Johnnie soccer enters new era under revamped coaching staff
Tudor Flintham returns to SJU as head coach after serving in the same position at Gustavus Adolphus College for the past seven years. A 2006 graduate of SJU, Flintham also served as associate head coach for SJU from 2010-14 and an assistant coach for CSB from 2012-14. The Johnnies welcomed 18 first-years to their team.
The Tudor Flintham head coaching era is underway in Collegeville, and it is off to a fast start. At 2-0-2, the Johnnies have been
learning together to open the 2025 season and are looking to keep their winning ways going. Flintham brings a long history of
success to the head coaching position. A two-time MIAC Coach of the Year for Gustavus Adolphus College, he led the Gusties to an overall record of 92-20-18 and to five NCAA tournament appearances. Previously, Flintham was the associate head coach at SJU from 2010–14 and served as an assistant coach at CSB from 2012–14.
Flintham also played for the Johnnies from 2002–2005, where he collected 59 career points. Along with Flintham, the Johnnies also have added three new assistant coaches this fall: Kevin Labahn, Evan Siefken, and Carrlin Meier. Jason Anhorn is also a part of the coaching staff, now in his second season. Siefken was the Johnnies’ starting goalkeeper for the past four seasons, earning All-MIAC First-Team honors each of the last three years.
So far, first-year goalkeeper Austin Ertel has started three games in net for SJU, stopping 15 shots and only allowing two goals.
Sophomore forward Ronan O’Connor has been performing well on the pitch early on this fall, leading the Johnnies with six goals. His recent scoring surge was recognized, being named the MIAC Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week. O’Connor also led SJU in scoring with six tallies last season and has scored in every game so far this season.
“I’m off to a hot start. Hopefully I can keep that momentum going,” O’Connor said. “I feel like Tudor has done a really good job of helping me become a better player, helping my play style fit the team. I’m a big, fast guy, so I’ve used that to my advantage,
just taking a touch around the defender and it’s been very effective so far.”
First-year midfielder James Torguson is second on the team in points after tallying a goal and a pair of assists. “Very talented, he just does it all wherever he’s needed,” O’Connor said.
Axel Martin, a first-year forward, has picked up three assists in four games. Torguson and Martin are two of 18 first-year Johnnies on the roster.
“Honestly, it kind of gives us an advantage,” O’Connor said. “The older guys have stepped into a really good role of mentoring the younger guys and I feel like they’re getting comfortable a lot faster.”
Another first-year making an impact is midfielder Olin Franzwa, who has started all four games and tallied an assist in a 2-2 draw against Concordia-Moorhead.
“The heart of our midfield, one of our best ball winners, whether it’s in the air or on the ground, he just outworks everyone,” O’Connor said.
Senior defender Foster Conlin returns after an All-MIAC honorable mention season in 2024.
“He’s definitely the core of our team,” O’Connor said.
Senior forward Alex Bowman is also back. Last season, Bowman netted four goals and chipped in four assists to finish second on the team with 12 points. Opposed to last season, the Johnnies are focused on being more productive with their preparation before matches, having multiple film sessions and improved training.
“We’re going above and beyond what we did last year,” O’Connor said.
After failing to reach the MIAC playoffs last season, SJU is focused on returning to the postseason this fall.
“I feel like the team goal is to win the MIAC, definitely a top six finish,” O’Connor said. “I have full confidence that we will make it, and once we’re in [the playoffs], anything can happen.”
More success is what the Johnnies are hoping for, as the program has sat near the .500 mark for the past decade.
“I honestly feel like Tudor is one of the best coaches in college soccer. He is a very talented coach, and he makes teams win,” O’Connor said. “I just feel like he’s an all-around ace at everything he does. His connection with the players is unreal. The tactical view he brings to the games.”
With Flintham at the helm, and an emerging young core, the Johnnies are looking to turn the corner.
“When we go out on the field, it’s our family versus theirs, and we’re going to fight until the end,” said O’Connor.
The Johnnies hit the road for two non-conference matchups, beginning with North Central on Thursday, September 11, at 3:30 p.m., followed by UW-River Falls on Monday, September 15, at 4:30 p.m. They return to Haws Field to open MIAC play against St. Scholastica on Wednesday, September 17, at 4 p.m.
