2006 Men's Soccer Season Wrap Up
from Head Coach Peter Schachter

The Colonials finished the 2006 campaign with a 7-8-2 overall record, falling to the University of Southern Maine 3-1 in their Little East Conference regular season finale, held at Yarmouth (ME) HS’ artificial surface field. The match was held at this “neutral” site due to a late October (10/30) “Nor’easter,” with a steady rain pouring down (and sideways) and temperatures hovering near 40 degrees. WestConn never recovered from a 1^st half wind-driven, wickedly-curling corner kick that sailed away from goal and then nestled into the far side netting, , giving the Huskies a 1-0 lead. Though the Colonials took the remainder of the game to USM, out-shooting them 15-2 in the second half…it wasn’t meant to be.

WestConn finished with an LEC mark of 2-4-1, which included a comeback 2-1 away win at Umass-Dartmouth (9/22) and a 5-0 home thrashing of the LEC regular season champions, Plymouth State (10/15). In between, they salvaged a hard fought 1-1 home tie with in-state rival Eastern Connecticut. The win over Plymouth left the Colonials with an outside numerical chance to gain the fourth and final LEC tournament spot right up to the final match in Maine.

Senior co-captain Bradley Fidler led a mid-season run with game winning goals versus Trinity and Worcester State earning LEC Offensive Player of the Week honors (Oct. 1); with WestConn’s other co-captain, senior Keith Simone picking up similar honors (Oct. 15) that included a hat-trick  performance vs. Plymouth State. Sophomore ‘keeper Daniel Michalowski also earned LEC Defensive Player of the Week honors (Oct.15) for his shut-out against Plymouth, which was preceded by 80 minutes of shut-out play vs. Albertus Magnus before being knocked-out going for a loose ball.

Western Connecticut was well represented on the LEC All-Conference squad, with all four seniors on the roster garnering recognition. Simone was a first-team selection in midfield, while Fidler earned his fourth consecutive all-conference award at forward. Michael Laudano and Daniel Tomas joined their classmates at midfield and defense, respectively (the 2^nd appearance for Tomas on the All-LEC squad). Fidler was further awarded for his play with his 2^nd NSCAA All-New England Region honor.

The team showed its character with a series of come from behind victories over Westfield State, Umass-Dartmouth, Trinity, and a double-overtime thriller versus Worcester State. Tough, late game, 1 goal losses to Montclair State (2-1, #11 in the nation), Kean University (2-1, OT), Albertus Magnus (1-0, OT) and LEC nemesis Rhode Island College (2-1) all factored into the up and down nature of the Colonials’ 2006 season.

Simone led the team in goals (9) and total points (20) highlighted by several dramatic free kick strikes. Fidler chipped in with 7 goals and 2 assists, finishing his career 5^th on the all-time WestConn scoring chart, with 97 total points, and 5^th in career goals (37). Michalowski spent the majority of time in goal, garnering four shut-outs to move into 5^th on the all-time shut-out list, and 4^th in wins, after just his second season.

WestConn loses the experience of four seniors, with Fidler, Laudano, Simone and Tomas all ending their collegiate careers this season.

Academically, the Men’s Soccer team had one of its strongest semesters ever with nine players earning GPA’s of at least a 3.0 or better. Sophomore Joe Hartz (Pre-law, Thomaston, CT) and junior Ryan Edgley (Fine Arts, Oakdale, CT) led the way in the halls of study, each achieving a 3.8 GPA.

YARMOUTH, Maine -- Sophomore forward Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia/Portland HS) scored a pair of goals to lead the University of Southern Maine Huskies to a 3-1 victory over the Western Connecticut State University Colonials in a Little East Conference men's soccer match Saturday afternoon at Yarmouth (Maine) High School.
     The win was the second straight for the Huskies and lifted their record to 10-9-0 overall and 3-4-0 in the conference. The Colonials dropped to 7-8-2 overall and 2-4-1 in the conference. The match was the regular season finale for both sides. Neither team will advance to next week's four-team Little East Conference tournament.
     The match, originally scheduled for USM's Gorham-campus field, was moved to Yarmouth High School's turf field because of the torrential rains and wind that made the USM field unplayable.
Bajic took advantage of the wind in 26th minute curling a wind-blown corner kick into the far side of the Colonials' goal. Each team was credited with seven shots in the opening 45 minutes.
     Freshman Golf Pengthong [Nongkhai, Thailand/Winslow (Maine) HS] scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 65th minute as he received a pass off the head of senior Adam Bial (Wenham, Mass./Hamilton-Wenham), turned and calmly slotted home an eight-yard shot.
     Bajic scored his second goal 29 seconds later taking a pass from Bial and beating WC sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, Conn./Bristol East) with a low, right-footed shot to the right corner.
     The Colonials, trying to take advantage of the wind in the second half, got on the board in the 75th minute when freshman Shane Edgley's (Oakdale, Conn./Montville) long-range shot eluded USM senior goalie Chris Willard (Willimantic, Conn./Parish Hill).
     Willard finished the match with eight saves, six coming in the second half. Michalowski made one save. Western Connecticut enjoyed a 22-9 advantage in shots during the match, including a 15-2 margin in the second half.

