################################################################################
SEASON COMPLETED
################################################################################
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sinisa Bajic Named to NSCAA All-New England Second Team
Greg Cox Earns Spot on All-New England Fourth Team
GORHAM, Maine -- Two members of the University of Southern Maine men’s
soccer team, junior forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland HS) and
junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron Academy), have been named to
the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas NCAA Division
III All-New England team.
Bajic, a third team All-New England selection in 2006, was named to the
second team this season. Cox, a first-time honoree, was named to the fourth
team. This is the first time USM has been represented on the All-New England
team by two players since 1988 when Mike Coughlin and Keith Lehigh made the
team.
The two-time Little East Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Bajic led
the Huskies in scoring for the third consecutive year with 11 goals and two
assists for 24 points. He led the Little East in overall points and goals
scored despite missing five matches during the season. He had four game-winning
goals during the season, including the one in USM's first win over Keene State
College since 1980. Twice during the regular season he was named the LEC
Offensive Player of the Week.
A two-time All-LEC selection, Cox scored six goals, including one game
winner, and dished off a team-leading five assists to accumulate 17 points. His
game-winning goal came in sudden-death overtime against Plymouth State
University, and he had the assist on Bajic's game winner over Keene State. He
was named the conference Offensive Player of the Week for his two-goal
performance against Plymouth State.
The Huskies finished the 2007 season, which included their second
postseason tournament berth in the last four years, with a 10-9-1 overall
record. The Huskies were 5-2-0 (second place) in Little East regular season
play and earned the team's first-ever conference playoff berth.
2007 NSCAA/adidas Division 3 All-New England Teams
First Team
Pos Name Class School
GK Brian Bush Jr. Middlebury College
D Alexander Elias Sr. Middlebury College
D Andrew Germansky Sr. Middlebury College
D Grayson Holland * Jr. Amherst College
M Yuta Kizaki * Jr. Salem State College
M John Kneeland Sr. Amherst College
M Nick Lynch Jr. Amherst College
F Antoine Bell * Sr. Roger Williams University
F Taylor Downs Sr. Amherst College
F Nick Figueiredo ** Sr. Bowdoin College
F Casey Ftorek ** Sr. Middlebury College
Second Team
GK Stephen Hennessey Sr. Western New England College
D Brendan Egan * Sr. Bowdoin College
D Nathan Elwood Sr. Williams College
D Ryan Kelley So. Rhode Island College
M Alan Ashenfelter Jr. Wesleyan University
M Christopher Fisher Jr. Middlebury College
M Chris Hartmann * Sr. Wentworth Institute of Technology
M Ryan Pelletier Sr. Williams College
F Sinisa Bajic * Jr. University of Southern Maine
F Jake Duker Jr. Amherst College
F Rob Harlow Jr. Norwich University
Third Team
GK Chris Necklas * Sr. Babson College
D Nic Raymond DeZenzo Sr. Colby-Sawyer College
D Chris Schwartz * Sr. Babson College
D Jason Silva Fr. Framingham State College
M Trevor Cote Sr. Wheaton College
M Daniel Hare Jr. Western New England College
M Romeo Zeqo * Jr. University of Massachusetts-Boston
F Jordan Colonese Sr. New England College
F Maxim Fantl So. Eastern Connecticut State University
F Alex Horne * Jr. Keene State College
F Tim Winn ** Jr. Babson College
Fourth Team
GK Jay Barney Sr. Eastern Connecticut State University
D Gabe Bergeron Sr. Keene State College
D Matt Brothers Jr. Worcester State College
D Jason Grupp Jr. Norwich University
M Greg Cox Jr. University of Southern Maine
M James Palumbo * Sr. New England College
M Caleb Paterson Sr. Keene State College
F Andrew Angus * So. Salem State College
F Michael Cooley So. Keene State College
F Adrian Schippers So. Springfield College
F Dale Totman Jr. Western New England College
* Indicates previous selection
################################################################################
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Hartman Scores Three, Wentworth Blanks Southern Maine 3-0
BOSTON -- Senior midfielder Chris Hartman (Hopewell Junction, N.Y./John
Jay) scored all three goals to lead the third-seeded Wentworth Institute of
Technology Leopards to a 3-0 victory over the sixth-seeded University of
Southern Maine Huskies in a first round game of the 2007 Eastern College
Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Men’s Soccer Championship
Wednesday night at Sweeney Field in Boston.
The victory moves the Leopards into a semifinal match on Saturday against
Framingham State College. Framingham State, the second seed in the eight-team,
single-elimination tournament, earned a spot in the semifinals with a 2-1 win
over seventh-seeded Colby-Sawyer College. The Leopards improve to 14-5-1 on the
season, and tied the school record for wins in a season.
The Huskies, who were making their second ECAC tournament appearance in the
last four seasons, finish their season at 10-9-1.
Hartman gave the host side an early lead when he found the net in the
second minute of play off an assist from senior Kyle Becker (Sea Cliff,
N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) for his 13th goal of season. Hartman doubled the lead
in the 24th minute converting a pass from senior Joe Carroll (Lebanon,
Conn./Lyman Memorial). The Leopards out shot the Huskies in the opening 45
minutes, 9-4.
The Leopards kept up their offensive pressure in the second half, out
shooting the Huskies 12-4. Hartman had the only score when he completed his hat
trick with his team-leading 15th goal in the 77th minute. That goal tied the
Leopards’ single-season record for goals scored established by Mike Martins in
1997. Senior Kevin Neilan (Kensington, Conn./Berlin) picked up the assist.
The Huskies best scoring opportunities came midway through the first half
when junior Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron Academy) was turn away by
Wentworth senior goalkeeper Joe Simon (Pittsfield, Mass.), and late in the match
when sophomore Tegan Udeh (Scarborough, Maine) knocked a shot off the post.
Simon finished with four saves to collect his sixth shutout of the season
for the Leopards. Sophomore David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson)
registered 10 saves for the Huskies.
In other first round action Wednesday, top-seeded Norwich University
defeated eighth-seeded Becker College, 2-0, and fourth-seeded Worcester State
College rallied in dramatic fashion to defeat fifth-seeded Coast Guard in double
overtime, 2-1. Norwich will host Worcester State in the other semifinal match
on Saturday.
At Boston 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (10-9-1) 0 0 0
Wentworth (14-5-1) 2 1 3
Scoring: 1. W, Chris Hartman (Kyle Becker) 1:44; 2. W, Hartman (Joe Carroll)
23:09; 3. W, Hartman (Kevin Neilan) 76:46.
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 10 W, Joe Simon 4
Shots: SM, 8 W, 21
Corner Kicks: SM, 6 W, 10
################################################################################
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Sinisa Bajic Named LEC Offensive Player of the Year
Four Huskies Named to All-LEC Teams
GORHAM, Maine -- For the second straight season, University of Southern
Maine forward Sinisa Bajic [Belgrade, Serbia/Portland (Me.) HS] has been voted
the Offensive Player of the Year in the Little East Conference by the
conference's men's soccer coaches. The award, along with other individual
awards and the all-conference teams, was announced Tuesday by William M. Moore,
Commissioner of the Little East.
In addition to being named the Offensive Player of the Year, Bajic, a
junior, is one of two USM players to be named to the All-Little East first team.
Joining Bajic on the elite squad is junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline,
Mass./Hebron Academy). Named to the All-Little East second team were junior
defender Colin Reilly (Evergreen, Colo.) and first-year defender Tim Murphy
(Yarmouth, Maine).
This is the third consecutive year that Bajic has received a spot on the
All-Conference first or second team. Cox and Reilly were named to the All-
Conference squad for the second straight year.
"I'm very happy for these players," commented head coach Mike Keller, who
guided the Huskies to their second straight 10-or-more-wins season, and third in
the last four years.
"(Bajic) is one of the most exciting and dangerous forwards when it comes
to offensive ability in the region. Every opposing coach tries to come up with
a game plan to defend against him, and every defender has to know where he is at
all times," continued Keller.
"(Cox) scored many big-time goals for us this season. He is such an
offensive threat coming out of the midfield, and may be one of the fastest
players with the ball in the league. When he has possession, he just seems to
find another gear.
"(Reilly) is a steady, smart, good, 1 v. 1 defender. He's offensively
skilled and can start the attack from the back, and is an offensive threat on
set pieces. (Murphy) was a great addition to our lineup. He's a strong
defender and very good with the ball at his feet. His versatility allowed us to
move him into the midfield to help rest players. He played more like a seasoned
veteran than a first-year player."
Bajic, the 2005 LEC Rookie of the Year in addition to his two Offensive
Player of the Year awards, has 11 goals and two assists for 24 points and leads
the conference in overall scoring despite missing five matches during the
season. He had four game-winning goals during the season, including the one in
USM's first win over Keene State College since 1980. Twice during the regular
season he was named the LEC Offensive Player of the Week.
