Western New England College
Men's Soccer News

Western New England College
Men's Soccer News

2002 GNAC Regular Season Champions

2002 ECAC New England Division III Tournament semifinalists

Western New England College Fall Sports Banquet
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002
List of Award Recipients

Men's Soccer
Offensive Most Valuable Player — Freshman Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA).
Defensive Most Valuable Player — Senior Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH).
Ed Lindsey Freshman Award — Freshman Scott Meikle (New Milford, CT).

NATHAN SOUCY AND KEVIN LUTTER NAMED TO ALL-GNAC MEN'S SOCCER TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 26, 2002) — Western New England College senior defender Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH)) has been named to the All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer first team. This is the third consecutive year that Soucy has gained all-conference recognition. He was a second team choice in 2000 and 2001.

A team tri-captain, Soucy anchored the Golden Bears' defense that allowed only 25 goals in 23 matches with 13 shutouts.

Sophomore midfielder Kevin Lutter (Downingtown, PA) was selected to the All-GNAC second team. He was second on the squad in scoring with 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists).

Western New England College posted a 13-7-3 record that was the third highest total in the program's 37-year history.

The Golden Bears also captured the GNAC regular season title with a 7-2 mark and participated in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Championship for the second straight year.

SOPHOMORE KEVIN LUTTER NAMED WNEC MALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 19, 2002) — Sophomore standout Kevin Lutter (Dowingtown, PA) was honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Male Athlete-of-the-Week.

Lutter, a midfielder, scored the winning goal in a 1-0 double overtime victory at MIT in a semifinal match of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Tournament.

An engineering major, he was second on the team in scoring this season with 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists).

WNEC posted a 13-7-3 record and captured the regular season Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) title with a 7-2 mark.

ECAC New England Division III Tournament (semifinals)
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002
Roger Williams 1, WNEC 0

BRISTOL, R.I. (Nov. 16, 2002) — Roger Williams scored a goal in the 36th minute for a 1-0 win over visiting Western New England College in a semifinal game of the ECAC New England Division III Tournament. The Golden Bears.

WNEC ends its season with a commendable 13-7-3 record, including 7-3 mark in one-goal contests, and 5-2-3 record in overtime matches.

ECAC New England Division III Tournament (quarterfinals)
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002
WNEC 1, MIT 0 (2ot)

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Nov. 13, 2002) — Sophomore Kevin Lutter (Dowingtown, PA) scored the game-winner with 3:28 remaining in the second overtime period to lift fifth-seeded Western New England College to a 1-0 victory over fourth-seeded MIT in a quarterfinal game of the ECAC New England Division III Tournament.

Freshman Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) made three saves in recording his ninth shutout of the year.

This was the 10th overtime match of the year for the Golden Bears who are 5-2-3 in extra session games.

WNEC (13-6-3) will play the winner of the match between top-seeded Roger Williams and eighth-seeded Brandeis on Saturday. The RWU-Brandeis quarterfinal contest was postponed today because of bad weather in Rhode Island.

GOLDEN BEARS VISIT MIT IN ECAC NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III TOURNAMENT

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 11, 2002) — Western New England College's men's soccer team will meet MIT at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 13) in a first round match of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Tournament in Cambridge.

This is the second straight year that the Golden Bears have qualified for the ECAC Division III Tournament. WNEC enters the tournament with a 12-6-3 record after losing a match on penalty kicks against Johnson & Wales University in a semifinal match of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament. The Golden Bears captured the regular season GNAC title with a 7-2 mark.

Freshman forward Mike Schneep (Feeding Hills, MA) leads the team in scoring with 21 points (8 goals, 5 assists) while freshman goalkeeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) has a 0.89 goals-against-average with eight shutouts.

MIT has a 10-6-1 record after dropping a 1-0 decision to Babson College in the championship game of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament.

GNAC Tournament (semifinals)
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002
Johnson & Wales 0, WNEC 0 (2ot) (Johnson & Wales advances on penalty kicks, 5-4)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 5, 2002) — Johnson & Wales University and Western New England College battled to a 0-0 tie after two overtime periods Wednesday, but the Wildcats advanced to the championship match of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship after gaining a 5-4 advantage in penalty kicks.

WNEC (12-5-4) had a chance to win in the first penalty kick shoot-out, but missed its final shot after making four straight kicks.

Johnson & Wales scored first in the second penalty kick shoot-out followed by another WNEC shot that was saved by Trevor Foden.

Freshman Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) made six saves for the Golden Bears who had a 4-1-4 record in overtime matches this season.

WNEC has applied for consideration in the ECAC New England Division III Tournament. Pairings for that post-season tournament will be announced Monday (Nov. 11).

GNAC Tournament (quarterfinals)
Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002
WNEC 4, Southern Vermont 1
Johnson & Wales 2, Suffolk 1
Emerson 1, Albertus Magnus 0
Norwich 5, Rivier 1

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 3, 2002) — Freshman Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) scored one goal and added two assists to lead Western New England College to a 4-1 victory over Southern Vermont Colleg in a quarterfinal match of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament.

Southern Vermont took an early 1-0 lead before Schnepp tied the contest in the 35th minute. Sophomores Pat Danby (Cheshire, CT) and Joel LeFrancois (Franklin, CT), and freshman Matt Joyce (Granby, CT) each added a goal in the second half. The goal for LeFrancois was the first of his collegiate career.

WNEC (12-5-3) will host Johnson & Wales on Wednesday in a GNAC Tournament semifinal match-up. Game time will be announced on Monday.

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002
Norwich 1, WNEC 0 (ot)

NORTHFIELD, Vt. — Norwich University scored a goal in the 94th minute for a 1-0 overtime victory over visiting Western New England College. Despite the loss, the Golden Bears earned the top seed in the GNAC Tournament after Suffolk University upset Johnson & Wales University.

WNEC finished the regular season with an 11-5-3 record and 7-2 conference mark. This is the first time in school history that the Golden Bears have placed first in the conference during the regular season.

Western New England College will host Southern Vermont College at noon Sunday (Nov. 3) in a quarterfinal match of the GNAC Tournament at Suprenant Field.

BRIAN GRIMMICK NAMED GNAC ROOKIE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College freshman goalkeeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 28).

Grimmick, a business major, recorded two shutouts after making seven saves in a 2-0 win over the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and five stops in a key 1-0 conference victory over Emerson College.

WNEC (11-4-3, 7-1 GNAC) visits Norwich University in the final game of the regular season on Wednesday (Oct. 30). The Golden Bears can win the regular season GNAC title with a win or tie against the Cadets.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002
WNEC 1, Emerson 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 22, 2002) — Sophomore Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH) scored the game-winner in the 63rd minute with an assist from freshman Mattt Battaglia (N. Merrick, NY) to lead Western New England College to a 1-0 Great Northeast Athletic Conference victory over visiting Emerson College.

Freshman Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) made five saves for his second straight shutout and seventh of theseason.

WNEC improved its record to 11-4-3 after winning its third straight match by shutout. The Golden Bears have won seven of their last eight matches.

Western New England College also is first in the GNAC with a 7-1 mark entering its regular season finale Wednesday at defending conference champion Norwich University.

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002
WNEC 2, Coast Guard 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 22, 2002) — Sophomore Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH) scored one goal and assisted on another as Western New England College defeated the U.S. Coast Guard Academy 2-0 in a non-conference game.