At Yarmouth, Maine                            1      2      Final
Western Connecticut (7-8-2; 2-4-1)    0      1      1
Southern Maine (10-9-0; 3-4-0)         1      2      3

Scoring: 1. SM, Sinisa Bajic (unassisted) 25:01; 2. SM, Golf Pengthong (Adam Bial) 64:42; 3. SM, Bajic (Bial) 65:11; 4. WC, Shane Edgley (unassisted) 74:28.
Goalies: WC, Daniel Michalowski (1 save) SM, Chris Willard (8 saves)
Shots: WC, 22 SM, 9
Corner Kicks: WC, 5 SM, 4

Springfield (5-11-2) vs. Western Connecticut (7-7-2)
Date: Oct 25, 2006 Attendance: 100
Weather: cold and windy 
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
Springfield......... 0 0 - 0
Western Connecticut. 1 0 - 1 
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 44:58 WCSUMS Bradley Fidler (7) (Keith Simone) - loft over goalie head 
Shots: Springfield 16, Western Connecticut 22
Saves: Springfield 6 (Ryan Driscoll 6), Western Connecticut 6 (Daniel Michalowski 6) 

DANBURY, CT - Senior forward Bradley Fidler (Sinking Spring, PA) scored the game's only goal with two seconds remaining in the first half as Western Connecticut State University men's soccer team defeated Springfield College, 1-0 Wednesday night at the Westside Athletic Complex on Senior Night.
     Keith Simone (North Salem, NY) set up Fidler with a pass from midfield and he blasted the shot from 30 yards out over the Pride keeper Ryan Driscoll (Wilmington, DE) as time wound down in the first stanza.
     The Colonials, 7-7-2, played stellar defense over the final 45 minutes including several stops by senior back Danny Tomas (Danbury, CT) in the back third.
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) registered his fourth shut out of the season after making six saves. He now has a 1.67 goals against average for the Colonials.
     Driscoll turned away six shot for Springfield which drops to 5-11-2 on the season.
     WestConn travels to University of Southern Maine on Saturday, Oct. 28 for a 1 p.m. for the last regular-season contest. The Colonials have a chance to capture one of four LEC Tournament berths with a win on Saturday against the Huskies.

Note:  Senior Night for Bradley Fidler, Michael Laudano (East Haven, CT), Simone and Tomas
 

Co-Offensive
Players of the Week

Keith Simone, Senior, Midfielder, Western Connecticut
On Oct. 14, Simone recorded a hat trick to lift Western Conn. to a 5-0 victory against Little East rival Plymouth State. All three of his tallies came off set pieces as the Colonials handed the Panthers their first loss in conference action. Simone ranks second among the Little East leaders in points (19) and goals (nine).

Sinisa Bajic, Sophomore, Forward, Southern Maine
In just two matches, Bajic scored all six Southern Maine goals for 12 points to help the Huskies to a 2-0 week. The 2005 Little East Conference Rookie of the Year netted both goals in a 2-0 win at the University of New England. On Oct. 14, he registered a career-best four-goal effort against conference opponent UMass Dartmouth. Bajic rounded out his scoring in the second stanza against the Corsairs with a pair of markers just 37-seconds apart to erase a 3-2 deficit and give Southern Maine a crucial 4-3 victory. Bajic raised his season total to 12 goals, while moving into eighth place on the school's all-time goal scoring list. He sits atop the Little East standings in points (27) and goals.

Defensive Player of the Week
Daniel Michalowski, Sophomore, Goalie, Western Connecticut
Michalowski did not surrender a goal in 177 minutes of action as Western Conn. posted a 1-1 week. On Oct. 11, he had to leave the match against Albertus Magnus after suffering an injury in the 88th minute. The Colonials were eventually edged in overtime, 1-0. Four days later, Michalowski made four saves to register a shutout in a 5-0 victory against Plymouth State. He is second in the conference in save percentage (.798) and shutouts (2), while third in saves (67) and fourth in goals against average (1.26). 

