsity and the Junior varsity teams faced Monett. Junior varsity won 2-0 and varsity barely missed out on the win, with Monett scoring in the last 30 seconds, sending both teams into double overtime.

“Regardless of record, (2-2) I believe this team has the potential for states. We are no longer a team out for just scoring a goal; no longer individuals trying to make ourselves look good for the crowd; we are one team, with one set goal, and it shows on the field,” said Nii Abrahams, son of coach Abrahams, sophomore and center mid-fielding captain who said he is a little “off” by his dad coaching.

“I sometimes call him Dad on the field instead of coach, but in the end I still get my points across,” Abrahams said.

The “state-bound” team has their next game on Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. in Cassville.

“You should really come out and see us, we have a lot of potential, if we can continue to get past individual pride, I know we can beat any team in the district,” Abrahams said.