Freshman Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) opened the scoring at the 27:25 mark from Thornton, who would score 6:09 later from freshman Matt Joyce (Granby, CT).

Freshman Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) made seven saves for the Golden Bears (10-4-3) in recording his sixth shutout of the year.

NICK DAY SELECTED GNAC ROOKIE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 21, 2002) — Western New England College freshman Nick Day (Springfield, MA) was selected Monday (Oct. 21) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week. Day had one save in recording a shutout in his first collegiate start at Daniel Webster College (1-0 in overtime). He is a government major. WNEC has a 9-4-3 overall record and is first in the conference with a 6-1 mark.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2002
WNEC 1, Daniel Webster 0 (ot)

NASHUA, N.H. — Sophomore Pat Danby (Cheshire, CT) scored the game-winner in the 98th minute as visiting Western New England College posted a 1-0 overtime victory over Daniel Webster College. The Golden Bears improved their record to 9-4-3 overall and 6-1 in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC).

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002
Amherst 6, WNEC 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Visiting Amherst College scored two goals in the first 26:18 and never looked back in recording a 6-0 victory over Western New England College. The Golden Bears fall to 8-4-3 after watching their four-match win streak come to an end.

JOHN SCHMALBERGER AND BRIAN GRIMMICK GAIN WEEKLY AWARDS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Sophomore John Schmalberger (Berlin, CT) was honored Tuesday (Oct. 15) as the Western New England College Male Athlete-of-the-Week.

Schmalberger, a defender, contributed a goal in a 4-0 win over Suffolk University and added an assist in a 2-1 overtime win over host Albertus Magnus College that knocked the Falcons from the unbeaten ranks in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). Schmalberger is a business major.

Freshman goalkeeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) was honored Monday (Oct. 14) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week. Grimmick had nine saves in a 2-1 overtime win at Albertus Magnus College that knocked the Falcons from the unbeaten ranks in the conference. He made three saves in a 4-0 win over Suffolk University for his fifth shutout of the season. Grimmick, a business major, leads the GNAC with a 0.92 goals-against-average in 10 matches (8 starts).

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002
WNEC 4, Suffolk 0

SPRINGFIELD , Mass. — Freshman midfielder Matt Battaglia (N. Merrick, NY) scored the game's first goal in the 22nd minute and classmate Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) made four saves for his fifth shutout of the season as Western New England College posted a 4-0 victory over Suffolk University in the rain at Suprenant Field.

The Golden Bears upped their record to 8-3-3 overall and remained tied for first place (with Norwich University) in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference with a 5-1 mark.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002
WNEC 2, Albertus Magnus 1 (ot)

NEW HAVEN , Conn. — Freshman defender Scott Meikle (Bethel, CT) scored his first collegiate goal four minutes into the first overtime period to lift Western New England College to a 2-1 victory over host Albertus Magnus College in a pivotal Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) match.

Meikle's game-winning goal was assisted by senior tri-captain Terrence Leahy (E. Longmeadow, MA) and was scored off of a set piece at the top of the Albertus penalty box after sophomore forward Danny Bishop (Valley Stream, NY) was fouled.

Junior forward Michael Till (Farmington, CT) scored WNEC's first goal when a John Schmalberger (Berlin, CT) cross was deflected and fell to Till in the goal box.

Till promptly deposited the ball in the back of the Falcons' net to give the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead.

Till's goal would not hold up, however, as midfielder Michael Gilman provided the equalizer off of a rebounded shot 13 minutes later.

That set the stage for Meikle's overtime game-winner and another dramatic finish between these two GNAC rivals, who have played overtime in each of their last four meetings.

With the victory, the Golden Bears move to 7-3-3 overall and 4-1 in the conference. The loss was the first in the GNAC for the Falcons who fall to 4-1 in the conference and 7-3-1 overall.

WNEC hosts Suffolk University in a GNAC match starting at 1 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 12).

MIKE SCHNEPP SELECTED AS THE WNEC MALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Soccer player Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) was honored Tuesday (Oct. 8) as the Western New England College Male Athlete-of-the-Week.

Schnepp, a freshman, scored the game-winner in a 1-0 Great Northeast Athletic Conference victory at Rivier College. He leads the team in scoring with 15 points (6 goals, 3 assists).

An engineering major, Schnepp also had game-winning goals against Union College and Emmanuel College earlier this season.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002
WNEC 1, Rivier 0

NASHUA, N.H. — Freshman Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) had the winning goal with an assist from sophomore Steve Parastatidis (Lanesboro, MA) as Western New England College posted a 1-0 victory over host Rivier College in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) match. The Golden Bears are now 6-3-3 overall and 3-1 in the conference.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002
WNEC 5, Southern Vermont 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Sophomore Kevin Lutter (Dowington, PA) scored one goal and assisted on another to lead Western New England College to a 5-0 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) victory over visiting Southern Vermont College.

Senior tri-captain Terrence Leahy (East Longmeadow, MA) was credited with the game-winner in the 13th minute following his first goal of the season while freshman Matt Joyce (Granby, CT) netted his first collegiate goal in the 89th minute.

Sophomore Pat Danby (Cheshire, CT) and freshman Paul Russo (Dix Hills, NY) also contributed goals for the Golden Bears (5-3-3, 2-1 GNAC).

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2002
Springfield 4, WNEC 1

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Junior Brett Oberacker scored the game-winner in the 27th minute to lead visiting Springfield College to a 4-1 non-conference victory over Western New England College at rainy Suprenant Field.

Springfield (4-4) led 1-0 at halftime, but broke open the hard-fought match with a pair of goals in a 5:52 span early in the second half.

WNEC tallied its only goal on a shot by sophomore Trevor Groves (Pittsfield, MA) in the 83rd minute. The Golden Bears drop to 4-4-3.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2002
WNEC 0, Worcester State 0 (2ot)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College had the edge in shots, but had to settle for a 0-0 double overtime tie against visiting Worcester State College.

Freshman keeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) had five saves for the Golden Bears who out-shot the Lancers by a 23-8 margin.

This was the fifth double overtime match of the season for WNEC (4-2-3).

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002
Johnson & Wales 2, WNEC 1

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Freshman Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) scored the first goal in the 11th minute, but Johnson & Wales tallied twice in the second half for a 2-1 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) victory. The Golden Bears are now 4-2-2 (1-1 GNAC).

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002
Wheaton 6, WNEC 0

NORTON, Mass. — Western New England College had only four shots on goal in losing its first match of the season, 6-0, at Wheaton College. The Golden Bears are now 4-1-2, the Lyons 4-2.

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002
WNEC 0, Western Connecticut, 0 (2ot)

DANBURY, Conn. — Western New England College remained undefeated following a 0-0 double overtime tie under the lights at Western Connecticut State University. Sophomore keeper Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) made eight saves for the Golden Bears (4-0-2). It was the fouth overtime match of the season for WNEC.

WNEC AGAIN RANKED 5TH IN NEW ENGLAND POLL

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 16, 2002) — For the second straight week, Western New England College is ranked fifth in the NCAA Division III New England poll released Monday.

Williams is first followed by Tufts, Wesleyan, and Keene State. Wheaton dropped from first to sixth. Rounding out the top 10 are Bowdoin, Western Connecticut, Gordon, and WPI.