 Plymouth State (8-3-1, 4-1 LEC) vs. Western Connecticut (6-5-2, 2-2-1 LEC)
 Date: Oct 15, 2006  Attendance: 100

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Plymouth State......  0  0 -  0
 Western Connecticut.  2  3 -  5

 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  17:43 WCSUMS Keith Simone (7) (unassisted) - off free kick from 35 yards out
  2.  31:53 WCSUMS Keith Simone (8) (Steven Carneiro;Elliott Wangaard) - off free kick on top of box
  3.  57:47 WCSUMS Michael Savenelli (1) (Elliott Wangaard) - off corner
  4.  58:43 WCSUMS Bradley Fidler (7) (Elliott Wangaard)
  5.  67:58 WCSUMS Keith Simone (9) (Shane Edgley) - off set piece - header

 Shots: Plymouth State 12, Western Connecticut 23
 Saves: Plymouth State 7 (Tyler Shute 7), Western Connecticut 4 (Daniel
 Michalowski 4)

Junior midfielder Maynor Sanchez (Boston, MA) put UMass Boston on the board when his shot from 25 yards out sailed over the Western Connecticut keeper and into the top right corner of the net at 6:45 of the first half for a 1-0 UMB edge.  Senior Mike Reda (Medford, MA) increased the lead to 2-0 when he converted a penalty kick into the left corner of the net at 11:50 of the first half to remain a perfect 4-4 on PK opportunities for the Beacons. 

UMass Boston took a 3-0 lead when sophomore midfielder Romeo Zeqo (Medford, MA) beat two defenders and put the ball in the back of the net at the 74:52 mark of the second half and then netted his second goal of the afternoon with 5:05 left to play in the match when he scored off a direct kick just outside the box.

The Beacons made the most of their shots as the Colonials owned a 25-14 shot advantage.

Sophomore keeper Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT)  turned away five shots for Western Connecticut State.

UMass Boston will be in action again on Tuesday, October 24 when it hosts Massachusetts Institute of Technology at 3:30 p.m. at the Clark Athletic Center Field on the campus of UMass Boston, while the Colonials host Springfield College on October 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Western Conn. St. U. (6-6-2) vs. Wesleyan University (9-0-2)
 Date: Oct 17, 2006  Attendance: 75

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Western Conn. St. U.  0  0 -  0
 Wesleyan University.  3  4 -  7

 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  12:58 WESMS06 Peter Glidden (3) (Matt Nevin)
  2.  33:55 WESMS06 Peter Glidden (4) Penalty kick
  3.  42:59 WESMS06 Chris Brown (3) (Mike Walker)
  4.  53:13 WESMS06 Chris Brown (4) (Alan Ashenfelter) - Corner kick
  5.  58:22 WESMS06 Nick Whipple (2) (Chris Brown)
  6.  60:29 WESMS06 Schechter-Steinberg (1) (Josh Stephens)
  7.  64:14 WESMS06 Kyle Nuland (1) (Ozzie Parente)

 Shots: Western Conn. St. U. 16, Wesleyan University 26
 Saves: Western Conn. St. U. 11 (Paul Melitsanopoulos 2; Daniel
 Michalowski 9), Wesleyan University 7 (Jamie Hiteshew 6; Nick
 Boskovich 1)

 Most goals scored by a winning team in the 15 meetings
 between the two schools. Peter Glidden got game-winner early
 taking square from Matt Nevin, moving left firing low shot
 longside. Also scored 2nd goal on PK. Wesleyan ranked 
7th in the Nation in Div.III

 Western Connecticut (5-5-2) vs. Albertus Magnus (5-8-1)
 Date: Oct 11, 2006  Attendance: 77
 Weather: Cloudy in the 50's

 Goals by period       1  2 OT  Tot
 ----------------------------------
 Western Connecticut.  0  0  0 -  0
 Albertus Magnus.....  0  0  1 -  1

 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  99:54 AMCMS06 Joe Salamone (Cesar Castro) - Throw in and finish

 Shots: Western Connecticut 17, Albertus Magnus 4
 Saves: Western Connecticut 0, Albertus Magnus 6 (Alfredo Perez 6)

Providence, RI‹Freshman forward Jose Talavera (Providence, RI) scored both of Rhode Island College¹s goals to lift the Anchormen past Little East
Conference rival Western Connecticut, 2-1, in collegiate men¹s soccer action on Saturday. RIC ups its record to 6-4 overall and 3-1 in the Little East
Conference, while the Colonials fall to 5-4-2 overall and 1-2-1.

The teams played a scoreless first half before Talavera banged home a junior forward Jimmy Hernandez (Providence, RI) crossing pass in the 51st
minute. The Colonials notched the equalizer in the 72nd minute when senior midfielder Keith Simone (North Salem, MA) fired home an Anchormen deflection off a free kick.

