By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, Ohio---Joshua Kleinow (Haslett/Holt, Mich.) and Troy Watson (Sir Wilfrid Laurier/Toronto, Ontario, Canada) signed with NCAA D-II Saginaw Valley State University's men's soccer program yesterday.
The sophomores, who helped the Owens Community College men's soccer program win its first conference championship as freshmen, led the Express to a 29-12-2 record over the past two years, including a 15-6-1 record last year. As sophomores, they helped lead the Express to its first Region XII tournament championship game appearance since 2007.
Kleinow, a goalkeeper, started 35 games, while seeing action in 37, in his two years. He allowed 48 goals, made 155 saves and produced six shutouts in his career. As a sophomore, he allowed 24 goals, made 68 saves and pitched three shutouts.
During his freshman year, Kleinow was named Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Goalkeeper of the Week on Sept. 9. Following his freshman year, Kleinow was named First Team All-OCCAC and First Team All-Region XII. He also earned Academic All-OCCAC honors off the field.
Watson, a defender/midfielder, started 34 games after missing several games due to injury at the beginning of his freshman year. He scored his lone career goal via a penalty kick during his sophomore year and had six career assists, including four as a sophomore.
Following his sophomore year, Watson received the most postseason votes of anyone on the Express in OCCAC and Region XII voting. He was named First Team All-OCCAC, OCCAC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Region XII.
The Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals finished 11-4-5 overall last year and advanced to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) tournament championship game before falling to Ohio Dominican 2-1.