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002
WNEC 8, Emmanuel 0

CHESTNUT HILL , Mass. — Western New England College opened its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) season with an easy 8-0 win over Emmanuel College in a match played in Chestnut Hill. Sophomore forward Trevor Groves (Pittsfield, MA) scored twice for the Golden Bears (4-0-1).

GOLDEN BEARS RANKED 5TH IN NCAA NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III POLL

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 9, 2002) — Western New England College is ranked fifth in the NCAA Division III New England poll released Monday.

Wheaton is first followed by Williams, and Bowdoin, Tufts. Western Connecticut is sixth followed by Gordon, Babson, and Norwich. Keene State and WPI are tied for 10th.

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002
WNEC 3, Union 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College improved its record to 3-0-1 with a 3-0 victory over visiting Union College.

Freshman forward Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) scored two goals while sophomore midfielder Kevin Lutter (Dowingtown, PA) added his first goal of the season and had assists on both goals by Schnepp. Sophomore midfielder/tri-captain Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH) had an assist on the final goal.

Freshman keeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) played another strong match with 11 saves for his first collegiate shutout and second win of the season.

Old records are incomplete, but the Golden Bears' start is the best in at least 12 years and possibly longer.

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002
WNEC 3, Middlebury 2 (2ot)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Freshman midfielder Matt Battaglia (N. Merrick, NY) will never forget his first collegiate goal.

The former Kellenberg Memorial High School standout scored with 36 seconds remaining in the second overtime period to lift Western New England College to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Middlebury College in the first meeting ever between the schools.

The Golden Bears, who have played three straight overtime matches, are now 2-0-1 while the Panthers are 0-1.

Battaglia's high school teammate, sophomore forward Dan Bishop (Valley Stream, NY) and freshman forward Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) each added a goal and assist. It was the first collegiate goal for Scnepp.

WNEC, which defeated Elms 2-1 Friday night, led 2-0 before Middlebury tied the match on goals by sophomore forward John Rusten (Federal Way, WA) in the 45th minute and junior midfielder Pat Saunders (Morristown, NJ) in the 88th minute.

Freshman keeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) compiled 20 saves in his college debut for the Golden Bears. Sophomore keeper Craig Hirsh (Verona, NJ) made five stops for the Panthers. Middlebury out-shot WNEC by a 36-9 margin.

Friday, Sept. 6, 2002
WNEC 2, Elms 1 (2ot)

LUDLOW, Mass. — Senior defender Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH) scored the game-winner with 2:46 left in the second overtime period to give Western New England College a 2-1 victory over Elms College in a night contest played before an enthusiastic crowd of 425 fans at Lusitano Stadium.

Friday, Aug. 30, 2002
WNEC 0, Babson 0 (2ot)

WELLESLEY, Mass. — Western New England College opened its season with a 0-0 double ovetime tie against host Babson College. Sophomore keeper Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) played a solid match with 10 saves.

MEN'S SOCCER PROGRAM NAMES 2002 CAPTAINS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College men's soccer coach Erin Sullivan announced Thursday (Aug. 29) that seniors Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH) and Terrence Leahy (East Longmeadow, MA), and sophomore Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH) will serve as 2002 team captains.

Soucy is a four-year starter at centerback and a two-time All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) selection. This is his second season as a team captain.

Leahy and Thornton have been starting midfielders during their careers bringing both creativity and composure to the Golden Bears offense.

"I am extremely excited to have such a strong trio of leaders serving as our captains this year, said Sullivan. "Nate, Terrence, and Scotty have great credibility as players and possess tremendous character as people.

"With such a young team, our collective leadership will certainly be put to the test and we look forward to the challenge."

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE OPENS SEASON FRIDAY AT BABSON COLLEGE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College's men's soccer team opens its 36th season at 4:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, with a non-conference game at Babson College.

WNEC ranked among the most improved squads in the Northeast last year with a 14-8-1 record (that was the second highest win total in school history) after posting a 4-13-1 mark in 2000. The Golden Bears also placed second in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament and participated in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Tournament.

Heading the list of returnees are a trio of All-GNAC performers, senior defender Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH), sophomore keeper Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY), and sophomore defender John Schmalberger (Berlin, CT).

Soucy, a two-year captain, will anchor the young back-line with Schmalberger. Martyn enjoyed a successful rookie season by compiling a 1.09 goals-against-average with four shutouts.

WNEC also returns senior tri-captain Terrence Leahy (East Longmeadow, MA) who is one of the top midfield performers in the region. Junior midfielder Michael Till (Farmington, CT), a transfer from Mitchell Community College, is another player to watch.

Western New England College has a talented group of sophomores led by tri-captain Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH), who scored 13 points in his rookie season, and Kevin Lutter (Downington, PA) at midfield, and forwards Dan Bishop (Valley Stream, NY) and Stefanos Parastatidis (Lanesboro, MA). The Golden Bears also have two solid defenders in Pat Danby (Cheshire, CT) and Brian Rommell (Charlton, NY).

Third-year coach Erin Sullivan has another strong freshmen class headed by forward Michael Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) and defender Scott Meikle (Bethel, CT). Joining Schnepp up front are Long Island natives Matt Battaglia (Merrick, NY) and Paul Russo (Dix Hills, NY). Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) and Nicholas Day (Springfield, MA - Central High School) will challenge Martyn for the starting keeper job.

"We have a strong nucleus of young, but experienced sophomores and our team has been bolstered by the addition of several talented, mature freshmen," said Sullivan who was the 2001 GNAC Coach-of-the-Year.

"There is no question that we are a young team, but we hope that by playing some of the better teams in the region in September, it will prepare us for the second half of the schedule."

Western New England College will meet Elms College at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 6, at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow before hosting Middlebury College at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 7 at Suprenant Field.

WNEC will play 2001 NCAA New England Division III Regional champion Wheaton College, regional finalist Worcester State College, and city rival Springfield College the first month of the season.

STEVE DANBUSKY NAMED ASSISTANT MEN'S SOCCER COACH

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 15, 2002) — Western New England College men's soccer coach Erin Sullivan announced Thursday that Steve Danbusky will serve as assistant coach for the Golden Bears this fall.

Danbusky, a native of Westbury, New York, is a 1999 graduate of Williams College where he was a four-year starter as a defender and midfielder for the Ephs.

During his freshman season, Danbusky was among the top players on the Williams team that won the 1995 NCAA Division III Championship. (Sullivan was a senior and the starting keeper on that squad.)

Danbusky captained the Ephs team his senior year that advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Championship. That season, he was named a first team All-American, first team All New England, and participated in the 1999 Umbro Select Senior All Star Classic.

Danbusky has extensive playing experience at the professional level. He is currently a team captain for the Division 3 Professional League Connecticut Wolves, the 2002 Northeast Division Champions. Danbusky also has played in the A-League, the United States and Canadian second division, as a captain for the Long Island Rough Riders.

"I am thrilled that Steve has accepted this position and will be with us this fall," said Sullivan. "He will be an outstanding addition to our coaching staff. Steve brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience and will be a tremendous asset in our program."

Danbusky currently serves as a staff coach for the Connecticut Soccer School. He has also served as a volunteer assistant coach at Adelphi University and as a staff coach for the Paul Riley Soccer School of Excellence.

In his second stint as a collegiate coach, Danbusky will assist the Golden Bears in the areas of team training, recruiting, and scouting.