Talavera put home the game-winner in the 84th minute. Senior forward Chris Childs (Cranston, RI), who was inserted into the lineup to take a throw-in,
found sophomore midfielder Brandon Migliore (Coventry, RI) on the left flank. Migliore found Talavera streaking in towards the far post for the deciding goal.

Rhode Island College junior goalkeeper Jadon Neves (Warren, RI) made seven saves to improve his record to 4-3. Western Connecticut sophomore goalkeeper Dan Michalowski (Bristol, CT) made six saves as his record falls to 5-4-2.
 

 Western Connecticut (5-4-2, 1-2-1) vs. Rhode Island College (6-4-0, 3-0-0)
 Date: Oct 07, 2006  Attendance: 100
 Weather:

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Western Connecticut.  0  1 -  1
 Rhode Island College  0  2 -  2

 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  50:16 RICMS Jose Talavera (2) (Jimmy Hernandez Jr.) - cross from the left flank
  2.  71:15 WCSUMS Keith Simone (6) (unassisted) - off a free kick
  3.  84:00 RICMS Jose Talavera (3) (Chris Childs;Brandon Migliore) - scramble in the box

 Shots: Western Connecticut 23, Rhode Island College 16
 Saves: Western Connecticut 8 (Daniel Michalowski 6; TEAM 2), Rhode
 Island College 8 (Jadon Neves 7; TEAM 1)

DANBURY, CT - Senior forward Bradley Fidler (Sinking Spring, PA) scored the game-winning goal with 1:42 remaining in the first overtime to lift Western Connecticut State University to a 3-2 victory over Worcester State College at Westside Athletic Complex Wednesday night.
     Fidler received a pass from Steven Carneiro (Danbury, CT) from 30 yards out and dribble the ball to left side of the box before drilling the ball to the back right corner of the goal. It was his team-leading (along with Keith Simone (North Salem, NY) fifth goal of the season.
     WestConn, 5-3-2, got on the scoreboard first in the 20th minute when Elliott Wangaard (Shelton, CT) netted his first goal of the season off a feed from Shane Edgley (Oakdale, CT).
     The Lancers tied the score at 1-1 following a successful penalty kick by Matt Brothers (Auburn, MA) at the 46:15 mark.
     The Colonials would re-take the lead just 37 seconds later when freshman Tim Lozier (Bayport, NY) was set up with his first collegiate goal by a swift pass from Bill Goncalves (Shelton, CT).
     Worcester State's leading scorer, Brian Andrade (Hudson, MA) was held at bay until the 63rd minute when he broke down the WestConn defense and scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season.
     Dan Michalowski (Bristol, CT) made seven saves for the Colonials while Albert Jenkins (Thomaston, GA) turned away 13 shots for the Lancers.
     WestConn travels to Rhode Island College for a LEC meeting on Saturday, October 7 at 12 noon.

Worcester State (4-8) vs. Western Connecticut (5-3-2)

Goals by period              1      2      OT      Tot
Worcester State.....         0      2      0          - 2
Western Connecticut.      1      1      1          - 3

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 20:41 WCSUMS Elliott Wangaard (1) (Shane Edgley) - serve in middle
2. 46:15 WORMS Matt Brothers Penalty kick
3. 46:52 WCSUMS Tim Lozier (1) (Bill Goncalves) - quickly up field (0:37 sec from PK)
4. 62:54 WORMS Brian Andrade (9) (unassisted) - broke down defense
5. 98:18 WCSUMS Bradley Fidler (5) (Steven Carneiro) - shot from left of the box

Shots: Worcester State 18, Western Connecticut 33
Saves: Worcester State 13 (Albert Jenkins 13), Western Connecticut 7 (Daniel Michalowski 7)

Hartford, Conn. – Senior forward Bradley Fidler (Sinking Spring, PA) scored two goals in the final 10 minutes of the game to lead the Western Connecticut State University Colonials to a 4-3 comeback victory over the Trinity College Bantams in men’s soccer action this afternoon. Trinity’s record is now 0-6 for the season, while Western Connecticut pushes over the .500 mark to 4-3-1.

Trailing 3-2, Fidler scored back-to-back unassisted goals just 2:20 apart from each other to give the Colonials the lead with just under eight minutes remaining. After Trinity opened the scoring with a goal by junior Jonathan Hayes (Peabody, Mass.), the teams traded goals for most of the game until Fidler took control and buried two consecutive shots. Bantam junior forward Charlie Fuentes (Leominster, Mass.) scored a goal early in the second half to give Trinity a 2-1 edge and he also had the helper on Hayes’ tally.

