Western Connecticut State University
2005 Little East Conference Champions

Western Connecticut State University Ranked 
Fourth Most Improved Team In Division III
		
The Colonials improved by seven games after finishing the 2005 campaign 
with an impressive 13-5-3 overallrecord.  They went 5-11-3 in 2004.  
This past fall, WestConn captured the Little East Conference Tournament Title 
and appeared in the NCAA Division III National Tournament.

BRADLEY FIDLER AND MATT CUSACK NAMED TO 
2005 DIVISION III ALL NEW ENGLAND WEST SOCCER ALL-STAR TEAM

1st Team

K 	Zach Toth 		Jr 	Middlebury 		Carlisle, MA
D 	Steve Balgach 	Sr 	Plymouth State. 		Fairfield, CT
D 	Tim Larocca * 	Jr 	WNEC 			East Longmeadow, MA
D 	Dana Leary * 	Jr 	Williams 			Washington, DC
M 	Josh Bolton * 	Sr 	Williams 			Penfield, NY
M 	Derek Cece * 	Sr 	Middlebury 		Williamstown, MA
M 	Matt Cusack 	Sr 	Western Connecticut St. 	New Milford, CT
F 	David Blum 	So 	Clark 			Irvington, NY
F 	Bradley Fidler 	Jr 	Western Connecticut St. 	West Lawn, PA
F 	Patrick Huffer 	Jr 	Williams 			Boulder, CO
F 	Mike Wohl * 	Jr 	Amherst 			Northampton, MA

2nd Team

K 	Nick Armington * 	Sr 	Williams 			Wenham, MA
D 	Bryan Biederman 	Jr 	Plymouth State		Holderness, NH
D 	Daniel Kiernan 	Jr 	Colby 			Brookline, MA
D 	Shelton Stewart ** 	Sr 	Brandeis 			Clarendon, Jamaica
M 	Kofi Oteng 		Jr 	WNEC 			Worcester, MA
M 	Eric Scott 		Jr 	Keene State 		West Springfield, MA
M 	Matthew Young 	Sr 	WPI 			Manchester, CT
F 	Jared Ashe 	Jr 	Wesleyan 			Stamford, CT
F 	Mike Cooley 	Fr 	Keene State 		Northborough, MA
F 	Paul Russo 	Sr 	WNEC 			Dix Hills, NY
F 	Nathan Williams 	Sr 	Castleton State 		East Schodack, NY

* Denotes previous All New England selection 

Bradley Fidler finished his third season ranked 7th in Nation in scoring.  See the final NCAA Division III men's soccer statistics at:

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/rankings?sportCode=MSO

2005 Little East Conference Men’s Soccer Awards

Peter Schachter Named Coach of the Year
Bradley Fidler Named Co-Offensive Player of the Year
Bradley Fidler, Matt Cusack and Daniel Michalowski Named to First Team
Daniel Tomas Honored on Second Team

Co-Offensive Players of the Year
Kyle Teixeira, Senior, Forward, Rhode Island College
Brad Fidler, Junior, Forward, Western Connecticut State University
Defensive Player of the Year
Bryan Biederman, Junior, Back, Plymouth State University
Rookie of the Year
Sinisa Bajic, Freshman, Forward, University of Southern Maine
Coach of the Year
Peter Schachter, Western Connecticut State University