Cox scored six goals, including one game winner, and dished off a team-
leading five assists to accumulate 17 points. His game-winning goal came in
sudden-death overtime against Plymouth State University, and he had the assist
on Bajic's game winner over Keene State. He was named the conference Offensive
Player of the Week for his two-goal performance against Plymouth State.
Reilly and Murphy each tallied one goal during the campaign. Reilly's was
the overtime game winner at Salem State College. Murphy's goal came in USM's
early-season triumph over Thomas College. The two paired in the center back to
help the Huskies surrender just 1.32 goals per match and post six shutouts.
The Huskies, presently 10-8-1 overall, are making their second postseason
appearance in the last four seasons. The sixth seed, they will play at third-
seeded Wentworth Institute of Technology Wednesday night (6:00 p.m.) in an ECAC
Division III New England playoff game.
The Huskies were 5-2-0 (second place) in Little East regular season play
and earned the team's first-ever playoff berth.
2007 Little East Conference Men's Soccer Awards
All-Conference First-Team
Name Class Position Institution
Sinisa Bajic Junior Forward Southern Maine
Mike Cooley Sophomore Forward Keene State
Max Fantl Sophomore Forward Eastern Connecticut
Alex Horne Junior Forward Keene State
Nicholas Boretti Sophomore Midfield Eastern Connecticut
Greg Cox Junior Midfield Southern Maine
Ryan Kelley Sophomore Midfield Rhode Island College
Romeo Zeqo Junior Midfield UMass Boston
Kyle Bedini Junior Back Eastern Connecticut
Gabe Bergeron Senior Back Keene State
James Picarella Junior Back Eastern Connecticut
Takeru Tanikawa Senior Back Plymouth State
Jay Barney Senior Goalie Eastern Connecticut
All-Conference Second Team
Name Class Position Institution
Sebastian Cordoba Sophomore Forward UMass Dartmouth
Ruke Ehwarieme Junior Forward Eastern Connecticut
Keith Whittemore Senior Forward Plymouth State
Michael Alves Freshman Midfield UMass Dartmouth
Scott Cluff Sophomore Midfield Keene State
Caleb Patterson Senior Midfield Keene State
Maynor Sanchez Senior Midfield UMass Boston
Jimmy McConville Junior Back Eastern Connecticut
Tim Murphy Sophomore Back Southern Maine
Colin Reilly Junior Back Southern Maine
Nick Szwaja Senior Back UMass Dartmouth
Cal Mintz Senior Goalie Keene State
Offensive Player of the Year
Sinisa Bajic, Junior, Forward, University of Southern Maine
Defensive Player of the Year
Jay Barney, Senior, Goalkeeper, Eastern Connecticut State University
Rookie of the Year
Michael Alves, Freshman, Midfield, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Coach of the Year
Greg DeVito, Eastern Connecticut State University
################################################################################
Monday, November 5, 2007
Southern Maine Named to ECAC Division III New England Field
Sixth-Seeded Huskies Play at Wentworth on Wednesday
GORHAM, Maine -- For the second time in the past four seasons, the
University of Southern Maine men's soccer team is going to a postseason
tournament.
The Huskies were tabbed as the sixth seed for the 2007 Eastern College
Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Men's Soccer Championship
that gets underway Wednesday with four first round games. The Huskies will
travel to Boston, Mass., to play the third-seeded Wentworth Institute of
Technology Leopards under the lights. Opening kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.
This is the first meeting between the two teams.
Other first round games involve eighth-seeded Becker College traveling to
top-seeded Norwich University, seventh-seeded Colby-Sawyer College on the road
at number two seed Framingham State College, and fourth-seeded Worcester State
College will host the fifth-seeded Coast Guard Academy.
Southern Maine, which played in the 2004 ECAC tournament after a 20-year
postseason drought, heads into Wednesday's match with a 10-8-1 overall record.
USM finished second in the Little East Conference regular season standings to
earn its first-ever conference playoff berth before being edged out by Keene
State College in the semifinals, 2-1.
The Huskies are led up front by junior forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade,
Serbia/Portland HS) and junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron
Academy). Bajic tops the scoring table with 24 points on 11 goals and two
assists, followed by Cox with six goals and five assists for 17 points.
The back line is anchored by junior defender Colin Reilly (Evergreen,
Colo.) and first-year defender Tim Murphy (Yarmouth, Maine). Sophomore
goalkeeper David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) has complied a 1.26
goals against average, made 90 saves, and has a 9-8-1 record with six shutouts.
The winner of the Southern Maine-Wentworth match will host a semifinal
match on Saturday against the winner of the Framingham State College and Colby-
Sawyer College match.
2007 ECAC Division III New England Men's Soccer Championship
First Round Games - Wednesday, November 7 (at higher seeded team)
Game 1 #8 Becker (15-6-0) at #1 Norwich (16-3-1) 1:00 p.m.
Game 2 #7 Colby-Sawyer (10-8-1) at #2 Framingham State (13-4-1) 1:00 p.m.
Game 3 #6 Southern Maine (10-8-1) at #3 Wentworth (13-5-1) 6:00 p.m.
Game 4 #5 Coast Guard (9-6-1) at #4 Worcester State (10-7-2) 6:00 p.m.
Semifinals - Saturday, November 10 (at higher seeded teams)
Game 5 Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 4 tba
Game 6 Winner of Game 2 at Winner of Game 3 tba
Championship - Sunday, November 11 (at higher seeded team)
Game 7 Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6 tba
################################################################################
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Little East Conference Tournament
Men's Soccer
Championship, Saturday, November 3
Game 3: #3 Keene State 0 at #1 Eastern Connecticut 0 (2OT)
(Eastern Conn. Wins on Penalty Kicks)
Semifinals, Wednesday, October 31
Game 1: at #1 Eastern Connecticut 1 #4 Rhode Island College 0
Game 2: #3 Keene State 3 at #2 Southern Maine 1
################################################################################
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Little East Conference Tournament
Men's Soccer
Semifinals, Wednesday, October 31
Game 1: at #1 Eastern Connecticut 1 #4 Rhode Island College 0
Game 2: #3 Keene State 3 at #2 Southern Maine 1
Championship, Saturday, November 3 (at higher seeded team)
Game 3: #3 Keene State at #1 Eastern Connecticut tba
################################################################################
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Keene State Downs Southern Maine 2-1
GORHAM, Maine -- Freshman Matt Johnson (Walpole, N.H./Fall Mountain
Regional) snapped a 1-1 tie with six minutes left in regulation time to give the
third-seeded Keene State College Owls a 2-1 victory over the second-seeded
University of Southern Maine Huskies in a Little East Conference men's soccer
tournament match Wednesday afternoon at the USM Soccer Field.
The victory extends the Owls unbeaten string to 11 matches (9-0-2) and
improves their overall record to 11-4-4. The Owls advance into Saturday's
championship final at Eastern Connecticut State University. Eastern
Connecticut, the top seed in the four-team, single-elimination tournament,
earned the right to host the final by beating fourth-seeded Rhode Island
College, 1-0, in the other semifinal.
The Huskies, making their first-ever appearance in the LEC postseason
tournament, slip to 10-8-1 overall.
Johnson, who came on as a substitute in the 74th minute, converted a pass
from rookie Phil Petrozzi (Gilford, N.H.) into a six-yard shot for his third
goal of the season. Petrozzi made a nice run along the right end line before
sliding a pass across the six-yard box to Johnson.
After a scoreless opening half, the Owls got on the board first when senior
Caleb Paterson (Barrington, N.H.) outraced a defender to a floated pass over the
USM back line by junior Ben Allenet (Lanfains, France) and beat USM sophomore
goalkeeper David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) from about 12 yards
out. The goal came in the 51st minute.
Southern Maine got the equalizer nine minutes later when junior Sinisa
Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia) tapped in the rebound of a shot take by senior Eddie
Weddington (Augusta, Maine/Cony). Weddington's shot hit the right post and
bounced back across the goal to Bajic who touched it home for his 11th goal of
the season.
Kreps played an outstanding match in the USM goal making 10 saves. Senior
Cal Mintz (Westport, Conn./Staples) had six saves for Keene State. His best
stop came late in the opening half when he got to a bouncing header from
sophomore Peter McHugh (Portland, Maine/Scarborough).
The Owls out shot the Huskies, 14-8, and had an 8-4 advantage in corner
kicks.
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 Final
Keene State (11-4-4) 0 2 2
Southern Maine (10-8-1) 0 1 1
Scoring: 1. KS, Caleb Paterson (Ben Allenet) 50:25; 2. SM, Sinisa Bajic (Eddie
Weddington) 59:55; 3. KS, Matt Johnson (Phil Petrozzi) 83:57.