Colonial junior, Keith Simone (North Salem, N.Y.) scored his team’s first two goals, knotting the score at 1-1 and 2-2. Trinity reclaimed the lead with just over 14 minutes remaining on a great play by Nick Cantone (New York, N.Y.) and Hayes who fed freshman Adam Lanza (Glen Cove, N.Y.) the ball in front of the net and Lanza finished for the goal.

Both teams played a man down for a considerable period of time as each team received a red card, the Colonials in the first half and the Bantams in the second. Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, Conn.) made seven saves for Western Connecticut, and sophomore goalkeeper Zac Trudeau (Norwell, Mass.) stopped four shots for the Bantams.

Western Connecticut (4-3-1)      1     -3     --4
Trinity, Conn. (0-6)                    1     -2     --3

NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA-The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s men’s soccer team struck first in their Little East Conference battle against Western Connecticut Saturday afternoon.

But the visiting Colonials struck back on a pair of late goals by Michael Laudano and defeated the Corsairs, 2-1, at Cressy Field.

After a scoreless first half, junior forward Lee Soares (Dartmouth, MA/Dartmouth HS) put UMass Dartmouth on the board at the 58:08 mark. His free kick from the left side sailed over the head of WCSU goalkeeper Daniel Michalowski and went just under the crossbar to give the Corsairs a 1-0 advantage.

The Colonials tied the match at the 79:32 mark. Danny Tomas sent a long cross into the box, and Laudano headed it past UMD junior goalkeeper Kyle Fossey (Townsend, MA/North Middlesex HS) to tie the score.

Laudano struck again with a minute and 36 seconds remaining. A foul gave WCSU a free kick just outside the box. Keith Simone first a hard, low shot that Fossey dived to stop, but Laudano pounced on the rebound and tucked it into the net.

“We had some good chances, and Kyle made some great saves to keep us in front,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Ray Cabral. “They took advantage of two opportunities late in the game. Kyle made a great save on the free kick, but we didn’t clear it out and they jumped right on it. For the most part, it was a great game, and we were right there with them in a game that could have gone either way.”

The Colonials out shot UMD, 16-13. Fossey made 10 saves for the Corsairs, while Michalowski made nine for WCSU for UMD.

UMass Dartmouth dropped to 3-2-1, 0-1-1 in Little East Conference play with the defeat, while Western Connecticut improved to 3-3-1 and 1-1 in the LEC. The Corsairs will return to action when they host Salem State Wednesday afternoon, while WCSU will host Eastern Connecticut State next Saturday.

WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE 2, UMASS DARTMOUTH 1

Western Connecticut (3-3-1, 1-1-0 LEC) vs. UMASS DARTMOUTH (3-2-1, 0-1-1 LEC)
Date: Sep 23, 2006 Attendance: 150 Weather: Windy with intermittent rain showers

Goals by period                  1      2      Tot
Western Connecticut.          0      2      - 2
UMASS DARTMOUTH..... 0      1      - 1

SCORING SUMMARY: 1. 58:08 UMDMS06 Lee Soares (2) (unassisted) - Free kick-high shot under crossbar 2. 79:32 WCSUMS1 Michael Laudano (3) (Danny Tomas) - Header off long cross 3. 88:24 WCSUMS1 Michael Laudano (4) (Keith Simone) - Rebound off free kick

Shots: Western Connecticut 16, UMASS DARTMOUTH 13 Saves: Western Connecticut 8 (Daniel Michalowski 8), UMASS DARTMOUTH 10 (Kyle Fossey 10)

DANBURY, CT — Sophomore forward Pelse Mesa (Manchester, NH) scored two second-half goals as Keene State College opened its Little East Conference slate with a 3-0 victory over host Western Connecticut State University at Westside Athletic Complex Sunday afternoon.
     The Owls, 4-1-1 overall, took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute when Alex Horne (Harvard, MA) collected a loose ball that eluded Colonials keeper Dan Michalowski (Bristol, CT) at the top of the box. Two steps later, Horne deposited the ball in the open goal.
     Mesa scored his first and second goals of the season off feeds from Ryan Farnsworth (Merrimack, NH) and Horne in the 48th and 62nd minutes, respectively.
     The Owls out shot WestConn, 25-9 on the afternoon, including 14 shots in the first 11 minutes of action.
     Cal Mintz (Westport, CT) made three saves for the Owls while Michalowski turned away seven shots for the Colonials.
     WestConn, the defending Little East Conference Champions, drop to 2-3-1 on the season. It travels to Trinity College on Wednesday, September 20 for a non-league contest at 4:30 p.m.