WNEC posted a 14-8-1 mark in 2001 that was the second-highest win total in the program's history. The Golden Bears finished second in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament and participated in the ECAC New England Division III Championship.

GOLDEN BEARS ANNOUNCE
2002 SCHEDULE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 9, 2002) — The Western New England College men's soccer program has announced its 2002 schedule. In addition to the Golden Bears' annual slate of Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponents, the men's soccer team has added some of the top Division III soccer teams in New England and the nation.

The Golden Bears continue their tradition of scheduling tough non-conference opponents in 2002. Western New England will visit 2001 NCAA Regional Champion Wheaton College on Thursday, September 19. Less than one week later, the Golden Bears will host 2001 NCAA Regional finalists Worcester State on Tuesday, September 24.

Western New England will begin the 2002 campaign at Babson College on Friday, August 30. The Golden Bears will open up their home schedule one week later, squaring off against local rival Elms College on Friday, September 6.

Other highlights of the 2002 schedule include home matches against New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) powers Amherst College and Middlebury College. In addition, the Golden Bears will host traditional New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) foes US Coast Guard Academy and Springfield College.

"We have made tremendous strides over the course of this past season," says second-year head coach Erin Sullivan. "It is our belief that the caliber of opponents on this fall's schedule will challenge us to meet the established standard in our region."

Western New England's men's soccer program completed a dramatic turnaround in 2001. After winning only four matches in 2000, the Golden Bears finished 14-8-1 in 2001, the second-highest win total in the program's history. The 2001 WNEC squad appeared in the GNAC championship match and earned a bid to the 2001 ECAC New England Championships.

The Golden Bears lose five seniors to graduation and, without question, the 2002 edition of the Golden Bears will be a young team, returning only two seniors and one junior. Nonetheless, the Bears return a strong nucleus of talented freshmen and will look to build on their improved performance in 2002.

CRAIG CARROLL NAMED GNAC PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR

SEVEN GOLDEN BEARS MAKE ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

Jose Molina top GNAC Rookie; Erin Sullivan selected GNAC Coach-of-the-Year

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 15, 2001) — Western New England College freshman Craig Carroll (Cobleskill, NY — Cobleskill-Richmondville High School) was honored Thursday (Nov. 15) as the 2001 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Player-of-the-Year.

Carroll played a center midfield position for the Golden Bears and was the dominant two-way player in the conference as a rookie. He also was fourth on the team in scoring with 12 points (2 goals, 8 assists).

With Carroll helping to lead the way, Western New England College was among the most improved teams in the Northeast this season. After winning only four games in 2000, the Golden Bears compiled a 14-8-1 record that was the second most wins in school history.

WNEC finished second in the conference during the regular season with a 7-1 mark and placed second in the GNAC Tournament. The Golden Bears capped their season by playing in the ECAC New England Division III Tournament.

Carroll was voted to the GNAC All-star First team along with senior midfielder and team tri-captain Mike Clarke (Post-Mills, VT — Thetford Academy) and freshman forward Jose Molina (Stamford, CT — West Hill High School).

Molina also was named the GNAC Rookie-of-the-Year after leading the team in scoring with 34 points (12 goals, 10 assists). Clarke contributed eight points (2 goals, 4 assists).

Second team All-GNAC honors went to senior forward and team tri-captain Josh Bell (Warwick, RI — Toll Gate High School), junior back and team tri-captain Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH — Gilford High School), freshman goalkeeper Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY — Arlington High School), and freshman back John Schmalberger (Vernon, CT — Manchester East Catholic High School).

Bell was second on the squad with 17 points (4 goals, 5 assists) while Martyn compiled a 1.09 goals-against-average in 17 matches with four shutouts. Soucy also was a GNAC Second Team All-Star last year.

WNEC's Erin Sullivan, a native of Voorheesville, New York, was selected the GNAC Coach-of-the-Year.

"The leadership of our senior class was outstanding and our freshmen exceeded all expectations this year," said Sullivan. "I believe we have established ourselves in our conference and are gaining respect in the New England region."

WESTFIELD STATE TOPS WNEC 3-0 IN ECAC DIVISION III TOURNAMENT

WESTFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 7) — One of the best seasons in Western New England College history came to an end Wednesday night when the Golden Bears dropped a 3-1 decision against host Westfield State College in an opening round match of the 2001 ECAC New England Division III Tournament.

The Golden Bears, seeded seventh in the tournament, finished their season with a 14-8-1 record that was the second highest win total in school history.

Westfield State, the second seed, had a 1-0 halftime lead until WNEC tied the match on a goal by freshman Jose Molina (Stamford, CT) in the 61st minute.

The Owls, however, scored on a penalty kick nine minutes later and added an insurance goal in the 87th minute.

WNEC MEETS WESTFIELD STATE IN ECAC TOURNAMENT WEDNESDAY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 5) — Western New England College will play host Westfield State College at 7 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 7) in an opening round match of the 2001 ECAC New England Division III Tournament.

WNEC is seeded seventh in the tournament, Westfield State second. The teams were scheduled to play one another on September 25, but the match was cancelled because of bad weather.

WNEC has a 14-7-1 record after dropping a heart-breaking 1-0 decision at Norwich University in the championship match of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament last Saturday. The 14 wins are the second best in school history.

Freshman Jose Molina (Stamford, CT) leads the Golden Bears with 32 points (11 goals, 10 assists) while freshmen goalkeeper Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) has a 1.09 goals-against-average.

FRESHMAN JOSE MOLINA NAMED GNAC ROOKIE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 6, 2001) — Western New England College freshman forward Jose Molina (Stamford, CT — West Hill High School) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Nov. 5).

Molina scored the tying goal in 1-1 four-overtime draw against Albertus Magnus College on October 31 in a semifinal match of the conference tournament that the Golden Bears won on penalty-kicks.

A physician assistant major, Molina has a team-high 32 points (11 goals, 10 assists), which is tied for fourth in the conference. The Golden Bears placed second in the conference with a 7-1 mark and second in the GNAC Tournament.

WNEC has a 14-7-1 record entering a match Wednesday (Nov. 7) at Westfield State College in the ECAC New England Division III Tournament.

NORWICH SCORES IN FINAL SECONDS TO EDGE WNEC 1-0 IN GNAC TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Nov. 3, 2001) — Norwich University freshman forward Mariano Conte scored with nine seconds remaining as the Cadets defeated visiting Western New England College, 1-0, in the championship match of the 2001 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament.

WNEC freshman goalkeeper Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) made five saves.

Norwich remained unbeaten with a 20-0 record.

The Golden Bears, who are now 14-6-1, will await word whether they will be invited to the ECAC New England Division III Tournament. That news hopefully will come Monday (Nov. 5).

GREAT NORTHEAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS

Western New England College 1, Albertus Magnus College 1

WNEC Advances on Penalty-Kicks 3-1

By KEVIN HASSETT '02

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 31, 2001) — The Western New England College men's soccer team advanced to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament Final, behind the stellar goalkeeping of freshman Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, N.Y. - Arlington High School), defeating Albertus Magnus College, 3-1, in a penalty-kick shootout after a 1-1 score through 150 minutes and four overtime periods.

"It was such a war of attrition," said Golden Bears head coach Erin Sullivan. "There were countless individual performances that spurred us on to victory with several players playing the full 150 minutes. I am extraordinarily proud of this team. They deserve everything they have earned over the course of this season."