Goalie Saves: KS, Cal Mintz 6 SM, David Kreps 10
Shots: KS, 14 SM, 8
Corner Kicks: KS, 8 SM, 4
################################################################################
Monday, October 29, 2007
Little East Conference Tournament Pairings Announced
Men's Soccer
Semifinals, Wednesday, October 31
Game 1: #4 R.I. College (8-8-2; 4-2-1) vs. #1 Eastern Conn. (10-6-2; 5-1-1) 3:00
Game 2: #3 Keene State (10-4-4; 4-2-1) vs. #2 Southern Maine (10-7-1; 5-2-0) 2:30
Championship, Saturday, November 3 (at higher seeded team)
Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 tba
################################################################################
Saturday, October 27, 2007
(Courtesy of R.I. College Sports Information)
Rhode Island College Downs Southern Maine 2-1
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island College freshman defender Joe Sousa
(Bristol, R.I.) figured in both of the Anchormen's goals as RIC downed the
University of Southern Maine Huskies, 2-1, at the RIC Soccer Field on Saturday
afternoon.
The Anchormen improve their record to 8-8-2 overall and 4-2-1 in the Little
East Conference. Southern Maine, which falls to 10-7-1 overall and 5-2 in the
Little East, came into the game with a chance to clinch its first-ever LEC
regular season championship and the have home field advantage throughout the
upcoming Little East Conference Men's Soccer Tournament.
The Anchormen jumped out to an early lead in the second minute as Sousa
launched a free kick from 35-yards out, which sophomore midfielder Ryan Kelley
(Hope, R.I.) headed past Southern Maine sophomore goalkeeper David Kreps
(Agawam, Mass.) for his team-leading seventh goal of the season.
The Huskies came back to tie it as senior forward Eddie Weddington
(Augusta, Maine/Cony) deposited a free kick from 20-yards out just under the
crossbar in the 20th minute for his fifth goal of the year.
The game stayed tied through the remainder of the first half and for most
of the second stanza. The match was decided when Sousa took a free kick from
midfield that went over Kreps' head in the 69th minute for the game-winner and
his first collegiate goal.
Senior Jadon Neves (Warwick, R.I.) made nine saves as his record improves
to 4-6-1. Kreps made six saves as his mark drops to 9-7-1.
The Anchormen will look for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth to
tie or lose to Eastern Connecticut tomorrow afternoon to earn their fifth
consecutive trip to the LEC Men's Soccer Tournament. A UMass Dartmouth victory
will end the Anchormen's season.
Southern Maine, which has clinched a spot in the tournament, will also
follow this game closely, as the Huskies can earn still clinch the regular
season championship with a UMass Dartmouth win or tie. Southern Maine will be
either the first or second seed in the tournament pending Sunday's UMD-ECSU
match, and host a semifinal round game on Wednesday.
At Providence, R.I. 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (10-7-1; 5-2-0) 1 0 1
Rhode Island College (8-8-2; 4-2-1) 1 1 2
Scoring: 1. RIC, Ryan Kelley (Joseph Sousa) 1:41; 2. SM, Eddie Weddington
(unassisted) 19:33; 3. RIC, Sousa (unassisted) 68:36.
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 6 RIC, Jadon Neves 9
Shots: SM, 18 RIC, 22
Corner Kicks: SM, 8 RIC, 4
################################################################################
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Colin Reilly Scores in OT, USM Downs Salem State 2-1
SALEM, Mass. -- Junior defender Colin Reilly (Evergreen, Colo.) scored
the "golden goal" early in the first sudden-death overtime period to give the
University of Southern Maine Huskies a 2-1 victory over the Salem State College
Vikings in a non-conference men's soccer match Tuesday night at Alumni Field in
Salem, Mass.
The win was the fourth in the last five matches for the Huskies who
improved to 10-6-1 overall. This is the second straight year, and the third
time in the last four, that the Huskies have won 10 or more games in a season.
The Vikings dropped their second straight overtime decision, and third match in
the last four, to fall to 10-6-1.
Reilly got his foot on a free kick taken by sophomore Peter McHugh (Port-
land, Maine/Scarborough) to put the ball past sophomore goalkeeper Jerod Fromme
(Hebron, Conn.) 1:25 into the first overtime period. The goal was the first
goal of the season for Reilly.
The Huskies took a 1-0 lead in the waning moments of the first half as
junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron Academy) booted home an
unassisted goal.
The Vikings wasted little time getting the equalizer, scoring less than two
minutes into the second half. Junior Willer Nogueira (Everett, Mass.) converted
a pass from sophomore Kilder Cardona (Peabody, Mass.) to tie the match.
Sophomore Steve May (Brunswick, Maine), making his first appearance in goal
this season for Southern Maine, went the distance and made five saves for the
victory. Freshman Gabriel Gonzalez (Bayamon, P.R.) started for the Vikings and
made three saves before being replaced by Fromme in the 52 minute. Fromme
registered one save.
Southern Maine finishes the regular season on Saturday (1:00 p.m.) with a
Little East Conference match at Rhode Island College. Salem State hosts
Westfield State College on Saturday (1:00 p.m.) for a MASCAC match.
At Salem, Mass. 1 2 OT Final
Southern Maine (10-6-1) 1 0 1 2
Salem State (10-6-1) 0 1 0 1
Scoring: 1. SM, Greg Cox (unassisted) 44:43; 2. SS, Willer Nogueira (Kilder
Cardona) 46:42: 3. SM, Colin Reilly (Peter McHugh) 91:25.
Goalie Saves: SM, Steve May 5 SS, Gabriel Gonzalez (53:17) 3, Jerod Fromme
(38:08) 1
Shots: SM, 7 SS, 18
Corner Kicks: SM, 1 SS, 5
################################################################################
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sinisa Bajic Named LEC Offensive Player of the Week
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior forward Sinisa Bajic [Belgrade, Serbia/Portland
(Maine) HS] of the University of Southern Maine men's soccer team has been named
the Offensive Player of the Week by the Little East Conference for the week of
October 15-21. This is the second time this season that Bajic has received the
honor.
The 2006 LEC Offensive Player of the Year, Bajic scored both goals in the
Huskies' 2-0 win over conference rival Western Connecticut State University to
help clinch the Huskies clinch their first-ever playoff tournament berth. Bajic
converted a penalty kick in the 19th minute, then added an insurance marker off
an assist from freshman defender Erik Waite (Lewiston, Maine) five minutes
later.
Heading into the final week of the regular season, Bajic leads the Little
East in scoring with 22 points and goals scored with 10. He ranks second in
game-winning goals with four.
The victory over Western Connecticut secured USM's first LEC tournament
berth since the conference added the four-team postseason playoff in 1999. USM
will host a semifinal playoff game on October 31 (time tba) against an opponent
to be determined.
Southern Maine, 9-6-1 overall and 5-1-0 in Little East play, returns to
action Tuesday night (6:00 p.m.) when it travels to Salem, Mass., to play Salem
State College.
################################################################################
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Bajic Scores Twice, Southern Maine Downs Western Conn. 2-0
DANBURY, Conn. -- Junior forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland)
scored a pair of goals to lead the University of Southern Maine Huskies to a 2-0
victory over the Western Connecticut State University Colonials in a Little East
Conference men's soccer match Saturday afternoon at the Westside Athletic
Complex in Danbury, Conn.
The win clinched a berth in the upcoming Little East tournament for the
Huskies. It is the first time the Huskies have qualified for LEC postseason
play since the conference added the postseason tournament in 1999. The Huskies
are 9-6-1 overall and 5-1-0 in the conference. The Colonials fall to 5-10-0
overall and 1-5-0 in the LEC.
Bajic picked up his first goal in the 19th minute when he converted a
penalty kick, then scored again five minutes later knocking in a pass from
freshman defender Erik Waite (Lewiston, Maine). The two goals give Bajic 10 for
the season, and 37 for his career.
Sophomore goalkeeper David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson)
protected the lead making seven saves to pick up his sixth shutout of the
season. Western Connecticut's Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, Conn.) also
registered seven saves.
Both teams were credited with 16 shots during the match while Western Conn.
had the only corner kick. Southern Maine played much of the match a man up
after Western Connecticut's Jay Crawbuck (Dix Hills, N.Y.) was red carded in the
12th minute of play.
Southern Maine travels to Salem State College on Tuesday (6:00 p.m.) for a
non-conference match. Western Connecticut is at Springfield College on
Wednesday (7:00 p.m.) for a non-conference match.
At Danbury, Conn. 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (9-6-1; 5-1-0) 2 0 2
Western Connecticut (5-10-0; 1-5-0) 0 0 0
Scoring: 1. SM, Sinisa Bajic (penalty kick) 18:59; 2. SM, Bajic (Erik Waite)
24:00.