DANBURY, CT - Western Connecticut State University and intra-state rival Eastern Connecticut State University battled to a 1-1 tie in Little East Conference action Saturday at Westside Athletic Complex.
     The Colonials took a 1-0 lead on Bradley Fidler's (Sinking Spring, PA) fourth goal of the season in the 21st minute. Fidler's goal came off a deflection when Eastern Connecticut keeper Jay Barney (Mansfield, CT) made an initial save off a shot by Michael Laudano (East Haven, CT).
     Twelve minutes later, Ergys Guni (East Hartford, CT) knotted the game at 1-1 with his first goal of the season. He was set up by his brother Rigels Guni (East Hartford, CT) with a long pass up the middle of the field.
     WestConn, 4-3-2 overall and 1-1-1 in the LEC, had a chance to take the lead when Keith Simone (North Salem, NY) attempted a penalty kick in the 61st minute. Simone's blast was deflected by Barney right back to the senior midfielder and his second shot was turned away again by Barney.
     Dan Michalowski (Bristol, CT) made eight saves for the Colonials, including a game-saving leap off a shot by Kyle Bedini (Manchester, CT) with five minutes to play in the second overtime.
     Barney turned away 10 shots on the afternoon.
     Following the deadlock, Eastern Connecticut is now 3-4-3 overall and 0-1-2 in the league.
     WestConn, the defending Little East Conference Champions, host Worcester State College in a non-league game on Wednesday, October 4 at 7 p.m.

Eastern Connecticut (3-4-3, 0-1-2 LEC) vs. Western Connecticut (4-3-2, 1-1-1 LEC)
Date: Sep 30, 2006 Attendance: 125

Goals by period            1       2       OT    O2     Tot
Eastern Connecticut.     1       0       0       0       - 1
Western Connecticut.    1       0       0       0       - 1

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 21:03 WCSUMS Bradley Fidler (4) (unassisted) - off save and deflection
2. 33:31 ECSUMS Ergys Guni (1) (Rigels Guni)

Shots: Eastern Connecticut 24, Western Connecticut 19
Saves: Eastern Connecticut 10 (Jay Barney 10), Western Connecticut 8
(Daniel Michalowski 8)

Keene State (4-1-1, 1-0-0 LEC) vs. WestConn (2-3-1, 0-1-0 LEC)

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Keene State.........  1  2 -  3
 Western Connecticut.  0  0 -  0

 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  11:13 KSCMS06 Alex Horne (1) (unassisted) - overun by goalie left alone
  2.  48:42 KSCMS06 Pelse Mesa (1) (Ryan Farnsworth) - off free kick
  3.  62:01 KSCMS06 Pelse Mesa (2) (Alex Horne)

 Shots: Keene State 25, Western Connecticut 9
 Saves: Keene State 3 (Cal Mintz 3), Western Connecticut 7 (Daniel
 Michalowski 7)

 Little East Conference opener for both teams

Westfield State scored in the 17th minute on a goal by senior back Matt Ross; senior Dave Nalewanski of Easthampton was credited with the assist.

Western Connecticut freshman midfielder Matthew Mitchell (Norwalk, CT) tied the score in the 52nd minute. He received a pass in the box from senior Bradley Fidler (Sinking Spring, PA) and deposited the ball into
the upper right corner of the goal.

Less then three minutes later, Mitchell assisted on the game-winning goal by freshman Shane Edgley (Oakdale, CT). Mitchell passed a long ball in the middle of the field to Edgley, who touched the ball past
the Westfield keeper from the 18.

College Men's Soccer – Westfield, MA, September 13, 2006
Western Connecticut 2 - Westfield State 1

                                       1      2      Final
Western Conn. (2-2-1)   0      2      2
Westfield (2-3)                1      0      1

Scoring:
Westfield: Matt Ross (Dave Nalewanski), 16:45
Western Connecticut: Matthew Mitchell (Bradley Fidler), 51:50
Western Connecticut: Shane Edgley (Matthew Mitchell), 54:17

Goalie Saves:
Westfield: Mark Tiffany 5 saves
Western Connecticut: Daniel Michalowski 6 saves

Shots: Westfield 11; Western Conn. 10.

HILLSIDE, N.J. (9/10/06) – Kean University junior forward Anthony Tuesta (Clifton, N.J.) scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner less than a minute into overtime, as the Cougars defeated Western Connecticut State University in the championship game of the Cougar Invitational on Sunday afternoon. With the win, Kean improved to 3-1 overall, while the Colonials dropped to 1-2-1 this season.