After a scoreless first half, Albertus Magnus went up 1-0 on a goal by freshman forward Steve Arias (Bakersfield, Calif.) in the 66th minute. Western New England came right back to tie the game in the 73rd minute on a header by freshman forward Jose Molina (Stamford, Conn. - West Hill High School).

"It's hard to pick out an individual star of the game. Certainly Jose (Molina) had a tremendous finish to equalize, and Martyn's play throughout the entire match was inspiring. Those two players stand out as main reasons why we are blessed to be in the final," said Sullivan.

Martyn made 10 saves during the match, and came up big with two saves in the penalty-kick shootout. The rookie goalkeeper kept the Golden Bears chances alive after brilliant saves in the final minute of regulation, another with two seconds left in the first overtime, and two during the third overtime.

The biggest save of the match was made by Martyn's counterpart, sophomore goalkeeper John Adams (West Haven, Conn.). The Golden Bears earned a penalty kick in the 135th minute after a Falcons player handled the ball in the penalty area. Senior midfielder and tri-captain Josh Bell (Warwick, R.I. - Toll Gate High School) took the penalty but his shot was saved by Adams with seven seconds left in the third overtime period.

The Golden Bears are now 14-6-1 while the Falcons finish the season at 11-4-3. Western New England will travel to Northfield, Vermont to take on unbeaten Norwich University (19-0), 4-0 winner over Rivier College, on Saturday for the GNAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

"We're excited to have an opportunity to avenge a painful result on our home pitch against Norwich," said Sullivan. Norwich blanked WNEC 4-0 on October 24 in the regular season finale.

WNEC HOSTS ALBERTUS MAGNUS IN SEMIFINALS OF GNAC TOURNAMENT

Winner moves to GNAC Tournament championship

By KEVIN HASSETT '02

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 30, 2001) — The second-seeded Western New England College men's soccer team will host third-seeded Albertus Magnus College in the semifinals of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament at 1 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 31) at Suprenant Field.

The Golden Bears enter the match with a record of 14-6, which is just one win away from tying the school record for wins in a season, while the Falcons have an 11-4-2 mark. Albertus Magnus leads the series (which started in 1993) by a 6-3-1 margin. The teams met once during the regular-season with the Golden Bears coming away with a 1-0 overtime victory at Suprenant Field on October 3. Senior midfielder Josh Bell (Warwick, RI) scored 2:32 into overtime for the game-winner.

"I anticipate another closely played, competitive contest," said WNEC coach Erin Sullivan. "We were fortunate to get the winning result in the last match. In the end, the team that defends better will advance."

WNEC is led by freshman forward Jose Molina (Stamford, CT) who leads the team in goals (10), assists (10), and points (30). Freshman midfielder Craig Carroll (Cobleskill, NY) has played well this season as the primary playmaker and as a dominating defender in midfield. He is second on the team in assists (7). Junior defender and tri-captain Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH) has been the leader at a back position.

Albertus Magnus possesses one of the best player in the conference in freshman forward Steve Arias (Bakersfield, CA) who leads the team in goals (7) and points (21).

"We will certainly be aware of where Arias is at all times," said Sullivan.

The Falcons have a strong player in junior forward Jeff Teixeira (Bridgeport, CT) who is first on the squad in assists (10) and second in points (20). Another player to watch is sophomore forward Felipe Montoya (West Haven, CT) who is second on the team in goals (6). Junior John Adams (West Haven, CT) has a respectable 1.04 goals-against-average with five shutouts.

The winner of this match will meet the winner of the other semifinal between top-seeded Norwich University and fourth-seeded Rivier College in the GNAC Tournament championship match on Saturday (Nov. 3).

PAT DANBY NAMED GNAC ROOKIE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 30, 2001) — Western New England College freshman back Pat Danby (Cheshire, CT) was honored Monday (Oct. 29) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week.

Danby's first collegiate goal was the game-winner in a 3-0 victory over Johnson & Wales University in a quarterfinal match of the GNAC Tournament.

WNEC ADVANCES TO GNAC SEMIFINALS WITH 3-0 VICTORY OVER JOHNSON & WALES

By KEVIN HASSETT '02

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 28, 2001) - The Western New England College men's soccer team advanced to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Semifinals with a 3-0 victory over Johnson & Wales Sunday afternoon at Suprenant Field.

Freshman defender Pat Danby (Cheshire, Conn. - Cheshire High School) scored the game-winner with a header in the 28th minute off a free kick from freshman midfielder Craig Carroll (Cobleskill, N.Y. - Cobleskill-Richmond High School).

"We talked about set pieces before the game and our first goal came off a free kick," said Golden Bears head coach Erin Sullivan. "It was nice to see the boys follow through on that.

"I thought we created some high quality chances in the first half but I was a little frustrated we were not able to widen the gap early. I give (Johnson & Wales) credit, they were finalists last year and they fight until the final whistle."

The Golden Bears scored again in the 69th minute on a brilliant strike from the outside corner of the penalty area by freshman midfielder Kevin Lutter (Downington, Pa. - Downington High School). Freshman forward Jose Molina (Stamford, Conn. - West Hill High School) picked up the assist.

Junior midfielder Terrance Leahy (East Longmeadow, Mass. - East Longmeadow High School) scored late in the game off an assist from Carroll, his second of the afternoon.

Freshman goalkeeper Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY - Arlington High School) made five saves, while junior goalkeeper Trevor Foden (Riverhead, N.Y.) made 10 saves for the Wildcats.

With the win, the Golden Bears improve to 14-6 while the Wildcats finish the season at 6-13-1. Western New England will host Albertus Magnus College (2-0 winners over Emerson College) this Wednesday in the semifinals. WNEC won the regular-season meeting between the teams, 1-0, in overtime at home.

WNEC HOSTS JOHNSON & WALES SUNDAY IN GNAC TOURNAMENT

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 25, 2001) — Western New England College will host Johnson & Wales University at 12 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 28) in a quarterfinal round game of the 2001 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament at Suprenant Field.

WNEC defeated Johnson & Wales 3-2 on September 15 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Under the direction of second-year coach Erin Sullivan, the Golden Bears posted a 13-6 record this fall and placed second in the GNAC with a 7-1 mark.

The 13 wins are the second best in school history and a nine-game improvement from last year's 4-13-2 mark.

The 1975 squad of Bill Downes compiled a 15-4-2 record while placing fourth in the NAIA Tournament.

NORWICH BLANKS WNEC, 4-0, IN GNAC SHOWDOWN

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 24, 2001) — Freshman forward Mariano Conte (Worcester, MA) had a goal and assist as visiting Norwich University captured the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) regular season title with a 4-0 victory over Western New England College.

Norwich improved its record to 17-0, which was the first unbeaten regular season in school history. The Cadets also posted an 8-0 mark in the GNAC.

WNEC ended the regular season with a 13-6 record, which included a 7-1 mark for second place in the conference. Last year WNEC won only four matches.

Senior forward Timmy Kyrkostas (Hicksville, NY) contributed two assists to set a Norwich single season record with 43 points (11 goals, 21 assists). The old mark was 42 points set by Gavin Woods in 1999.

Junior goalie Josh McElroy (Boyertown, PA) had six saves and sophomore Chris Eckerson (Chandler, AZ) two for the Cadets who posted their eighth shutout of the season.