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island College senior forward Kyle Teixeira (Warren, RI) and Western Connecticut State University junior forward Brad Fidler (Morgantown, PA) share Little East Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors, Plymouth State University junior back Bryan Biederman (Holderness, NH) is recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year, while University of Southern Maine freshman forward Sinisa Bajic (Portland, ME) earns Rookie of the Year accolades and Head Coach Peter Schachter of Western Connecticut is cited as the league’s Coach of the Year to highlight the league's annual list of award winners.
     Teixeira earns his third Offensive Player of the Year award in four years while Fidler picks up his first honor. Fidler has led the conference in scoring all season long. He has compiled a LEC-best 45 points on 15 goals and 15 assists while Teixeira is right behind with a league-high 17 goals to go along with nine assists for 43 points. Fidler led his Colonials past Teixeira’s Anchormen in the LEC Tournament Championship game and now has Western Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament. Teixeira becomes just the second four time All-LEC First Team player and the first ever three-time Offensive Player of the Year honoree. Each player earned LEC Offensive Player of the Week honors twice this fall.
     Biederman anchored a Plymouth State defense that allowed just 0.93 goals per game. Biederman played and started in all 18 games for the Panthers, helping lead the team to a third-place finish in the LEC. Along with his play in the back, Biederman scored twice for four points this fall.
     Leading a young Southern Maine team in scoring this fall was Bajic as he contributed 12 goals and three assists for 27 points. His 12 goals rank him tied for fourth in the league, while his 27 points are good for fifth in the LEC. The Huskies scored goals in nine games this fall and of those nine games, Bajic was responsible for at least one tally in eight of them.
     With two upset victories in the LEC Tournament, Schachter leads his Colonials into the NCAA Tournament. Schachter led Western Connecticut to a third-place tie in the LEC during the regular season and a fourth seed in the LEC Tournament. The Colonials then upset top-seeded Keene State and second-seeded Rhode Island College en route to the program’s second tournament title and eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
     Joining Teixeira and Fidler on the All-Conference First Team at forward is Eastern Connecticut senior forward Fotis Anastasiou (Colchester, CT) while the First Team midfield features Western Connecticut senior Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT), Keene State junior Erik Scott (West Springfield, MA), Rhode Island College senior Matt Borges (New Bedford, MA) and Eastern Connecticut junior Elvis Perndoj (Lezha, Albania).
     Along with Biederman, the First Team defensive backfield includes Plymouth State senior Steve Balgach (Fairfield, CT), Eastern Connecticut junior Derek Miles (Newtown, CT), Keene State senior Kyle Wood (Manchester, CT) and Western Connecticut freshman goalkeeper Dan Michalowski (Bristol, CT).
     Earning Second Team All-Conference honors at forward is Plymouth State freshman Semir Mehmedovic (Franklin, NH), a freshmen duo from Keene State in Alex Horne (Harvard, MA) and Mike Cooley (Northborough, MA) and a junior duo from Southern Maine in Bajic and Adam Bial (Wenham, MA).
     The Second Team midfield features the Plymouth State senior duo of Brad Wyman (Durham, NH) and Chris Catatao (Burlington, MA), along with Keene State sophomore Ralph Rocco (Groton, MA) and Rhode Island College freshman Tyrell Burgess (Smiths, Bermuda).
     The Second Team defensive backs are Western Connecticut junior Dan Tomas (Danbury, CT), Keene State senior Mike Lewis (Manchester, CT), Eastern Connecticut senior Nick Rezendes (Newington, CT), Rhode Island College junior James Lynch (Jamestown, RI) and UMass Boston freshman goalkeeper Paul Maniscalco (Boston, MA).

Little East Conference - 2005 Men’s Soccer Awards

First Team
Name 		Position 		Class 		Institution 
Kyle Teixeira 	Forward 		Senior 		Rhode Island College
Brad Fidler 	Forward 		Junior 		Western Connecticut State University
Fotis Anastasiou 	Forward 		Senior 		Eastern Connecticut State University
Matt Cusack 	Midfield 		Senior 		Western Connecticut State University
Erik Scott 		Midfield 		Junior 		Keene State College
Matt Borges 	Midfield 		Senior 		Rhode Island College
Elvis Perndoj 	Midfield 		Junior 		Eastern Connecticut State University
Steve Balgach 	Back 		Senior 		Plymouth State University
Bryan Biederman 	Back 		Junior 		Plymouth State University
Derek Miles 	Back 		Junior 		Eastern Connecticut State University
Kyle Wood 		Back 		Senior 		Keene State College
Dan Michalowski 	Goalkeeper 	Freshman 		Western Connecticut State University 

Second Team
Name 		Position 		Class 		Institution 
Alex Horne 	Forward 		Freshman 		Keene State College
Mike Cooley 	Forward 		Freshman 		Keene State College
Semir Mehmedovic 	Forward 		Freshman 		Plymouth State University
Sinisa Bajic 	Forward 		Junior 		University of Southern Maine
Adam Bial 		Forward 		Junior 		University of Southern Maine
Brad Wyman 	Midfield 		Senior 		Plymouth State University
Ralph Rocco 	Midfield 		Sophomore 	Keene State College
Tyrell Burgess 	Midfield 		Freshman	 	Rhode Island College	
Chris Catatao 	Midfield 		Senior 		Plymouth State University
Dan Tomas 	Back 		Junior 		Western Connecticut State University
Mike Lewis 		Back 		Senior 		Keene State College
Nick Rezendes 	Back 		Senior 		Eastern Connecticut State University
James Lynch 	Back 		Junior 		Rhode Island College
Paul Maniscalco 	Goalkeeper 	Freshman 		UMass Boston