Tuesta netted the golden goal just 54 seconds into the extra session, as he picked up the loose ball in the box following a direct kick.

With 11:06 remaining in the opening half, the Colonials were called for a hand ball in the box following a Kean corner kick, and Tuesta connected on the penalty kick to give the Cougars the 1-0 advantage. The score would remain that way until late in the game, when WestConn junior midfielder Keith Simone (North Salem, Kent.) had a direct kick deflect off a Cougar defender and go just inside the right post to tie the game with only 5:56 remaining in the contest.

The Cougars controlled the flow of the game, as they held an 23-6 advantage in shots and an 8-3 edge in corner kicks.

In goal, WestConn sophomore Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, Conn.) made seven saves in the game, while Cougar junior keeper Kyle Crego (Ocean City, N.J.) stopped three shots for the win.

Hillside, N.J. – (9/9/06) Kean University goat a dominating first half performance in racing out to a 7-0 lead en route to the 10-0 win over New York City Tech, while Western Connecticut State University advanced to the final of the Cougar Invitational topping Manhattanville College 5-4 in penalty kicks. The Cougars will face the Colonials in the Championship at 3:30 p.m., while Manhattanville and NYCT will play in the consolation at 1 p.m.

WEST CONN ADVANCES ON PK’s AFTER BATTLING MANHATTANVILLE TO 0-0 DRAW

Western Connecticut State University and Manhattanville College locked horns in a defensive struggle as neither side had many scoring chances in battling to a 0-0 draw after 110:00 minutes of action. Due to the tournament format the game went to penalty kicks where the Colonials prevailed 5-4 after eight rounds in the shootout.

The lone solid coring chance came early in the game when West Conn’s Bradley Fidler (Sinking Spring, Pa.) sent a shot past the keeper but just wide of the net in the 10th minute of action. Overall in the game the out shot the Valiants 13-10. WCSU’s goalie Paul Melitsanopoulos (Bristol, Conn) made four saves in the first 110:00 minutes of action, while also stopping to shots in the shootout, while his counterpart Francesco Notaristefano (Somers, N.Y.) made six saves and one stop on the PK’s.

KEAN’S WILSON HAD THREE GOALS; AGUILAR ADDED FOUR ASSISTS IN 10-0 ROUTE

Kean sophomore forward Cory Wilson (Old Bridge, N.J.) scored three first half goals, while senior Jorge Montisinos (Dover, N.J.) and junior Anthony Tuesta (Clifton, N.J.) added two goals in the first 45 minutes of action. Sophomore Jorge Aguilar (Paterson, N.J.) dished out a career-high four assists, all coming in the first half. With the win, the Cougars improve to 2-1, while NYCT drops to 1-1.

Also in the win, Damien Serafin (Wallington, N.J), and Ronald Quiroz (Fairview, N.J) scored once, while Edgar Chaves (Bridgewater, N.J.) tallied two second half goals. Kean out shot the Yellow Jackets 47-4. New York City Tech goalie Shane Ellis (Asia, Jamaica) made six saves.

Goals by period 	1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
Montclair State..... 	0 2 - 2
Western Connecticut. 	1 0 - 1
 
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 26:27 WCSUMS Keith Simone (2) (Steven Carneiro;Matthew Mitchell) - off free kick from 35 yards
2. 45:41 MSUMS Bill Anthes (2) (Ilyas Tasci) - header in middle
3. 87:14 MSUMS John Esposito (2) (Joseph Cullen) - off throw in 

Shots: Montclair State 13, Western Connecticut 13
Saves: Montclair State 1 (Nick Mele 1), Western Connecticut 2 (Daniel
Michalowski 2)

DANBURY, CT — Senior forward Michael Laudano (East Haven, CT) scored two goals as Western Connecticut State University's men's soccer team shut out Fitchburg State College, 4-0 in the season opener at Westside Athletic Complex Sunday afternoon.
     Laudano opened the scoring in the 17th minute off a feed from senior Bradley Fidler (Sinking Spring, PA).  Sixteen minutes later the two connected again, this time Fidler netted his first goal of the season with Laudano earning the assist.
     WestConn, 1-0, received two second-half goals by Keith Simone (North Salem, NY) and Laudano to close out the scoring.
     Dan Michalowski (Bristol, CT) earned the shut out after making one save.
     Nathan Thornhill (North Andover, MA) made eight saves for the Falcons, now 0-1.
     The Colonials dominated the pace of play and out shot Fitchburg State, 37-3 on the afternoon.
     WestConn hosts Montclair State University in a non-conference affair on Wednesday, September 6.  Game time is slated for 7 p.m.