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 7 WC, Daniel Michalowski 7
Shots: SM, 16 WC, 16
Corner Kicks: SM, 0 WC, 1
################################################################################
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
(Courtesy of Tufts University Sports Information)
Tufts Blanks Southern Maine 1-0
MEDFORD, Mass. -- Freshman Alex Lach (Lexington, Mass) stayed hot for the
Tufts University men's soccer team, scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0
victory over the University of Southern Maine in non-conference action under the
lights at Bello Field on Tuesday night.
The Jumbos won for the second straight game to improve to 4-6-1 overall.
The win evened their non-league mark at 2-2 this fall. Southern Maine saw a
two-game winning streak end as their record dropped to 8-6-1.
Lach netted two goals when the Jumbos defeated Trinity College at home on
Saturday. Tonight, he took a cross from the left side by junior Peter
DeGregorio (Whately, Mass.) and chipped it over Southern Maine goalkeeper David
Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) in the 63rd minute. The goal was the
fourth of the season for Lach, who was on the Jumbo junior varsity roster when
the team broke camp in early September.
The Tufts defense recorded its second straight shutout and fourth of the
season. Junior goalkeeper David McKeon (Loudonville, N.Y.) made five saves for
the victory. Kreps also finished with five saves for the Huskies.
Both teams hit posts in the first half. Tufts’ Bobby Kastoff (Avon, Conn.)
put a header off the crossbar in the early-going. Senior Eddie Weddington
(Augusta, Maine/Cony) hit the post half-way through the first, then McKeon saved
a shot by junior Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron Academy) in the aftermath.
Southern Maine travels to Western Connecticut State University on Saturday
(12:00 p.m.) for a Little East Conference match. Tufts will be on the road at
Williams College on Saturday (12:00 p.m.) for a NESCAC match.
At Medford, Mass. 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (8-6-1) 0 0 0
Tufts (4-6-1) 0 1 1
Scoring: 1. T, Alex Lach (Peter DeGregorio) 62:03
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 5 T, David McKeon 5
Shots: SM, 10 T, 13
Corner Kicks: SM, 3 T, 6
################################################################################
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Southern Maine Downs Eastern Conn., 3-2, to Move into First Place
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior midfielder Ben Slagle (Scarborough,
Maine/Bridgton Academy) scored the game-winning goal and had an assist to lead
the University of Southern Maine Huskies to a 3-2 victory over the Eastern
Connecticut State University Warriors in a Little East Conference men's soccer
match featuring the top two sides in the conference Saturday afternoon at the
USM Soccer Field.
The win vaults the Huskies into first place in the Little East with a 4-1-0
record (12 points), and snapped a four-match losing streak at the hands of the
Warriors. The Warriors, who came into the match in the top spot, slip into
second place with a 3-1-1 mark (10 points).
Slagle scored what proved to be the game-winning goal just 14 seconds after
Eastern Connecticut had tied the match at 2-2. On the ensuing kickoff, the
Huskies advanced into the offensive third of the field where Slagle made a run
from the left side along the top of the penalty area. He received a pass, made
a touch around an EC defender, and slammed an 18-yard shot back against the flow
into the left side of the goal.
The lead stood over the remaining 39 minutes thanks to junior defender
Colin Reilly (Evergreen, Colo.) clearing a hard shot by freshman Brendan
Broadbin (Stratford, Conn./Bunnell) off the line with less than 10 minutes left.
Trailing 2-1 at the break, Eastern Connecticut tied the match in the 51st
minute when junior James Picarella (Brewster, N.Y./North Salem) collected a long
service into the box from junior defender Kyle Bedini (Manchester, Conn.) and
beat USM sophomore keeper David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) with an
eight-yard shot.
In the opening half, the Huskies raced to a 2-0 lead in the first 12
minutes. Senior forward Eddie Weddington (Augusta, Maine/Cony) ran onto a
misplayed ball in the back and beat EC senior goalie Jay Barney (Mansfield,
Conn./Edwin O. Smith) with a low, 15-yard shot.
Sophomore Peter McHugh (Portland, Maine/Scarborough) got the Huskies'
second goal with a well-placed header off a cross from Slagle.
Eastern Connecticut got one goal back in the 32nd minute as sophomore
Nicholas Boretti (Marshfield, Mass.) scored out of a scramble in front of the
USM net.
The Warriors finished the match with an 11-7 edge in shots and a slim 8-7
advantage in corner kicks. Barney and Kreps each were credited with two saves.
Southern Maine, which plays its final four matches of the regular season on
the road, travels to Tufts University on Tuesday (7:00 p.m.). Eastern
Connecticut continues its two-match road trip through the Pine Tree state,
traveling to Bangor, Maine, to play Husson College on Sunday (2:00 p.m.).
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 Final
Eastern Connecticut (6-5-2; 3-1-1) 1 1 2
Southern Maine (8-5-1; 4-1-0) 2 1 3
Scoring: 1. SM, Eddie Weddington (unassisted) 7:36; 2. SM, Peter McHugh (Ben
Slagle) 12:00; 3. EC, Nicholas Boretti (unassisted) 31:42; 4. EC, James
Picarella (Kyle Bedini) 50:29; 5. SM, Slagle (unassisted) 50:43.
Goalie Saves: EC, Jay Barney 2 SM, David Kreps 2
Shots: EC, 11 SM 7
Corner Kicks: EC, 8 SM, 7
################################################################################
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Southern Maine Edges Maine Maritime 1-0
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland)
scored the only goal in the 78th minute and sophomore goalkeeper David Kreps
(Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) made three saves to give the University of
Southern Maine Huskies a 1-0 victory over the Maine Maritime Academy Mariners in
a non-conference men's soccer match Tuesday afternoon at the USM Soccer Field.
The win snapped a two-match losing skid for the Huskies who improve to
7-5-1 overall. The Mariners fall to 3-8-2 overall.
Bajic knocked in the rebound of junior midfielder Ben Slagle's
(Scarborough, Maine/Bridgton Academy) shot which was stopped by MMA freshman
goalkeeper Randy Bartlett (Lincoln, N.H.). Slagle received the ball to the left
of goal and let a low drive go back to the right that Bartlett got a hand to,
but the rebound went right out to Bajic who booted home a 10-yard shot from a
bad angle.
Kreps posted three saves, all in the first half as the USM defense did not
permit many scoring opportunities in the second half. MMA's best opportunity in
the second half came off the foot of senior midfielder Tyler Eads (Belfast,
Maine), but his long shot sailed over the crossbar.
Bartlett played a strong game making 11 saves. He made two stops on Bajic,
one on a point-blank blast, to keep the game scoreless before Bajic knocked in
the lone goal.
Southern Maine had a decided edge in shots in the match, 20-9, and rolled
up a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.
The Huskies will play their final regular season home match this Saturday
(1:00 p.m.) when they host Eastern Connecticut State University in a Little East
Conference match. The game pits the top two teams in the LEC standings. The
Mariners return to action on Friday (3:30 p.m.) when they travel to the
University of Maine Farmington.
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 Final
Maine Maritime (3-8-2) 0 0 0
Southern Maine (7-5-1) 0 1 1
Scoring: 1. SM, Sinisa Bajic (Ben Slagle) 77:36.
Goalie Saves: MMA, Randy Bartlett 11 SM, David Kreps 3
Shots: MMA, 9 SM, 20
Corner Kicks: MMA, 3 SM, 9
################################################################################
Saturday, October 6, 2007
(Courtesy of UMass Dartmouth Sports Information)
UMass Dartmouth Edges Southern Maine 2-1
NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. -- Freshman Michael Alves (Seekonk, Mass./Seekonk)
picked up a loose ball in the penalty area and scored early in the second half
to break a 1-1 tie and help the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's men's
soccer team defeat the University of Southern Maine, 2-1, in a Little East
Conference match at the UMass Dartmouth Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.
UMass Dartmouth won its second straight match, and fourth in the last five,
to improve to 9-2-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the Little East Conference. Southern
Maine drops to 6-5-1 overall and 3-1-0 in LEC play with the defeat.
Alves broke the tie with his shot past Huskies sophomore goalkeeper David
Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) in the 51st minute.
UMass Dartmouth took an early lead. Senior forward Lee Soares (Dartmouth,
Mass./Dartmouth) beat a defender, broke into the penalty area, and passed in
front of the next defender to senior forward Adam Rolfe (Southwick, Mass./South-
wick), who scored at the 15:00 mark.
The Huskies tied it off a corner kick. Junior Greg Cox (Brookline,
Mass./Hebron Academy) headed the corner to junior Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade,
Serbia/Portland), who tipped it just inside the goal post to tie the score with
four minutes remaining in the first half.
The Corsairs out shot Southern Maine, 14-12. UMD senior goalkeeper Kyle
Fossey (Townsend, Mass./Middlesex Regional) and Kreps each made seven saves.