Sophomore midfielder Ryan Quintal (Heidelberg, German) gave Norwich a 1-0 lead with a goal 6:42 into the contest. Junior midfielder Dirk Vandeveer (Bad Kreuznach, Germany) hit the back of the net in the 19th minute as the Cadets took a 2-0 halftime advantage.

WNEC had several scoring chances in the first half, but couldn't convert. Freshman forward Jose Molina (Stamford, CT) hit the right post in the 62nd. Freshman goalie Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) finished with six saves.

Norwich and WNEC will each host a quarterfinal game of the 2001 GNAC Tournament on Sunday (Oct. 28).

SENIOR MIKE CLARKE NAMED GNAC CO-PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 23, 2001) — Western New England College senior midfielder and team captain Mike Clarke (Post Mills, VT — Thetford Academy) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Co-Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 22).

Clarke, an electrical engineering major, scored game-winning goals against Union College (4-1) on October 17 and Emerson College (2-1 in double overtime) on October 20. Both goals were the first two of the season for Clarke.

WNEC 2, EMERSON 1 (2ot)

EAST BOSTON, Mass. (Oct. 20, 2001) — Senior tri-captain Mike Clarke scored the game-winning goal in the 114th minute as visiting Western New England College remained undefeated in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference with a 2-1 double overtime victory over Emerson College in a match played at East Boston Stadium.

Freshman Jose Molina added a goal and assist to give him a team high 29 points (10 goals, 9 assists) this season. Freshman goalkeeper Jay Martyn made six saves.

WNEC is now 13-5 and 7-0 in the conference. The Golden Bears have won three straight and 10 of their last 11 matches.

Western New England's 13 wins are the second best in school history behind the school record of 15 set in 1975.

WNEC will host undefeated Norwich Unioversity (16-0) at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 24) at Suprenant Field.

WNEC 4, UNION 1

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (Oct. 17, 2001) — Western New England College won for the ninth time in its last 10 outings after posting a 4-1 victory over host Union College on Wednesday. The Golden Bears improved their record to 12-5 entering a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) match at Emerson College on Saturday (Oct. 20).

WNEC 6, DANIEL WEBSTER 0
"Senior Day"

SPRINGFIELD , Mass. (Oct. 13, 2001) — Western New England College recorded its eight win in the last nine games with a 6-0 victory over Daniel Webster College on "Senior Day" Saturday afternoon in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action at Suprenant Field.

"Despite a slow start, I felt like we came on very strong as the match progressed," said Golden Bears head coach Erin Sullivan. "I think we have generated a lot of momentum going into our last three games and into the post season."

It was a big day for the seniors as midfielder and tri-captain Josh Bell (Warwick, R.I. - Toll Gate High School) scored from the penalty spot to open up the scoring at 21:10 in the first half. Senior defender John Fillio (Dalton, Mass. - Wahconah Regional High School) picked up his second career point with a great cross to freshman forward Trevor Groves (Pittsfield, Mass. - Pittsfield High School) who volleyed the ball home. Senior goalkeeper Travis Ray (Nantucket, Mass. - Nantucket High School) made four saves in the shutout.

"I am very proud of the seniors, it was a tremendous day for them," said Sullivan. "The goal from Josh (Bell) and the assist from (John) Fillio was very appropriate."

Sophomore midfielder Jason DaCruz (Ludlow, Mass. - Ludlow High School) scored a spectacular second-half goal in addition to an assist in the first half. DaCruz took the ball from the top of the box and dribbled through a crowd of Eagles defenders before drilling the ball home.

With the win, the Golden Bears improve to 11-5 (6-0 GNAC) while the Eagles drop to 1-9-0 (0-6 GNAC).

AMHERST 3, WNEC 2 (Oct. 11)

WNEC 2, COAST GUARD 1 (2ot)

NEW LONDON , Conn. (Oct. 9, 2001) — Freshman forward Jose Molina (Stamford, CT) scored his second straight game-winning goal to lead Western New England College to a 2-1 double overtime victory over the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Tuesday night.

Molina also netted the game winner in a 1-0 win at Suffolk University last Saturday (Oct. 6).

WNEC, meanwhile, broke a 10-game losing streak against Coast Guard. The Golden Bears won the first match between the schools in 1990.

Western New England is now 10-4 after winning its seventh consecutive match.

On Thursday, October 11, WNEC will visit Amherst College in a non-conference match starting at 4 p.m.

The Golden Bears return home to play GNAC rival Daniel Webster College at noon Saturday, October 13 during "Senior Day." The soccer program will honor its five seniors: tri-captains Josh Bell and Michael Clarke, along with John Fillio, Paul Isidoro, and Travis Ray.

WNEC 1, SUFFOLK 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 6, 2001) — Freshman standout Jose Molina (Stamford, CT) scored his team-leading sixth goal of the season to lead Western New England College to victory. The goal was scored midway through the first half off of an indirect free kick and was assisted by midfielder Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH).

The win was the sixth consecutive victory for the Golden Bears (9-4) who remain undefeated in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) at 5-0.

WNEC 1, ALBERTUS MAGNUS 0 (OT)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 3, 2001) — Senior midfielder and tri-captain Josh Bell (Warwick, R.I. - Toll Gate High School) scored 2:32 into overtime as the Western New England College men's soccer team recorded their fifth straight win, defeating Albertus Magnus College, 1-0, in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Action Wednesday afternoon at Suprenant Field.

The goal was Bell's sixth of the season, while freshman forward Jose Molina (Stamford, Conn. - West Hill High School) recorded his seventh assist.

With the win, the Golden Bears improve to 8-4 (4-0 GNAC) while the Falcons drop to 5-3-2 (3-1-1 GNAC).

SCOTT THORNTON SELECTED THE WNEC MALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK AND GNAC PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 2, 2001) — Freshman soccer player Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH — Manchester West High School) was honored Tuesday (Oct. 2) as both the Western New England College Male Athlete-of-the-Week and Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Player-of-the-Week.

Thornton, a center midfielder, scored his first collegiate goal in a 3-1 win over Nichols College on September 27 and netted the game-winning score in the 73rd minute in a 1-0 win over Rivier College (N.H.) on September 29.

Thornton is an electrical engineering major at Western New England.

WNEC (7-4) hosts Albertus Magnus College at 4 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 3).

WNEC BLANKS RIVIER, 1-0, FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT VICTORY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 29, 2001) — Freshman Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH) scored the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute as Western New England College won its fourth straight match with a 1-0 victory over visiting Rivier College in a battle of two of the top teams in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC).

The Golden Bears, who won only four games last year, improved their record to 7-4 and 3-0 in the conference. The Raiders are now 6-3-1 and 3-1 in the GNAC.

"This was a pivotal game for us," said second-year WNEC coach Erin Sullivan. "Rivier has a strong program, but we have a tenacious team who plays hard all the time. I give our guys a tremendous amount of credit for their efforts the last two weeks. This could be the turning point in the season for us."

The winning shot came when Thornton took a pass from freshman John Schmalberger (Vernon, CT) just inside the penalty spot and fired a shot under the outstretched arms of keeper Tyler Ward (Wickford, RI).

Rivier started the season with a 0-2-1 mark, but had won its last six matches, including five by shutouts.

