The final year of men's soccer at DeSales University did not go as planned for Steve Krause. The 2009 Northwestern graduate had to deal with his first real injury that caused him to miss some time.

In his first three seasons, Krause never missed a game. In 2012, he played in 12 of DeSales'18 games.

His absence may have been a major factor in the Bulldogs finishing with a 9-6-3 mark and missing the conference playoffs.

"It was a bunch of injuries that really held us back," Krause said. "We had quite a few starters out because of injuries, including myself, for a part of the season.

"We just didn't have the record that we desired, but a lot of the guys on the bench stepped it up and it's looking good for the next couple of years."

Although his final season ended earlier than expected, Krause was a part of two consecutive years of playing in the Freedom Conference playoffs, winning the tournament in 2010.

"It was an unbelievable experience," added Krause. "Coach [Crampton] really knows the game well. He's really smart and knows where to put people, and that really helps your chances.

"Winning a conference championship and an NCAA game is indescribable. I never expected to do any of those things in my four years."

Krause has also found individual success on the field. In 2010, as a sophomore, he was named the Freedom Conference playoffs MVP.

The next year Krause was selected to the All-Conference First-Team. He credits hard work and the relationship with his teammates and coaches for his success.

"Just practicing day-in and day-out and giving it everything I had," noted Krause. "I wouldn't have accomplished anything without the 10 guys behind me. We pride ourselves on teamwork over any other aspect of the game."

Playing in the Colonial League in high school, Krause was surrounded by great players. It set the building block to a collegiate career.

"The Colonial League was a good league. It prepared me to play in college. It helped to have a bunch of good players in high school, and then move onto college and still play with good players.

"I was lucky that I was always on successful teams, so that helped coming to DeSales and knowing success."

The accounting major hopes to work at an accounting firm after he graduates next May.