The Corsairs will return to action when they host Rivier College Monday
afternoon (3:30 p.m.), while the Huskies will host Maine Maritime Academy on
Tuesday (3:30 p.m.).
At North Dartmouth, Mass. 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (6-5-1; 3-1-0) 1 0 1
UMass Dartmouth (9-2-1; 2-1-1) 1 1 2
Scoring: 1. UMD, Adam Rolfe (Lee Soares) 15:00; SM, Sinisa Bajic (Greg Cox)
41:00; 3. UMD, Michael Alves (unassisted) 51:00.
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 7 UMD, Kyle Fossey 7
Shots: SM, 12 UMD, 14
Corner Kicks: SM, 7 UMD, 4
################################################################################
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Bates Defeats Southern Maine 4-0
GORHAM, Maine -- The Bates College Bobcats men's soccer team scored three
goals in a five-minute span midway through the first half en route to a
4-0 victory over the University of Southern Maine Huskies in a non-conference
match Tuesday afternoon at the USM Soccer Field in Gorham.
The win snapped a four-match winless skid (0-3-1) for the Bobcats who
improve to 2-5-1 overall. The Huskies dip to 6-4-1 overall. The Bobcats have
won the last 11 meetings, and are unbeaten in the last 15 (11-0-4) between the
two sides.
Senior Patrick Grater (Mystic, Conn.) put Bates on the scoreboard in the
24th minute with an unassisted goal. Senior Brent Morin (Hanover, N.H.) made it
2-0 in the 27th minute with another unassisted goal. Freshman Dustin DiGregorio
(Boxford, Mass.) picked up the third goal in the 29th minute out of a scramble
in front of the USM goal.
The final goal of the match came in the final minute as sophomore Ben
Lajoie (Hopkinton, N.H.) buried a shot off an assist from freshman Dae Ro Lee
(Yongin, Korea).
Senior goalies Robert Wesley-Munro (Walpole, Mass.) and Aaron Schleicher
(Londonderry, N.H.) split the goalkeeping duties for Bates. Wesley-Munro played
the first half and recorded one save. Schleicher played the second half and was
credited with two saves.
Sophomore David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) played the first
85 minutes for Southern Maine and had one save. Freshman Kevin Mulkerin (Leeds,
Maine/Leavitt Area) played the final five minutes making one save.
Bates had a 14-5 advantage in shots and a 10-1 margin in corner kicks.
Southern Maine returns to Little East Conference play this Saturday (1:00
p.m.) when it travels to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Bates hits
the road on Saturday (1:30 p.m.) for a NESCAC match at Williams College.
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 Final
Bates (2-5-1) 3 1 4
Southern Maine (6-4-1) 0 0 0
Scoring: 1. B, Patrick Grater (unassisted) 23:39; 2. B, Brent Morin
(unassisted) 26:29; 3. B, Dustin DiGregorio (unassisted); 4. B, Ben Lajoie
(Dae Ro Lee) 89:36.
Goalie Saves: B, Robert Munro (45:00) 1, Aaron Schleicher (45:00) 2 SM,
David Kreps (85:00) 2, Kevin Mulkerin (5:00) 1
Shots: B, 14 SM, 5
Corner Kicks: B, 10 SM, 1
################################################################################
Monday, October 1, 2007
Greg Cox Named LEC Offensive Player of the Week
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron
Academy) of the University of Southern Maine Huskies has been named the
Offensive Player of the Week by the Little East Conference for the week of
September 24-30. The announcement was made Monday afternoon by the conference
office.
This is the second time in Cox's three-year career at USM that he has
received Little East Conference weekly recognition. He was named Rookie of the
Week during the 2005 season. Cox is the second USM player to received a weekly
citation this season, joining junior forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade,
Serbia/Portland) as recipients of the Offensive Player of the Week award.
Cox received his accolade on the strength of his two goals, including the
game winner, in the Huskies' 3-2 overtime victory over LEC rival Plymouth State
University. He scored his first goal in the second minute of play on a great
individual effort, finishing with a 12-yard shot under the charging PSU
goalkeeper.
Cox nailed the "golden" goal 2:39 into overtime with a 12-yard shot into
the side of the net following a restart from the right side. Sophomore
midfielder Peter McHugh (Portland, Maine/Scarborough) sent a pass towards the
top of the penalty area where freshman forward Mark Okeny (Cape Elizabeth,
Maine/Cheverus) dummied the ball through to an unmarked Cox. Cox settled the
ball and beat the PSU goalkeeper with a shot across the goal into the right side
netting.
Tied for team lead in scoring with 14 points, Cox has scored five goals and
passed out a team-high four assists in 10 matches.
The win over Plymouth State, coupled with the Huskies' 1-0 win over Keene
State College two weeks prior, gave the Huskies wins over their two Granite
State rivals in the same season for the first time since 1961.
Southern Maine, 6-3-1 overall and 3-0-0 in the Little East Conference
(first place), returns to action Tuesday (4:00 p.m.) when it hosts Bates College
at the USM Soccer Field.
################################################################################
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Cox Scores Two, USM Defeats Plymouth State in OT 3-2
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron
Academy) scored his second goal of the match 2:39 into overtime to give the
University of Southern Maine Huskies a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Plymouth
State University Panthers Saturday afternoon in a Little East Conference men's
soccer match at the USM Soccer Field.
The win lifts the Huskies to 6-3-1 overall, and keeps them unbeaten in LEC
play at 3-0-0. It was the Huskies first win over the Panthers since 2003, and
just their 10th in the series (10-48-2). The Panthers had their two-match
winning streak stopped to fall to 3-3-1 overall and 1-2-0 in the conference.
Cox netted the game-winning goal with a 12-yard shot into the right side of
the net following a restart from the right side. Sophomore midfielder Peter
McHugh (Portland, Maine/Scarborough) sent a pass towards the top of the penalty
area where freshman forward Mark Okeny (Cape Elizabeth, Maine/Cheverus) dummied
the ball through to an unmarked Cox. Cox settled the ball and beat PSU junior
goalkeeper Tyler Shute (Deerfield, N.H./Concord) with a shot across the goal
into the right side netting.
The Panthers forced the issue in the extra session with less than five
minutes to play in regulation. Sophomore forward Eric Owens (Newton,
N.H./Sanborn Regional) got his head to a cross from junior forward Adam Gove
(Kingston, N.H./Sanborn Regional) to beat USM sophomore keeper David Kreps
(Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson).
Southern Maine scored the only goal of the opening half despite being
outshot 9-2. Cox made a great individual effort around the PSU defense and put
a 12-yard shot under a charging Shute.
Plymouth State got the tying goal in the 62nd minute as senior forward
Takeru Tanikawa (Shizuoka, Japan/Tilton Prep) buried a 15-yard shot into the
left side. Freshman forward Tommy Schrey (Munich, Germany/Alvirne) made a nifty
run along the end line, beating two USM defenders before laying the ball out in
front to Tanikawa.
Senior forward Eddie Weddington (Augusta, Maine/Cony) regained the lead for
USM in the 81st minute, angling a shot from 15 yards out into the right side of
the net after slipping around Shute.
Plymouth State dominated the statistics sheet, outshooting Southern Maine
22-5, and piled up a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks. Kreps finished the match
with five saves while Shute finished with one save.
The Huskies return to action on Tuesday (3:30 p.m.) when they host Bates
College for a non-conference match. The Panthers will host Tufts University on
Wednesday (6:00 p.m.).
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 OT Final
Plymouth State (3-3-1; 1-2-0) 0 2 0 2
Southern Maine (6-3-1; 3-0-0) 1 1 1 3
Scoring: 1. SM, Greg Cox (unassisted) 1:22; 2. PS, Takeru Tanikawa (Tommy
Schrey) 61:17; 3. SM, Eddie Weddington (unassisted) 80:13; 4. PS, Eric Owens
(Adam Gove) 85:29; 5. SM, Cox (Peter McHugh) 92:39.
Goalie Saves: PS, Tyler Shute 1 SM, David Kreps 5
Shots: PS, 22 SM, 5
Corner Kicks: PS, 6 SM, 1
################################################################################
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
(Courtesy of Colby College Sports Information)
Colby Blanks Southern Maine 2-0
WATERVILLE, Maine -- The Colby College men's soccer team continue to
dominate in the second half, scoring both goals in the final 45 minutes, to earn
a 2-0 non-conference victory over University of Southern Maine on Wednesday.
The Mules (3-1-1) have outscored their opponents by an 8-1 margin in the
second half of games this year. The opponent has a 5-4 scoring edge over Colby
in the first half.
Junior midfielder Todd Boertzel (Mountain Lakes, N.J.), the New England
Small College Athletic Conference Player of the Week for last week, added two
more assists. Boertzel, who led NCAA Division III in assists per game (1.25) at
the start of the week, now has one goal and seven assists in five games.