Thornton scored his first collegiate goal last Thursday in a 3-1 win over Nichols College. His sister Elizabeth Thornton is the women's soccer coach at Rivier.

GOLDEN BEARS DEFEAT NICHOLS, 3-1, FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 27, 2001) — Western New England College's men's soccer team ran its winning streak to three matches with a 3-1 victory over visiting Nichols College in a non-conference game Thursday.

The Golden Bears (6-4) host Rivier College (6-2-1) in a battle of unbeaten GNAC teams starting at at 11 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 29).

WNEC'S MATCH WITH WESTFIELD STATE CANCELLED BECAUSE OF RAIN

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 26, 2001) — Western New England College's men's soccer match with Westfield State College was cancelled Wednesday and will not be made up this season.

JAY MARTYN NAMED GNAC
ROOKIE -OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 24, 2001) — Western New England College freshman goalkeeper Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY — Arlington High School) was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Sept. 24).

Martyn improved his record to 5-2 after allowing only one goal in a pair of victories, highlighted by a six-save effort in a 2-1 double overtime victory at city rival Springfield College on September 20. Martyn is fourth in the conference with a 1.23 goals-against-average in six matches.

WNEC OPENS HOMESTAND AGAINST LOCAL RIVAL WESTFIELD STATE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 24, 2001) — After a strong performance in road matches this past week, Western New England College returns home to Suprenant Field for a four-game homestand. This past week, the Golden Bears defeated local rival Springfield College 2-1 in a thrilling double overtime match. WNEC went on to shutout Southern Vermont College 5-0 in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference match. The wins move WNEC to 5-4 overall and 2-0 in the GNAC. The Golden Bears record in away matches improves to 4-2.

Western New England will now play four crucial home matches in the next eight days. The Golden Bears will face arch-rival Westfield State College on Tuesday, Sept. 25 followed by Nichols College on Thursday, Sept. 27. Both matches kickoff at 4:00pm. WNEC will then resume their GNAC charge facing two of the Conference's top teams. The Bears host Rivier College on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 11am and Albertus Magnus College on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 4:00pm.

WNEC RECORDS FIRST SHUTOUT OF SEASON WITH 5-0 WIN OVER SOUTHERN VERMONT ON SEPT. 22

WNEC DEFEATS SPRINGFIELD IN OVERTIME THRILLER

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 20, 2001) — Freshman defender Brian Romell (Charlton, NY) tied the game in the final minute of regulation, while junior defender and tri-captain Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH) scored the game-winner in the second overtime to lead Western New England to a 2-1 victory over Springfield College at Brock-Affleck Field.

Soucy's goal game in the 107th minute off of a corner kick that was knocked down in the box. The defender then half-volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

With the victory, the vastly improved Golden Bears, now 4-4, have already equalled their win total from last season.

Western New England travels to Southern Vermont College this Saturday before hosting three straight games next week, starting Tuesday against Westfield State College followed by games against Nichols College and Rivier College on Thursday and Saturday.

FRESHMAN JOSE MOLINA SELECTED WNEC MALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 18, 2001) — Freshman soccer player Jose Molina (Stamford, CT — Westhill High School) were honored Tuesday (Sept. 18) as the Western New England College Male Athlete-of-the-Week. He also was selected the GNAC Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Sept. 17).

Molina, a forward, netted two goals, including the game-winner, in a 3-2 victory at Johnson & Wales University last Saturday (Sept. 15) to help the Golden Bears even their record at 3-3. He also netted a goal in a 2-1 loss against Western Connecticut State University on Thursday (Sept. 13).

Molina is third in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) in scoring with 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists).

WNEC plays at Worcester State College Tuesday (Sept. 18).

WNEC DEFEATS JOHNSON & WALES
3-2 IN GNAC OPENER

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College's men's soccer team opened its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) season with a 3-2 victory over conference rival Johnson & Wales University. Freshman standout Jose Molina scored two goals including the game winner to pace the Golden Bears to victory at Pierce Stadium in Providence, R.I. Freshmen defender Craig Carroll assisted on both of Molina's goals and contributed a dominating defensive effort on the afternoon. Freshmen striker Kevin Oskandy also scored in the first half of the match to give WNEC a 2-1 halftime advantage.

The win puts Western New England at 1-0 in the GNAC standings. The Golden Bears have a 3-3 record overall after losing a 2-1 decision to visiting Western Connecticut State University Thursday (Sept. 13) at Suprenant Field.

Western New England's next GNAC match is this Saturday, Sept. 22 at 3:00pm against Southern Vermont College in Bennington, VT. Prior to that, the Golden Bears play two crucial matches against non-conference opponents. WNEC travels to Worcester State College on Tuesday (Sept. 18) and play local rival Springfield College on Thursday (Sept. 20). Both matches kickoff at 4:00pm.

WNEC DROPS 2-0 DECISION AGAINST NOTRE DAME COLLEGE IN GOLDEN BEAR CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 9, 2001) — Notre Dame College (N.H.) captured the inaugural Golden Bear Classic with a 2-0 victory over host Western New England College Sunday (Sept. 9) at Suprenant Field.

Elms College won the third place match with a 6-2 win over Framingham State College.

Classic MVP — Zuca Palladino (Notre Dame).

All-Classic Team — Gary Karibian (Notre Dame), Dennis Lottimore (Notre Dame), Jahkee Smith (Notre Dame), Mike Clarke (Western New England), Jose Molina (Western New England), Scott Thornton (Western New England), Adriano dos Santos (Elms), Ricardo Queiroga (Elms), Mark Augustyniak (Framingham State), Matt Faherty (Framingham State).

WNEC WINS OPENING MATCH OF GOLDEN BEAR CLASSIC, 6-1, OVER FRAMINGHAM STATE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 8, 2001) — Western New England College senior midfielder and tri-captain Josh Bell (Warwick, R.I. - Toll Gate High School) notched a goal and two assists to lead the Golden Bears (2-1) to a 6-1 victory over Framingham State College (0-2) on Saturday in the first game of the inaugural Golden Bear Classic at Suprenant Field. WNEC went down a goal less then three minutes into the match but fought back hard.

"We are extremely happy about the result," said Golden Bears head coach Erin Sullivan. "The response to the early goal was great. Overall, I was pleased with the effort in the front third of the pitch. We are really looking forward to Sunday's match."

The Golden Bears were boosted by the play of their strong core of first-year players, with four freshmen finding the back of the net, and seven playing in the starting 11. Freshmen forward Kevin Oskandy (Burlington, Conn. - Lewis S. Mills High School) scored a goal and an assist.

Local product, junior Terrence Leahy (East Longmeadow, Mass. - East Longmeadow High School) scored a goal in the first half while sophomore Jason DaCruz (Ludlow, Mass. - Ludlow High School) picked up a second-half assist.

WNEC will face Notre Dame College (N.H.), who defeated Elms College, 7-1, in the final of the Golden Bear Classic at 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

YOUNG GOLDEN BEARS
READY FOR ACTION IN 2001

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 28, 2001) — The Western New England College men's soccer team is eagerly anticipating the start of the 2001 season. The Golden Bears have a strong core of returning players bolstered by a host of young and exciting freshmen.

WNEC will open its season at 7 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 1) against Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Golden Bears will then meet Centenary College at 12:00 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 2) in Hackettstown, New Jersey.