DANBURY, CT - Eric Heymann (Ipswich, MA) scored both goals including the game winner with 2:53 remaining in regulation to lift Western New England College by Union College, 2-1 in the second round of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament at Westside Athletic Complex on the campus of Western Connecticut State University on Sunday afternoon.
     Union College went ahead, 1-0 on Casey Ftorek's (Bedford, MA) 17th goal of the season with 8:01 remaining before intermission. He was set up following Matt Acciani's (Cherry Hill, NJ) free kick from 40 yards out.
     Heymann, who had been WNEC's leading scorer earlier this season before being sidelined with an injury, tied the game at 1-1 in the 72nd minutes when he lofted a shot over the head of Union's keeper Rob Kramer (Westport, CT).    His shot was set up by a lengthy pass from Paul Russo (Dix Hills, NY) just across the midfield line.
     Russo now leads the Golden Bears with 13 goals, three assists and 29 points.
     Heymann's game winner came following two crisp passes on the left side of the box from Tim Larocca (East Longmeadow, MA) and Brian Dill (Portland, CT). Dill was left the opportunity to cross his pass through the goalmouth for the waiting Heymann as the Dutchmen's defense broke down.
     Western New England improves to 21-2 and will face Plattsburgh State (20-1) in the Sectionals either next Friday or Saturday in upstate New York. Plattsburgh defeated Brockport State Saturday afternoon, 5-2 to earn the home field advantage in the next round.
     The Golden Bears are ranked 13th in the latest NSCAA/adidas Division III Poll.
     Chris Wilk (Derry, NH) made seven saves for the Golden Bears while Kramer turned away four shots for the Dutchmen.
     Union College, which was making its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 14 years, finishes its season at 17-4-1.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE DEFEATS WESTERN CONNECTICUT,
2-0 IN FIRST ROUND OF NCAA TOURNAMENT
GOLDEN BEARS ADVANCE TO SECOND ROUND ON SUNDAY

DANBURY, CT - Western New England College defeated Western Connecticut State University, 2-0 in the first round of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament at Westside Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.
     Western New England, which is ranked 13th in the latest NSCAA/adidas Division III Poll, took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute when leading scorer Paul Russo (Dix Hills, NY) collected a loose ball just outside the box. His shot was initially stopped by Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) but the ball deflected into the back right corner of the goal. It was Russo's 13th goal of the season.
     The Golden Bears, 20-2, went up 2-0 when Kobi Oteng (Worcester, MA) netted his third goal of the season off a pass from Tim Larocca (East Longmeadow, MA) on the left side.
     Chris Wilk (Derry, NH) made nine saves for Western New England College including a fantastic save over his head off a shot from senior midfielder Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) in the 63rd minute
     The Colonials, 13-5-3, held a 22-11 shot advantage on the afternoon.
     Michalowski made two saves for the Colonials which earned a berth into the NCAA Tournament by winning the Little East Conference Tournament last weekend.

UNION COLLEGE ADVANCES TO PLAY WESTERN NEW ENGLAND WITH
1-0 OVERTIME WIN OVER JOHNSON AND WALES IN
NCAA DIVISION III MEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT ON SATURDAY

November 12, 2005

Danbury, Conn. – The Johnson & Wales University men’s soccer team dropped a 1-0 overtime decision against Union in the first round of the NCAA Championship on Saturday afternoon at the Western Connecticut State University Westside Athletic Complex.

Johnson & Wales controlled the action early in the contest with the Wildcats holding a 6-2 advantage in shots.  Neither team could score, however ad the teams headed to halftime deadlocked 0-0.

At the 59:00 mark, Union had three scoring chances on a pair of corner kicks, but failed to capitalize and the game remained a scoreless tie.  Both teams had quality chances down the stretch, yet neither could convert as regulation ended tied 0-0.

Early in the first overtime period, sophomore Casey Ftorek (Bedford, Mass.) took a pass from sophomore Dane Mellon (Clifton Park, N.Y.) and lofted a shot from 25 yards out into the upper right corner of the net to give Union the 1-0 victory at the 92:49 mark.

Junior Brenton Blanchard (Saline, Mich.) made six saves in the loss for Johnson & Wales while freshman Rob Kramer (Westport, Conn.) tallied four stops for Union.

Johnson & Wales wraps up the 2005 season with a 15-6-1 record while Union is now 17-3-1.  Union will take on Western New England in the second round of the NCAA Championship on Sunday, November 13th at 1:00 p.m. at WCSU’s Westside Athletic Complex.

Game Summary
JWU (15-6-1)    0  0  0  --  0
UC (17-3-1)     0  0  1  --  1 

Saves:  JWU –   Brenton Blanchard (6 saves, 92:49)
        UC –    Rob Kramer (4 saves, 92:49)
Shots:  JWU – 11; UC – 12

Western Connecticut State University was selected to host first and second round matches of the 2005 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championships this Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13 at the Westside Athletic Complex in Danbury, Conn. On Saturday, the Colonials will take on Western New England College at 12 noon while Union faces Johnson and Wales 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one or approximately 2:30 p.m. The two first round winners meet on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Colonials will be making their eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament. They earned berths into the Tournament in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2003.

The Colonials, 13-4-3 and winners of the Little East Conference Tournament this past Saturday, will play host to the top seed Western New England College (19-2 and one of 17 Pool C berths). Union College (NY) (16-3-1 and another of the 17 Pool C selections) will meet Johnson and Wales University (15-5-1 and winners of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference).

Western Connecticut earned a berth into the NCAA Tournament when it captured the Little East Conference Championship with an 8-7 result in the shootout. The Colonials and Rhode Island College battled to a 0-0 double-overtime tie before the sudden-victory session. Sophomore back Ryan Edgley (Oakdale, Conn.) scored the deciding penalty kick after the Anchormen failed to convert their eighth attempt.