After the scoreless first half, senior Adam Curatolo (Bayside, N.Y.) got
his second goal of the season after a Boertzel corner kick at 66:02.
Boertzel started the play on the second goal as well with a cross that was
flicked on by Scott Brown (Trumbull, Conn.) to co-captain Will Kinder
(Wilbraham, Mass.), who also got his second goal of the year. Kinder's goal at
83:45 gave the Mules some late breathing room despite a 24-6 advantage in shots.
Colby goalkeeper Dan Marden (Londonderry, N.H.) earned his second straight
shutout with one save. Sophomore David Kreps (Agawam, Mass.) was credited with
four saves for the Huskies (5-3-1).
Colby plays at unbeaten Middlebury College (5-0) on Saturday (12:00 p.m.).
Southern Maine entertains Plymouth State University on Saturday (1:00 p.m.).
At Waterville, Maine 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (5-3-1) 0 0 0
Colby (3-1-1) 0 2 2
Scoring: 1. C, Adam Curatolo (Todd Boertzel) 66:02; 2. C, Will Kinder (Scott
Brown, Todd Boertzel) 83:45.
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 4 C, Dan Marden 1
Shots: SM, 6 C, 24
Corner Kicks: SM, 2 C, 6
################################################################################
Saturday, September 22, 2007
(Courtesy of UMass Boston Sports Information)
Weddington Goal Gives USM 2-1 Win Over UMass Boston
BOSTON, Mass. -- Senior forward Eddie Weddington (Augusta, Maine) netted
the game-winning goal on a penalty kick coming with 12:47 left to play in the
match to lead the University of Southern Maine men's soccer team over host
University of Massachusetts Boston, 2-1, this afternoon in a Little East
Conference match at the Clark Athletic Center on the campus of UMass Boston.
The Beacons fall to 5-3-0 overall and 0-2-0 in LEC play, while the Huskies
improve to 5-2-1 and 2-0-0.
Weddington was taken down inside the box and was awarded the penalty kick
that resulted in the deciding goal.
Senior midfielder Maynor Sanchez (Boston, Mass.) went out on a breakaway
and took a hard line shot that found the back of the left corner of the net to
give UMass Boston a 1-0 lead at 38:43 of the first half.
Southern Maine knotted the score when freshman defender Erik Waite
(Lewiston, Maine) sent a lead cross, from before midfield, that was collected by
junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass.) at the top of the box, where he
dribbled in and sent a shot into the left corner of the net at 61:06 of the
second half to make it 1-1.
Junior keeper Paul Maniscalco (Hanover, Mass.) stopped four shots for the
Beacons, while sophomore David Kreps (Agawam, Mass.) was outstanding in net for
USM, making 14 saves as the Huskies were outshot, 23-11, on the day.
UMass Boston will be in action again on Tuesday (6:00 p.m.) when it travels
to Salem, Mass., to take on Salem State College. Southern Maine travels to
Waterville, Maine, on Wednesday (4:30 p.m.) to play Colby College.
At Boston 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (5-2-1; 2-0-0) 0 2 2
UMass Boston (5-3-0; 0-2-0) 1 0 1
Scoring: 1. UMB, Maynor Sanchez (unassisted) 38:43; 2. SM, Greg Cox (Erik
Waite) 61:06; 3. SM, Eddie Weddington (penalty kick) 77:13.
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 14 UMB, Paul Maniscalco 4
Shots: SM, 11 UMB, 23
Corner Kicks: SM, 8 UMB, 2
################################################################################
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
(Courtesy of Bowdoin College Sports Information)
Bowdoin Blanks Southern Maine 3-0
BRUNSWICK, Maine -- Three different players scored to lead the Bowdoin
College men's soccer team to a 3-0 decision over the University of Southern
Maine on Tuesday afternoon at Pickard Field.
The Polar Bears remain perfect this season at 4-0-0, while the Huskies drop
to 4-2-1 on the year.
Bowdoin got on the board in the 13th minute when senior Wolf Grueber
(Hamburg, Germany) played a perfect cross into the box that found the head of
senior Brendan Egan (Westfield, N.J.). Egan drove it into the back of the net to
give the Polar Bears a 1-0 advantage. Bowdoin controlled the pace of play
throughout the remainder of the half and into the second stanza, where they
scored twice more to put the contest out of reach.
In the 60th minute, Egan played a through-ball to junior Harry Ashforth
(Ridgefield, Conn.) on the left wing. Ashforth tapped the ball to rookie Ben
Denton-Schneider (San Rafael, Calif.), who rifled a shot into the top left
corner to make it 2-0. Freshman Tim Prior (Georgetown, Mass.) closed out the
scoring later in the period with a goal in the 70th minute.
Senior Nathan Lovitz (Fairfield, Maine) was forced to make two saves in the
win for Bowdoin. Sophomore David Kreps (Agawam, Mass.) made nine saves in goal
for Southern Maine.
The Huskies return to action on Saturday (1:00 p.m.) when they travel to
Boston to take on Little East Conference rival, the University of Massachusetts
Boston. The Polar Bears will host NESCAC foe Williams College on Saturday
(11:00 a.m.).
At Brunswick, Maine 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (4-2-1) 0 0 0
Bowdoin (4-0-0) 1 2 3
Scoring: 1. B, Brendan Egan (Wolf Grueber) 12:00; 2. B, Ben Denton-Schneider
(Harry Ashforth, Egan) 59:48; 3. B, Tim Prior (Nick Figueiredo, Egan) 69:34.
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 9 B, Nathan Lovitz 2
Shots: SM, 5 B, 26
Corner Kicks: SM, 1 B, 13
################################################################################
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Southern Maine Defeats Keene State 1-0
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland HS)
scored the only goal of the match early in the second half to give the
University of Southern Maine Huskies a 1-0 victory over the Keene State College
Owls in a Little East Conference men's soccer match Saturday afternoon at the
USM Soccer Field.
The win was the first for the Huskies against the Owls since 1980 (0-12-3),
and the first in Little East Conference play since the Owls joined the
conference in 1997 (0-9-1). The Huskies improved their overall mark to 4-1-1.
The Owls, unbeaten in their previous three matches (2-0-1), dipped to 2-3-1
overall. The match was the league opener for both sides.
Bajic netted his sixth goal of the season after a great individual effort
by junior Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron Academy). Cox won a 50-50 ball at
midfield and dribbled all the way into the Keene State penalty area where he cut
back a pass to an unmarked Bajic who calmly slotted home a six-yard shot just 16
seconds into the second half.
Keene State turned up the pressure as the second half wore on looking for
the equalizer. The best scoring opportunity for the Owls came late in the match
when sophomore Mike Cooley (Northboro, Mass./Algonquin) bent a free kick over
the USM defending wall, but sophomore goalkeeper David Kreps (Agawam,
Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) read the shot perfectly and made the save.
Keene State finished the match with a 14-7 advantage In shots and a 7-3
margin in corner kicks. Kreps was credited with three saves to collect his
fourth shutout of the campaign. Keene State senior goalkeeper Cal Mintz
(Westport, Conn./Staples) finished with one save.
Southern Maine returns to action on Tuesday (4:30 p.m.) when it travels to
Bowdoin College. Keene State will host Babson College under the lights (7:00
p.m.) on Wednesday.
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 Final
Keene State (2-3-1; 0-1-0) 0 0 0
Southern Maine (4-1-1; 1-0-0) 0 1 1
Scoring: 1. SM, Sinisa Bajic (Greg Cox) 45:16
Goalie Saves: KS, Cal Mintz 1 SM, David Kreps 3
Shots: KS, 14 SM, 7
Corner Kicks: KS, 7 SM, 3
################################################################################
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Southern Maine Battles UMaine Farmington To Overtime Draw
PORTLAND, Maine. -- Despite holding a commanding 23-7 edge in shots, the
University of Southern Maine Huskies men's soccer team had to come from behind
to salvage a 1-1 double-overtime draw against the University of Maine Farmington
Beavers Wednesday evening at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland, Maine.
With the draw, Southern Maine moves to 3-1-1 on the season. UMaine
Farmington, playing its season-opener, begins 2007 with a 0-0-1 mark.
After a scoreless first half, UMaine Farmington senior midfielder Jeff
Tatarczuk (Westbrook, Maine) gave the Beavers the first goal of the match
blasting an unassisted 25-yard strike for his first goal of the season.
Tatarczuk rifled in his shot after carrying the ball to the middle of the field,
beating USM sophomore goalkeeper David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson)
to the right on a low driven shot.
Southern Maine had a chance to tie the score in the next two minutes when
Husky junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron Academy) was pulled
down in the box on a late tackle and was awarded a penalty shot. However,
UMaine Farmington junior goalkeeper Brian Lemont (Brunswick, Maine) dove to his
left and made the save to preserve the 1-0 lead.