Following a disappointing 2000 season, Western New England returns five starters from a team that finished with a 4-13-2 record after dropping seven contests by a single goal. Second-year head coach Erin Sullivan and first-year assistant Michael Cortese are optimistic about the potential of this year's side. Sullivan hopes his squad will pick up where they left off in 2000, winning three of its final five matches and participating in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament.

"We have an excellent nucleus of returning players and a wealth of talent in the freshman class," says Sullivan. "The challenge will be to see how quickly we can gel both on and off the field."

WNEC again will be led by senior and second year captain Mike Clarke (Post-Mills, VT). Joining Clarke in midfield will be tri-captain Josh Bell (Warwick, RI) who will look to add to his career totals of 11 goals and 5 assists. Returning senior Paul Isidoro (Westport, MA) and freshman Kevin Lutter (Downington, PA) will provide the foundation of the Golden Bears' flank play. Local products Terrence Leahy (E. Longmeadow, MA) and Jason DaCruz (Ludlow, MA) will add much needed creativity and stability to the central midfield along with freshman Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH).

The Golden Bears will feature an entirely revamped attack. Junior transfer Christian Costantini (Sao Paulo, Brazil) will add some international pedigree to the WNEC front line. Freshmen Jose Molina (Stamford, CT), Kevin Oskandy (Burlington, CT), and Steve Parastatidis (Lanesboro, MA) will strengthen the Golden Bears offense at the striker positions.

Western New England returns All-GNAC sweeper Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH) to anchor the defense. He will lead a host of freshmen defenders into battle including Craig Carroll (Cobleskill, NY), Brian Romell (Charlton, NY), and John Schmalberger (Vernon, CT). Many questions still remain unanswered about the WNEC defense including who will emerge as the top netminder. Senior Travis Ray (Nantucket, MA) and freshmen James Caswell (Stormville, NY) and Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) are all competing for the starting position.

All in all, Sullivan is optimistic about his team's chances of returning to the GNAC tournament. "This year's freshman class will provide us with a tremendous amount of energy and depth," says Sullivan. "We will need to gain match experience quickly and confidently against some of our toughest opponents."

Western New England College will host the inaugural Golden Bear Classic on Saturday-Sunday (Sept. 8-9) at Suprenant Field.

In opening round action Saturday, Western New England College will play Framingham State College at noon followed by a match between Elms College and Notre Dame College (N.H.) at 2. Sunday, the third place match begins at noon followed by the championship match at 2.

NEWS FROM THE 2000 SEASON

NATHAN SOUCY NAMED
GNAC ALL-CONFERENCE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Sophomore Defender Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH – Gilford High School) was recently named to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference's all-conference second team for men's soccer.

Soucy was a standout sweeper for the Golden Bears this season, starting all 19 of Western New England's matches. He was the only all-conference representative for the 2000 Golden Bears and has been elected tri-captain for the 2001 season.

Soucy is currently a mechanical engineering major and a Dean's list student at WNEC. A former 1st team all-state defender, Soucy led his Gilford High School team to 2 Class M New Hampshire state championships.

SEAN MILBIER AND MIKE CLARKE HONORED AT FALL SPORTS BANQUET

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Senior forward Sean Milbier (Springfield, MA) was named the 2000 team's Most Valuable Player at the Western New England College Fall Sports Banquet Saturday (Dec. 2). Milbier led the Golden Bears with 13 points (4 goals, 5 assists) this past season.

Junior midfielder Mike Clarke (Post-Mills, VT) received the Coaches Award for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the program. He was second on the squad with 10 points (3 goals, 4 assists).

Milbier and Clarke served as the team co-captains during the 2000 campaign.

Clarke, junior midfielder Josh Bell (Warwick, RI), and sophomore sweeper Nate Soucy (Gilford, NH) were named tri-captains for the 2001 season.

ROBERT ALEXANDER RECEIVES INAUGURAL LINDSAY AWARD AT FALL SPORTS BANQUET

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. Ð Defender Robert Alexander (Walpole, MA) received the first ever Ed Lindsay Men's Soccer Freshman-of-the-Year Award at the Western New England College Fall Sports Banquet Saturday (Dec. 2).

Alexander was recognized for his outstanding character, integrity, and leadership during the 2000 fall season, in which he started more than half of the Golden Bears' 19 matches.

Ed Lindsay '78 and Bill Downes, his former coach, presented the award to Alexander. The Lindsay Award was established permanently in recognition of Ed Lindsay's character and his outstanding soccer career at Western New England College.

"Bobby has outstanding intangibles and made dramatic improvement over the course of the season," said Western New England men's soccer coach Erin Sullivan. "We look forward to his contributions in the years to come."

Alexander, a sport management major, is a 2000 graduate of Walpole High School where he served as captain of the soccer and basketball teams.

Approximately 350 people attended the sports banquet, which was initiated when Mike Theulen became director of athletics in 1998.

BRYCE HARDY SELECTED AS THE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 10, 2000) – Sophomore Bryce Hardy (Unionville, CT) of the men's soccer team was honored Tuesday (Oct. 10) as the Western New England College Male Athlete-of-the-Week.

Hardy, a keeper, recorded eight saves in a 0-0 overtime tie at Albertus Magnus College on October 4 and made four key stops in a 2-1 victory over Suffolk University on October 7 that was the Golden Bears' first win of the season. Hardy has a 1.81 goals-against-average and 84 saves in 11 games.

Western New England (1-8-2) visits Coast Guard on Tuesday (Oct. 10), and hosts Elms College on Thursday (Oct. 12) and Daniel Webster on Saturday (Oct. 14).

GOLDEN BEARS LOOK FORWARD TO SUCCESSFUL SEASON

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 7, 2000) – The Western New England College men's soccer team is eagerly anticipating another successful season in 2000. After back-to-back winning seasons, the Golden Bears expect to have a young and exciting team this fall.

Beginning its second year in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, Western New England will look to contend for the league title after going 6-2 and finishing third in 1999. Western New England finished with an overall record of 10-8-1.

First-year head coach Erin Sullivan takes over the program with tremendous aspirations for the future. Although nearly half of the 1999 squad did not return, Sullivan likes his team's chances to return to the GNAC conference tournament.

"We have a strong core of returning players, but with only one senior, we will need to gain match experience quickly and confidently," says Sullivan.

The lone returning senior is co-captain Sean Milbier (Springfield, MA) who notched eight goals and one assist last season. In addition to his goal-scoring touch, Milbier brings solid leadership and a big-game mentality to the pitch. Joining Milbier up front will be sophomore striker Stephen Fraga (Milford, MA).

Junior co-captain Mike Clarke (Post-Mills, VT) will provide the foundation of the team's flank play looking to add to his '99 totals of one goal and two assists from the wide midfield spot.

Junior Josh Bell (Warwick, RI) returns to anchor the central midfield role after scoring five goals and assisting on two others last fall. Also returning in midfield is sophomore Terrence Leahy (E. Longmeadow, MA).

After losing the entire backline and starting goalkeeper to graduation, the Golden Bears hope that a young backfield can hold its own this season.

Returning to anchor the defense will be sophomore sweeper Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH) and a host of first and second year players.

"Thus far, we are in solid shape defensively," says Sullivan. "Unfortunately, we lack a significant amount of team depth. Nonetheless, I look for this team to be highly competitive and make tremendous strides over the course of this season."

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