The Colonials have been led by a potent offensive attack and an even stingier defense. Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA) and Matt Cusack (New Milford, Conn.) have been one-two in scoring for WestConn the entire season. Fidler leads the team with 15 goals and 15 assists for 45 points. Cusack, who was named Most Outstanding Player of the Little East Conference Tournament, follows with 14 goals and six assists for 34 points. Cusack scored a hat trick in the Colonials 4-1 upset of Keene State College in the LECs semifinals.

Defensively, it might end with the goalie recognized for the numbers, but the entire defensive third for the Colonials have enjoyed an outstanding season. The Colonials have registered 10 shut outs and have allowed just 15 goals in 20 games. Midway through the year, they shut out their opponent six straight times. Daniel Tomas (Danbury, Conn.), Edgley, Mike Savenelli (East Haven, Conn.) and Jordan Dugbartey (Naugatuck, Conn.) have played outstandingly in front of freshman keeper Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, Conn.) in 2005. Michalowski has nine shut outs to his credit with a 0.75 goals-against average. He has made 78 saves in over 1,800 minutes during his first collegiate season.

The NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Committee announced the entire field of 57 teams for the 2005 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship on Sunday.  view the entire NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament bracket:

Thirty-six conferences were awarded automatic qualification for the 2005 championship. Four teams were selected from Pool B, which consists of independent institutions, and institutions that are members of conferences that do not meet the requirements for automatic qualification. The final 17 berths were reserved for Pool C, which are institutions from automatic-qualifying conferences that are not the conference champion and any remaining Pool B teams.

Seven two-team, first-round games will be conducted November 9 with the winners advancing to play seven teams which received first-round byes on Saturday, November 12. Nine sites will host four teams for first- and second-round competition Friday-Saturday or Saturday-Sunday, November 11-12 or 12-13. Second-round winners will advance to one of four sectional sites November 18-19 or 19-20. Winners of the four sectionals will advance to the finals November 25-26. All games, except the finals, will be played on the campuses of competing institutions. Macpherson Stadium at Bryan Park in Greensboro, North Carolina will be the site of this year's finals.

Conferences and Teams Receiving Automatic Qualification:

Pool B Berths (4):
Maryville College (Tennessee)
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Washington and Jefferson College

Pool C Berths (17):
State University College at Brockport
Calvin College
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Chicago
Dominican University (Illinois)
Emory University
State University College at Fredonia
Gustavus Adolphus College
Keene State College
Macalester College
New Jersey City University
Salisbury University
Union College (New York)
Wartburg College
Western New England College
Wheaton College (Illinois)
Williams College

In last year's finals, Messiah College defeated University of California, Santa Cruz 4-0 to win the men's soccer title.

2005 Little East Conference Men’s Soccer Champions
Western Connecticut State University

Providence, RI
			1 	2 	1OT 	2OT 	Final
#4 Western Connecticut (13-4-3) 	0 	0 	0 	0 	0
#2 Rhode Island College (9-5-5) 	0 	0 	0 	0 	0 

WestConn wins championship in a shootout, 8-7

WESTERN CONNECTICUT WINS LEC TITLE
Ryan Edgley’s Penalty Kick Lifts Colonials to NCAA Tournament

Providence, RI—Western Connecticut and Rhode Island College battled to a 0-0 tie in the Championship Game of the 2005 Little East Conference Men’s Soccer Tournament. After 90 minutes of regulation and two ten-minute overtime periods, penalty kicks were needed to decide the conference champion.

RIC scored on its first seven attempts, each time the Colonials answered with the equalizer. RIC sophomore Matt Souto (East Providence, RI), who hadn’t played in the game, took the eighth penalty kick for the Anchormen and his shot caught the crossbar. That opened the door for WCSU sophomore midfielder Ryan Edgley (Oakdale, CT) who beat RIC sophomore goalkeeper Sean Gonsalves (Somerset, MA) for the winner.

WCSU senior midfielder Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT), who scored three goals with an assist in the Colonials’, 4-1, win at top-seeded Keene State on Wednesday afternoon, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2005 Little East Conference Men’s Soccer Tournament.

It is the second Little East Conference Men’s Soccer Tournament Championship for the Colonials in the past three seasons. RIC falls in the Championship Game for the second consecutive season and now awaits a potential ECAC New England Div. III Men’s Soccer Tournament bid.

The game goes down as a tie for both clubs. The Colonials are now 13-4-3, while RIC is 9-5-5. WCSU freshman goalkeeper Dan Michalowski (Bristol, CT) was outstanding in net, making seven saves to earn his ninth shutout of the season. Gonsalves made two saves to earn his fourth shutout of the season.

During the penalty kick shootout for RIC, freshman Josh Silva (East Providence, RI), junior Holman Giraldo (Pawtucket, RI), freshman Tyrell Burgess (Smiths, Bermuda), senior Kyle Teixeira (Warren, RI), sophomore Kyle Genereux (Harrisville, RI), sophomore Julian Montoya (North Providence, RI) and freshman Dan Soderberg (Douglas, MA) all scored on their attempts.