Cox redeemed himself seven minutes later notching his second goal of the
season on a diving header in the 70th minute. Cox struck the ball down and low
to the left side of the net on a neatly flicked header from junior forward
Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland) to knot the score at 1-1.
Both teams were unable to find the back of the net in regulation forcing
the overtime action. Southern Maine had several solid scoring opportunities in
the extra time, but was unable to solve the solid goalkeeping of Lemont. Lemont
finished the game making 10 saves. Kreps turned back four shots for Southern
Maine.
Southern Maine returns to action at home Saturday (1:00 p.m.) in its Little
East Conference opener against Keene State College. UMaine Farmington plays
Thomas College on the road on Saturday (12:00 pm.) in North Atlantic Conference
action.
At Portland, Maine 1 2 OT OT Final
UMaine Farmington (0-0-1) 0 1 0 0 1
Southern Maine (3-1-1) 0 1 0 0 1
Scoring: 1. UMF, Jeff Tatarczuk (unassisted), 60:38 2. SM, Greg Cox (Sinisa
Bajic) 69:25.
Goalie Saves: UMF, Brian Lemont, 10 SM, David Kreps, 4
Shots: UMF, 7 SM, 23
Corners: UMF, 2 SM, 6
################################################################################
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Southern Maine-UMaine Farmington Match Postponed
GORHAM, Maine -- The University of Southern Maine Athletics announced
that today's men's soccer home match between the Huskies and the University of
Maine Farmington Beavers has been postponed due to the inclement.
The match has been reschedule for Wednesday evening (7:00 p.m.) at Deering
High School in Portland.
################################################################################
Monday, September 10, 2007
Bajic Named LEC Offensive Player of the Week
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland
HS) of the University of Southern Maine Huskies men's soccer team has been named
the Little East Conference Offensive Player of the Week for matches played
through September 9. The announcement was made Monday afternoon.
Bajic, the 2006 LEC Offensive Player of the Year, is off to another strong
start scoring five goals and passing off one assist for 11 points in the
Huskies' first four matches. In the process, Bajic moved into fourth place on
the school's all-time goals scored list.
In the season-opening, 3-0 win against St. Joseph's College, Bajic picked
up the lone assist on the Huskies' first goal, then tallied two second half
goals. He had a single goal in each of the next three matches, including what
proved to be the game winning goal in a 3-0 win over Thomas College.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound forward began the season tied with Andy Budelman
(2001-2004, 27 goals) for sixth place on the all-time goals list. In the St.
Joseph's match, he passed Jamie Everhart (1997-2000, 28 goals) to move into
fifth place. His goal against Thomas moved Bajic past Ken Roberts (1958-1961,
30 goals) into fourth place.
Bajic is presently fifth on the all-time scoring list (goals and assists)
with 73 points (32 goals, 9 assists).
The Huskies, who are off to a 3-1-0 start, will host the University of
Maine Farmington on Tuesday (4:00 p.m.).
################################################################################
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Worcester State Hands USM Its First Defeat, 2-1
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior Matt Brothers (Auburn, Mass.) scored on a direct
free kick with four minutes remaining in regulation to give the Worcester State
College Lancers a 2-1 victory over the University of Southern Maine Huskies in a
non-conference men's soccer match Saturday afternoon at the USM Soccer Field.
The win was the second straight for the Lancers and levels their record at
2-2-0. The Huskies, winners in their first three matches this season and five
straight dating back to last year, slip to 3-1-0.
Brothers directed a low, 25-yard drive past the Huskies' defensive wall and
off the hands of sophomore goalkeeper David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham &
Monson) with 3:59 showing on the clock to give the Lancers the victory.
The sides traded goals three minutes apart midway through the first half.
Worcester State sophomore Wesley Simoes (Charlton, Mass./Shepherd Hill), who had
just enter the game, took a pass across the top of the 18-yard box from senior
Eddy Baptista (Pawtucket, R.I./Tolman) and beat Kreps with a shot back to the
left side in the 21st minute.
Southern Maine equalized in the 24th minute when junior Sinisa Bajic
(Belgrade, Serbia/Portland) flicked a header past Worcester State sophomore
goalkeeper Dan Hansen (Worcester, Mass./St. Peter Marian). Senior Eddie
Weddington (Augusta, Maine/Cony) pick up the assist with a long throw in that
Bajic redirected.
Hansen played an outstanding match for the Lancers making seven saves.
Kreps finished the match with one save. Southern Maine held a 17-8 edge in
shots and a 7-1 margin in corner kicks.
The Huskies will entertain the University of Maine at Farmington on Tuesday
(4:00 p.m.) in a non-conference match. The Lancers will travel to Keene State
College for a match under the lights (6:30 p.m.) on Tuesday.
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 Final
Worcester State (2-2-0) 1 1 2
Southern Maine (3-1-0) 1 0 1
Scoring: 1. WS, Wesley Simoes (Eddy Baptista) 20:49; 2. SM, Sinisa Bajic
(Eddie Weddington) 23:26; 3. WS, Matt Brothers (unassisted) 86:01.
Goalie Saves: WS, Dan Hansen, 7 SM, David Kreps, 1
Shots: WS, 8 SM, 17
Corner Kicks: WS, 1 SM 7
################################################################################
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Southern Maine Wins Third Straight, Beats Thomas 3-0
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron
Academy) had a goal and two assists to lead the University of Southern Maine
Huskies to a 3-0 victory over the Thomas College Terriers in a non-conference
men's soccer match Wednesday afternoon at the USM Soccer Field.
The win was the third straight this season, and the fifth straight dating
back to last season, for the Huskies. Thomas dips to 2-1-0.
Both sides had good scoring opportunities in the opening 25 minutes, but
Thomas senior goalkeeper Russell Beckwith (North Berwick, Maine/Noble) and USM
sophomore David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) were equal to the task.
Southern Maine finally put a shot past Beckwith in the 28th minute as
junior forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland) took a through pass from
Cox and right-footed his fourth goal of the season past Beckwith. The goal was
the 31st of Bajic's career and moves him into sole possession of fourth place on
the school's all-time goal scoring list. It was also the only score in the
opening 45 minutes.
The Huskies took command of the match early in the second half. First-year
defender-midfielder Tim Murphy (Yarmouth, Maine) received a through pass from
Cox and slotted a 12-yard shot into the left side of the net for his first goal
of the season in the 51st minute.
Cox capped the scoring in the 71st minute with an individual effort that
resulted in a 12-yard shot past Beckwith.
Beckwith, who played well in the Terrier goal, finished with eight saves
before giving way to Keegan Curtin in the 73rd minute. Curtin did not register
a save over the final 17 minutes. Kreps had five saves, all in the first half,
to collect his third shutout of the campaign.
Southern Maine looks to make four in a row on Saturday (1:00 p.m.) when it
host Worcester State College in a non-conference match. Thomas will host the
University of Maine Machias in its home opener on Saturday (3:00 p.m.).
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 Final
Thomas (2-1-0) 0 0 0
Southern Maine (3-0-0) 1 2 3
Scoring: 1. SM, Sinisa Bajic (Greg Cox) 27:55; 2. SM, Tim Murphy (Cox) 50:53;
3. SM, Cox (unassisted) 70:06.
Goalie Saves: T, Russell Beckwith (73:00), 8; Keegan Curtin (17:00), 0 SM,
David Kreps, 5
Shots: T, 10 SM, 22
Corner Kicks: T, 4 SM, 6
################################################################################
Monday, September 3, 2007
Southern Maine Defeats UNE 3-0
GORHAM, Maine -- The University of Southern Maine men's soccer team
received goals from three different players and sophomore goalkeeper David Kreps
(Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) made two saves as the Huskies posted 3-0
victory over the University of New England in their home opener Monday afternoon
at the USM Soccer Field.
The win was the second of the season, and fourth straight dating back to
last year, for the Huskies. The Nor'easters, who opened their season beating
Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday, fall to 1-1-0.
The Huskies grabbed an early 1-0 lead as sophomore Peter McHugh (Portland,
Maine/Scarborough) outraced a UNE defender to get his head on a cross from
sophomore Steve May (Brunswick, Maine/Brunswick) for his first goal of the
season in the 14th minute.
Junior Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland) doubled the lead in the
37th minute with an individual effort along the end line. The goal was Bajic's
third in two matches, and ties him with Ken Roberts (1958-1961) for fourth place
on the Huskies' all-time goal scoring list with 30 goals.
The final goal came on a set piece in the 85th minute as junior co-captain
Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron Academy) laid the ball across the top of the
18-yard box where senior Ben Slagle (Scarborough, Maine/Bridgton Academy)
blasted a shot past UNE sophomore keeper Derek Poulin (Scarborough,
Maine/Scarborough).