Goals by period         1     2     Tot
Fitchburg State          0     0     0
Western Connecticut  2     2     4

SCORING SUMMARY:
1 17:39 WCSUMS Michael Laudano (1) (Bradley Fidler)
2 33:04 WCSUMS Bradley Fidler (1) (Michael Laudano)
3 55:39 WCSUMS Keith Simone (1) (Matthew Mitchell)
4 63:10 WCSUMS Michael Laudano (1) (Danny Tomas)

Shots: Fitchburg State 3, Western Connecticut 37
Saves: Fitchburg State 8 (Nathan Thornhill 8), Western Connecticut 1
(Daniel Michalowski 1)

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Keene State men’s soccer team edged out Western Connecticut State University for the top spot in the annual edition of the Little East Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Owls, ranked 24th in the inaugural D3kicks.com national poll, received 58 points, including four first-place votes, to squeeze by the Colonials (57 pts.).
     Keene State has been the gold standard in the Little East Conference for the past three seasons, capturing three consecutive regular-season league crowns and sporting an impressive 18-1-2 mark in the conference circuit. The 2005 squad posted a 13-4-3 overall record, including a 6-0-1 mark in the League. The Owls were upset in the semifinal round of the LEC Conference Tournament, but earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, the seventh since the program moved to D-III in 1993, where Keene State advanced to the New England regional finals. A high-powered offensive attack, the Owls led the Little East in points per game (8.05) and goals (59), while ranking second in assists per game (2.15). Keene State returns three of their top four scorers from last season’s campaign, including All-Conference first-team pick senior midfielder Eric Scott (13-5-31). His 31 points were fourth best in the conference. The Owls kick off their 2006 campaign on Sept. 1 at the Rowan Classic against St. Joseph’s (NY) at 8 p.m.
     The defending Little East Conference Tournament Champions Western Connecticut State received 57 points, including three first-place ballots, but were a mere point off the pace. Last season, the Colonials (13-5-3, 4-2-1 LEC) upset the top two seeds in the conference tournament (Keene State 4-1, Rhode Island College 0-0 (8-7 pks)) to capture the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament field, the program’s eighth berth. Western Connecticut returns the anchor of the championship squad, All;Conference first-team sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Michalowski. The two-time All-Little East Rookie of the Week made 10 saves and only surrendered one goal in 200 minutes of regulation during the championships. On the other end of the field, the Colonials welcome back top scorer and 2005 Little East Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year Bradley Fidler (15-15-45). Western Connecticut State opens its 2006 slate at home on Sept. 3 against Fitchburg State.
     Plymouth State, who received a first-place vote, registered 46 points. A year ago, the Panthers (12-4-4, 4-2-1) earned their third consecutive trip to the ECAC Tournament, where they advanced to the semifinal round. Plymouth State returns its offensive catalyst in sophomore forward Semir Mehmedovic (10-6-26). A starter in 14 of 19 contests, Mehmedovic scored a season-high six points on three goals as the Panthers overpowered Thomas, 7-0, on Oct. 27. Plymouth State begins its 2006 season at Gordon on Sept. 6.
     Separated by just three points, Eastern Connecticut State (39) and Rhode Island College (36) enter 2006 at No. 4 and 5, respectively. Last season, the Warriors (8-7-1, 4-3-0) surged down the stretch—winners of three of their final four games (a 2-1 overtime loss to Keene State—but fell a point short of qualifying for the conference tournament. Senior midfielder Elvis Perndoj returns as Eastern Connecticut State’s top scorer (4-7-15), while junior goalkeeper Jay Barney (0.88 gaa) will bolster the Warriors last line of defense. Eastern Connecticut State travels to Western Mass. for the annual Springfield College Invitational on Sept. 1.
     Rhode Island College (12-5-5, 4-1-2) hoisted it first ever ECAC Tournament trophy last fall. The Anchormen will look to build off its postseason momentum and book a third consecutive berth in the Little East Tournament championship match. Despite the loss of forward Kyle Teixeria, the program’s all-time leading scorer, Rhode Island College has seasoned-veterans patrolling its defensive third, including junior defender James Nigrelli. The Anchormen open the season against Rutgers on Sept. 1 at the Mule Classic, hosted by Muhlenberg College (Pa.).
     Rounding out the final three spots in the preseason poll are the University of Southern Maine (23), the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth (20), and the University of Massachusetts at Boston (nine).

1. Keene State College (4)              58
2. Western Connecticut State (3)    57
3. Plymouth State (1)                     46
4. Eastern Connecticut State          39
5. Rhode Island College                  36
6. University of Southern Maine       23
7. University of Mass. Dartmouth     20
8. University of Mass. Boston           9