For Western Connecticut, junior Dan Tomas (Danbury, CT), sophomore Keith Simone (North Salem, NY), Cusack, sophomore Mike Savenelli (East Haven, CT), junior Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA), junior Anthony Fiondella (Guilford, CT), freshman Elliott Wangaard (Shelton, CT) and Edgley each scored on their attempts.

UPCOMING LITTLE EAST CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

November
2	Wed.	Little East Tournament Semifinals	
		GAME ONE
		# 3 Plymouth State at #2 Rhode Island College		1-1 Tie 
							 (5-3 RIC wins shootout)
		GAME TWO
		#4 Western Connecticut at #1 Keene State College	4-1 WCSU
5	Sat.	Little East Tournament Championship 
		@ Rhode Island College
		Rhode Island College 0  vs. Western Connecticut	0	12 noon
		WestConn wins in shootout, 8-7

DANBURY, CT - Western Connecticut State University men's soccer team registered it's ninth shut out of the season with a 1-0 victory over University of Southern Maine at Westside Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.
     Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) closed out his career at the WAC by scoring the game's only goal in the 73rd minute of play. Freshman back Frank Rizio (Monroe, CT) fed Cusack the ball of the left side of the box and he drilled it into the lower side of goal for his 11th marker of the season.
     Cusack, a three starter after transferring to WestConn from Keene State College, now has 20 goals during his career.
     The Colonials, 12-4-2 overall and 4-2-1 in the Little East Conference, have secured a berth into the upcoming LEC Tournament on Wednesday, November 2. They finish in fourth place and will travel to Keene State College on Wednesday.  WestConn will attempt to avenge its 2-0 loss to the Owls back on September 17.
     Keene State College and Rhode Island College have already secured the number one and two seeds, respectively.  The Anchormen will host Plymouth State on Wednesday. 
     WestConn and PSU finished with identical 4-2-1 league records, but the Panthers hold the tie-breaker with their 1-0 victory over the Colonials on October 15.
     The Colonials held a 26-7 shot advantage on the afternoon.
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) registered his eighth shut out of the season after making three saves against the Huskies.
     The WestConn defense has nine shut outs this season and has allowed just 14 goals in 18 games. Michalowski has an impressive 0.78 goals-against average in his first collegiate season.
     Chris Willard (Hampton, CT) made eight stops for the Huskies, which finish their season at 5-10-3 overall and 1-4-2 in the league.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., October 26, 2005 -- Springfield College sophomore forward Colin Cook (Wilbraham, Mass.) scored two goals as the Pride shut out, 3-0, visiting Western Connecticut State University tonight on Brock Affleck Field.

SC (4-10-1) tallied the first goal of the game on a header by Cook which was assisted by sophomore tri-captain Paul Lepak (Windsor, Conn.) in the 19th minute of play (18:38). The Colonials (11-4-2) and Pride battled aggressively throughout the remainder of the first-half but neither team was able to score and the game remained 1-0 at the break.

With 38:15 remaining in regulation, Western Conn. was called for a foul 25 yards out, Cook took a shot off the re-start which found the back of net to give the Pride a two-goal advantage. Less than twelve minutes later (63:19), the Colonials were again called for a foul 25 yards from the goal and sophomore midfielder Tony Distasio (Burlington, Conn.) took a feed from sophomore midfielder Ted Feeley (Syracuse, N.Y.) which found the back of the net to give the Pride a 3-0 lead. Neither team would score in the remaining 26:39 as SC earned its third straight victory.

Western Conn. goalkeeper Daniel Michalowski made five saves on the night while Pride goalkeeper B.J. Sturdivant (Bear, Del.) tallied two saves for the first shut-out victory of the season for the Pride.

DANBURY, CT - Western Connecticut State University men's soccer team coasted to a 4-1 victory over UMass Boston at Westside Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.
     The Colonials, 11-3-2 overall and 3-2-1 in the Little East Conference, scored all four goals in the first half beginning with Michael Laudano (East Haven, CT) scoring his third goal of the season in the ninth minute. Laudano was set up by Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA) who finished the day with two assists and leads the LEC with 43 total points (14 goals and 15 assists) on the year.
     Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) gave WestConn a 2-0 advantage with his 10th marker of the season 10 minutes later. He received a long pass from Daniel Tomas (Danbury, CT) from the left side.
     Before intermission, Anthony Fiondella (Guilford, CT), a junior transfer from Keene State College, netted his first career goal and Bill Goncalves (Shelton, CT) deposited his third goal of the season in the 41st and 43rd minutes, respectively.
     The Colonials held a 21-4 shot advantage on the afternoon.
     UMass Boston got on the scoreboard with 5:43 remaining in the game when Romeo Zeqo (Malden, MA) lifted a direct kick into the top left corner of the goal as the Colonials defense was setting up their wall.
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) had another quite game in goal for the Colonials and made two saves. The WestConn defense had registered eight shut outs this season and has allowed just 11 goals in 16 games. Michalowski has an impressive 0.69 goals-against average in his first collegiate season.
     Paul Maniscalco (Boston, MA) made eight stops for the Beacons, which are now 7-6-2 overall and 0-4-2 in the league.
     WestConn travels to Springfield College this Wednesday, October 26 at 7 p.m. before wrapping up the regular season next Saturday at home against University of Southern Maine on Senior Day. Game time is slated for 12 noon.