Kreps had one save in each half to collect his second shutout of the
campaign. Poulin finished the match with two saves. Southern Maine held a 9-5
edge in shots and a 7-3 margin in corner kicks.
Southern Maine returns to action on Wednesday (4:00 p.m.) with a non-
conference match at home against Thomas College. UNE travels to New England
College on Saturday (2:30 p.m.) for its Commonwealth Coast Conference opener.
At Gorham, Maine 1 2 Final
Univ. of New England (1-1-0) 0 0 0
Southern Maine (2-0-0) 2 1 3
Scoring: 1. SM, Peter McHugh (Steve May) 13:37; 2. SM, Sinisa Bajic
(unassisted) 36:40; 3. SM, Ben Slagle (Greg Cox) 84:58.
Goalie Saves: UNE, Derek Poulin 2 SM, David Kreps 2
Shots: UNE, 5 SM, 9
Corner Kicks: UNE, 3 SM, 7
################################################################################
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Southern Maine Opens 2007 Season by Defeating St. Joseph's 3-0
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland)
scored two goals and assisted on a third as the University of Southern Maine
Huskies posted a season-opening, 3-0 victory over the St. Joseph's College Monks
Saturday afternoon in a non-conference men's soccer match played in Standish.
Bajic, the 2006 Little East Conference Offensive Player of the Year,
started the 2007 campaign in style picking up the assist on a goal by senior
Eddie Weddington (Augusta, Maine/Cony) in the 16th minute. That would be the
only scoring in the opening half as the Monks played a very defensive style to
keep the Huskies offense in check.
Eight minutes into the second half, Bajic netted his first goal off a feed
from Weddington, and scored his second in the 73rd minute with sophomore Peter
McHugh (Portland, Maine/Scarborough) picking up the lone assist. The two goals
give Bajic 29 for his career, moving him past Jamie Everhart (1997-2000) into
fifth place on the Huskies' all-time goals scored list.
Sophomore David Kreps (Agawam, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) needed to make
just one save to collect his first shutout for the Huskies. Sophomore Cory
Smith (Ellsworth, Maine) was busy in the Monks' goal making seven saves.
Southern Maine held a wide 23-1 edge in shots and a 6-1 advantage in corner
kicks.
The Huskies will play the first of five straight home matches on Monday
(1:00 p.m.) when they host the University of New England. The Monks are off
until next Saturday (3:00 p.m.) when they host Albertus Magnus College.
At Standish, Maine 1 2 Final
Southern Maine (1-0-0) 1 2 3
St. Joseph's (0-1-0) 0 0 0
Scoring: 1. SM, Eddie Weddington (Sinisa Bajic) 15:39; 2. SM, Bajic
(Weddington) 52:58; 3. SM, Bajic (Peter McHugh) 72:46.
Goalie Saves: SM, David Kreps 1 St. J, Cory Smith 7
Shots: SM, 23 St. J, 1
Corner Kicks: SM, 6 St. J, 1
################################################################################
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Courtesy of the Little East Conference
William M. Moore, Commissioner
Jack Holleran, Director of Communications
Office Phone: 401-456-1952
Keene State Predicted to Repeat as LEC Men's Soccer Champions
PROVIDENCE, R.I.-The Keene State College men's soccer team has been
predicted to repeat as Little East Conference champions after a vote by the
conference's eight head coaches. The Owls earned six first-place votes and a
second-place tally for 48 total points. Each head coach cast a vote, but could
not select their team.
Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Dr. Ron Butcher, Keene State College
has hoisted the Little East Conference championship trophy five times since
1999, reaching a conference-high six berths in the championship round. Last
season, the Owls posted a 15-6-1 overall record, including a 4-2-1 mark in the
conference circuit. Butcher led his charges to a 3-0 victory at Plymouth State
University in the championship round of the Little East Conference Tournament,
recording the program's eighth NCAA Tournament appearance in the past 10
campaigns. Keene State returns nine starters from last season's squad, including
National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-New England Region, second-
team selection junior forward Alex Horne (Harvard, Mass.).
Plymouth State University, the 2006 conference regular season champions and
tournament finalist, enter the 2007 campaign in the No. 2 position, just six
points off the Owls' pace. The Panthers received a first-place vote and five
second-place tallies for 42 total points. In 2006, Head Coach Rob Wright guided
his squad to an overall record of 10-7-2 and registering his fourth consecutive
ECAC Tournament berth. The 2006 Little East All-Conference second team pick
Keith Whittemore (Holderness, N.H.) highlights a highly-talented Plymouth State
squad.
Eastern Connecticut State University edged Rhode Island College for the No.
3 spot. The Warriors earned the final first-place vote and 30 total points,
outpointing the Anchormen by just two points.
The University of Massachusetts Boston (26) and Western Connecticut State
University (26) share the No. 5 position, while the University of Southern Maine
(16) and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (8) close out the coaches'
rankings.
The Little East Conference kicks off its 12th season on Sept. 1, when three
conference members take to the pitch. The top four schools in the final regular
season standings qualify for the Little East Conference Tournament, beginning on
Oct. 31. The Little East Conference champion will be crowned on Nov. 3 and earn
the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
2007 Little East Conference Men's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Poll
Institution (1st Place Votes) Points
Keene State College (6) 48
Plymouth State University (1) 42
Eastern Connecticut State University (1) 30
Rhode Island College 28
University of Massachusetts Boston 26
Western Connecticut State University 26
University of Southern Maine 16
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 8
################################################################################
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Cox, Reilly Named USM Men's Soccer Team Captains
GORHAM, Maine -- Junior midfielder Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass./Hebron
Academy) and junior defender Colin Reilly (Evergreen, Colo./Evergreen) of the
University of Southern Maine men's soccer team have been named captains for the
2007 season. Head coach Mike Keller made the announcement this week.
A pair of All-Little East Conference second team picks last season, Cox and
Reilly are among the 12 returnees from last year's 10-9-0 squad that are on this
season's 27-member roster. This is the first time for both to wear the
captain's arm band.
The Huskies continue their preseason training, which began August 20, this
week in preparation for the 2007 opener on Saturday (September 1, 1:00 p.m.) at
St. Joseph's College.
Cox was the Huskies' second leading scorer last season booting in six goals
and passing off four assists for 16 points. He had the match-winning goal in
wins over Maine Maritime Academy (in overtime) and Worcester State College. In
his two seasons with the Huskies, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound midfielder has
amassed eight goals and eight assists for 24 points in 36 matches.
A stalwart on defense, Reilly had one goal and one assist (on Cox's goal
against Worcester State) for three points in 19 matches a year ago. Outstanding
in the air, the 6-foot-2 185-pound defender should be even more of an offensive
threat this year. Reilly has started every match (37) in his two seasons at
USM.
"Greg and Colin are outstanding players and exceptional leaders on and off
the field," commented Keller, who begins his fourth season at the Huskies' helm.
"Greg has progressed over his first two seasons to become one of the better
midfielders in the (Little East) conference. He's very creative with the ball
and is one of our strongest players in the air. Colin has been a mainstay on
defense for us the last two years. He's fundamentally sound and very strong in
the air."
After their season-opening trip to St. Joseph's, the Huskies will play
their next five matches at home. The University of New England comes to Gorham
on September 3 (1:00 p.m.), followed by Thomas College on September 5 (4:00
p.m.), Worcester State on September 8 (1:00 p.m.), and the University of Maine
Farmington on September 11 (4:00 p.m.). The Huskies will open their Little East
Conference slate of matches on September 15 (1:00 p.m.) when they host defending
champion, and the coaches' preseason poll favorite, Keene State College.
Southern Maine will play three road matches against Bowdoin on September 18
(4:30 p.m.), the University of Massachusetts Boston on September 22 (1:00 p.m.)
and Colby College on September 26 (4:00 p.m.) before closing out the month with
a home match against Plymouth State University on September 29 (1:00 p.m.).
The Huskies play three of their first four matches in October at home
before closing the regular season with four consecutive road matches. The
Huskies host Bates College in a non-conference match on October 2 (4:00 p.m.),
then travel to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth on October 6 (1:00
p.m.). They return home to play Maine Maritime on October 9 (3:30 p.m.) and
Eastern Connecticut State University on October 13 (1:00 p.m.).
To close the regular season, the Huskies will travel to Tufts University on
October 16 (7:00 p.m.), Western Connecticut State University on October 20
(12:00 p.m.), Salem State College on October 23 (6:00 p.m.) and Rhode Island
College on October 27 (1:00 p.m.).
The Little East Conference men's soccer tournament begins October 31 with
semifinal matches (3 versus 2, 4 versus 1) at the higher seeded teams. The
winners will play for the championship, and an automatic berth into the 2007
NCAA Division III tournament, on November 3.
################################################################################
|