DANBURY, CT - Western Connecticut State University and Wesleyan University battled to a 2-2 double-overtime tie at Westside Athletic Complex Tuesday night.
     Brandon Smith (Montclair, NJ) scored his fifth and sixth goals of the season to lift the Cardinals to a come-from-behind tie against the Colonials.
     Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) gave WestConn a 1-0 advantage with his ninth goal of the season in the 46th minute of play. He received a pass from Mike Serra (Naugatuck, CT) from the left side.
     The Colonials, now 10-3-2, took a 2-0 lead when Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA), who sat out the last two games with a knee ailment, scored his team-leading 14th goal of the season.
     Smith scored in the 68th minute on a header to cut the Cardinals' deficit to 2-1.
     The visitors had a chance in the 83rd minute to knot the score but Peter Glidden (Algodones, NM) pushed his penalty shot far right.
Smith then came back four minutes later with the tying goal. His sixth goal of the season came following a centering pass from Jared Ashe (Stamford, CT).
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) had another fantastic game in goal for the Colonials. He made 12 saves on the night.
     Matt Gnall (Morristown, NJ) made four stops for Wesleyan, which are now 6-2-2 overall.
     WestConn hosts UMass Boston this Saturday, October 22 at 2 p.m.

                                                        1 2 Final
Western Conn. (10-3-1, LEC 2-2-1)   0 0 0
Plymouth State (9-1-2, LEC 3-1-0)   0 1 1

PD Team Goal Assists Time
2 PSU Brad Wyman Semir Mehmedovic 78:10

Saves: WCSU –Dan Michalowski 2; PSU –Tyler Shute 4
Shots: WCSU – 5 ; PSU – 12; Corner Kicks: WCSU – 1; PSU – 2

PSU Men’s Soccer blanks Western Connecticut
Wyman’s second-half goal leads Panthers to LEC win

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Senior Brad Wyman (Durham, N.H.) tallied the lone goal in the 79th minute Saturday afternoon to lift Plymouth State University to a 1-0 victory over Western Connecticut State University in a Little East Conference men’s soccer match at a rainy Panther Field.
     The Panthers boost their record to 9-1-2 overall and 3-1-0 in the LEC while the Colonials fall to 10-3-1 overall and 2-2-1 in conference play.
     Wyman’s fourth goal of the year was set up by freshman Semir Mehmedovic (Franklin, N.H.) as he flicked the ball over the Colonial defense to Wyman who slammed it in the back of the net.
     PSU had a chance to get on the board early in the match as Mehmedovic had a breakaway but his attempt was cleared off the line by WCSU defender. Both offenses were slowed for most of the afternoon as a driving rainstorm turned the match into a defensive battle.
     Plymouth State had another golden opportunity to go ahead in the 76th minute when freshman Gareth Stephens (Yoevil, England) cracked a volley that WCSU netminder Dan Michalowski (Bristol, Conn.) tipped then rang off the post.
     Plymouth State held a 12-5 advantage in shots for the game. PSU keeper Tyler Shute (Deerfield, N.H.) finished with four saves to earn his fourth shutout of the season while Michalowski finished with two saves.

DANBURY, CT - Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) led Western Connecticut State University with three goals and two assists as the men's soccer team cruised to a 7-0 victory over Albertus Magnus College at Westside Athletic Complex Wednesday night.
     For the second straight game, the Colonials had to endure a driving rain storm. After a 0-0 double overtime tie with Rhode Island College last Saturday, offense was not an issue against the Falcons.
     The Colonials, now 10-2-1, got on the scoreboard early and often.
     Cusack scored or assisted on WestConn's first five goals. He now has eight goals on the season, five behind leading scorer Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA) who was held out of tonight's game.
     Freshman forward Mike Serra (Naugatuck, CT) added two goals and two assists on the night for the winners.
     Steven Carneiro (Danbury, CT) and Robert Madden (Hamden, CT) added goals late in the contest for WestConn.
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) registered his seventh shutout of the season after making one save.
     Chris Vasquez made six stops for Albertus Magnus College.
     WestConn travels to Plymouth State University this Saturday, October 15. Game time is 11 a.m.

WESTERN CONNECTICUT DRAWS WITH RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE, 0-0

DANBURY, CT - In a driving rain storm, the Western Connecticut State University and Rhode Island College men's soccer teams battled to a 0-0 double-overtime tie at Westside Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.
     The Colonials are now 9-2-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the Little East Conference.
     T he Anchormen sit at 6-4-2 overall and 3-0-1 in the league.
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) turned away two shots on the afternoon for WestConn.
     Sean Gonsalves (Somerset, MA) made six stops for Rhode Island College.
     The much-awaited match up between the Little East Conference's leading scorers, WestConn's Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA) and RIC's Kyle Teixeira (Warren, RI), each with 13 goals on the season, never materialized as the rain and both defense kept the pair at bay.
     WestConn hosts Albertus Magnus this Wednesday, October 12. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.

NSCAA/adidas® Regional Rankings - New England 
October 4, 2005

Rank School 				W-L-T 	Last Week
1 Middlebury College (Vt.) 		7-0-0 	2  
2 Williams College (Mass.) 		7-1-0 	3 
3 Keene State College (N.H.) 		9-1-0 	1  
4 Western New England College (Mass.) 	10-1-0 	6  
5 Bowdoin College (Maine) 		6-2-0 	4  
6 Clark University (Mass.) 		9-1-0 	9 
7 Roger Williams University (R.I.) 	9-1-2 	7 
8 Plymouth State College (N.H.) 	7-1-1 	8 
9 Babson College (Mass.) 		7-2-2 	5 
10 Western Connecticut 			8-2-0 	--  
10 Wheaton College (Mass.) 		7-3-0 	10 
 
Also receiving votes: Bates, Brandeis

WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – Junior forward Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA) scored on his only shot of the match in the 38th minutes as the Wastern Connecticut State University men’s soccer team edged Eastern Connecticut State University, 1-0 Saturday in a Little East Conference match at Thomas Nevers Field.

The conference scoring leader, Fidler scored his 12th goal of the season with seven minutes left in the first half when he scored into an open net. Eastern sophomore keeper Jay Barney (MANSFIELD) dove to his left to cut down the angle when junior forward Michael Laudano (East Haven, CT) carried to the end line. Instead of shooting, Laudano sent a crossing pass from right to left into the box to senior midfielder Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT). Cusack could have taken an uncontested shot, but instead knocked a short pass further across the goal mouth to Fidler, who one-timed it into the back of the net.

Eastern’s (5-5-1, 1-2-0 little east) Barney, who had shut out Western (8-2-0, 2-1-0 little east) with six saves in last year’s scoreless overtime draw, kept the Eastern deficit at one goal 14 minutes into the second half when he saved Cusack’s penalty kick shot. Barney dove to his left to deny Cusack’s bid inside the right post. Cusack was awarded the free attempt after freshman midfielder Kyle Garrett (Sandy Hook, CT) was taken down in the box by Eastern sophomore back Sead Mehic (HARTFORD).

Eastern scoring leader Fotis Anastasiou (COLCHESTER) appeared to have tied the match midway through the second half when he converted junior midfielder Elvis Perndoj’s (LEZHA, ALBANIA) give-and-go pass but was ruled to be offside on the play.

The win is the fourth straight for Western, third straight by shutout. Western freshman keeper Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) made seven saves to post his fourth collegiate shutout. Barney made five saves for Eastern, which outshot the Colonials 13-10. Both Barney and Michalowski made their best saves to keep the game scoreless in the first half. Barney made a diving save to his left to turn back freshman forward Elliott Wangaard’s (Shelton) shot at the right post midway through the half. Minutes later, Michalowski stopped a hard shot from close range by Eastern freshman midfielder Jimmy McConville (MANCHESTER). McConville had one-timed a crossing pass while stationed at the right post.

With his team leading, Wangaard unloaded a shot that sailed wide from inside the box with eight minutes left that would have provided insurance. Wangaard took six of his team’s shots, forcing Barney to make saves on four of them.

Eastern senior back Greg Arvai (NEWINGTON) kept Fidler bottled up throughout most of the match while Western sophomore back Mike Savenelli (East Haven, CT) limited Anastasiou to just one shot.

Eastern hosts 2004 conference tournament champion Keene State College Saturday at 1 p.m.

Western Conn. 1, Eastern Conn. 0

Western Conn. (8-2-0, 2-1-0 little east) 1 0 -- 1
Eastern Conn. (5-5-1-, 1-2-0 little east) 0 0 -- 0

Scoring: Bradley Fidler (Michael Laudano, Matt Cusack) 37:55.
Shots: W-10, E-13; Saves: W-Daniel Michalowski 7, E-Jay Barney 5. Corner kicks: W-3, E-2.

DANBURY, CT - Western Connecticut State University has now won five of its last six games following Wednesday night's 2-0 victory over Connecticut College at Westside Athletic Complex.
     Junior forward Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA) raised his season goals total to 11 with two more against the Camels last night. He also has 12 assists for a total of 34 points.
     He gave the Colonials, now 7-2, a 1-0 advantage following a beautiful crossing pass in the box from Mike Serra (Naugatuck, CT) in the ninth minute.
     With 14 minutes remaining in the game, Fidler notched an insurance goal. He was set up on a long pass down the left side of the field from Danny Tomas (Danbury, CT).
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) earned his third shut out of the season after making one save for the Colonials.
     Ted Lane (Portland, OR) made six saves for the Camels, which drop to 2-4 on the year.
     The Colonials out-shot the Camels, 25-4 on the night.
     WestConn travels to Eastern Connecticut State University this Saturday, October 1. Game time is slated for 1 p.m.

DANBURY, CT - The Western Connecticut State University men's soccer team surpassed its win total of a year ago with a 2-0 victory over University of Massachusetts Dartmouth at Westside Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.
     The Colonials, now 6-2 overall and 1-1 in the Little East Conference got on the scoreboard when Mike Serra (Naugatuck, CT) notched his third goal of the season in the 16th minute. He received a lead pass from Brad Fidler (West Lawn, PA) in the middle of the box and slipped the ball inside the right post for the 1-0 lead.
     Fidler, the team's leading scorer this season and a year ago when the Colonials went 5-11-3, scored his ninth goal of the season in the 67th minute to give WestConn a little breathing room. He was led up field with a 30 yard pass from Jordan Dugbartey (Naugatuck, CT).
     The Corsairs, 3-4 overall and 0-2 in league play did not get off their first shot until midway through the second half. WestConn finished with a 22-9 shot advantage on the afternoon.
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) earned his second shut out of the season after making just one save for the Colonials.
     Kyle Fossey (Townsend, MA) and Adam Rolfe (Southwick, MA) combined to make eight saves for the Corsairs.  Fossey made five stops before yielding to Rolfe in the 72nd minute.
     WestConn hosts Connecticut College on Wednesday, September 28 at 7 p.m.

DANBURY, CT - Western Connecticut State University held on to defeat Trinity College, 2-1 at Westside Athletic Complex Tuesday night.
     The Colonials, now 5-2 received raced to a 2-0 advantage on goals from Brad Fidler (West Lawn, PA) and Elliott Wangaard (Shelton, CT) in the first half.
     Fidler's tally, his eighth of the season came following a short pass from Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) inside the box in the 11th minute.
Fifteen minutes later Fidler set up Wangaard added his fourth goal of the season.
     The Bantams, 1-3, scored in the 71st minute despite being down a player when Matthew Miller (Princeton, NJ) was issued a red card in the 58th minute.
     Charlie Fuentes (Leominster, MA) collected a deflection off WestConn's keeper Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) and drove the ball home with 18:06 remaining in the game to cut the Bantams deficit to one goal, 2-1.
     Michalowski earned the victory in goal after making two saves for the Colonials.
     Eric Wunsch (New York, NY) was chased from the goal after the first 45 minutes. He made one save. Zac Trudeau (Norwell, MA) worked the second half and made four saves including two point-blank shots in the final 10 minutes.
     WestConn hosts UMass Dartmouth this Saturday, September 24 at 2 p.m.

DANBURY, CT - Western Connecticut State University continued its high-scoring surge with a 4-0 victory over Westfield State at Westside Athletic Complex Wednesday night.
     The Colonials, now 4-1 received goals from four different players in the second half of play.
     Elliott Wangaard (Shelton, CT) gave WestConn a 1-0 lead with his third goal of the season. He received a swift crossing pass from Brad Fidler (West Lawn, PA) freeing him on the right side of the goal in the 47th minute.
     Ten minutes later, Fidler deposited his team-leading seventh goal by the Westfield State keeper Matt Costa (Chicopee, MA). Fidler's tally opened the flood gates on the Owls defense.
     Within a 13-minutes span, the Colonials knotched three goals including Bill Goncalves (East Haven, CT) second goal of the year with 60:18 elapsed in the contest.
     Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) added an insurance goal for the Colonials with just over 11 minutes to play.
     Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) earned his first shut out of the season after making three saves for the Colonials.
     Costa made six saves for Westfield State before yielding to Aidan O'Shaughnessy (Mahopac, NY) for the final 30 minutes. O'Shaughnessy made three saves.
     The Colonials have now scored 14 goals in their last two games and 26 markers for the season, surpassing their 2004 total of 22 goals over 19 games.
     WestConn travels to Keene State College this Saturday, September 17 in its Little East Conference opener. Game time is slated for 1 p.m.

HILLSIDE, N.J. – (9/11/05) Western Connecticut State University’s Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, Pa.) scored four goals and added three assists as the Colonials toppled Medgar Evers College, 10-0 in the consolation match of the Kean Invitational. With the win the Colonials improve to 3-1, while the Cougars fell to 1-4.

In the first half, Fidler tallied the first three goals of match, while Elliott Wangaard (Shelton, Conn.) and Bill Goncalves (Shelton, Conn.) added goals for a 5-0 halftime lead. In the second half, Mike Serra (Naugatuck, Conn.), Patrick Odell (Litchfield, N.J.), Steven Carneiro (Danbury, Conn.), Robert Madden (Hamden, Conn.) and Fidler all added goals.

In the game, West Conn held a 48-7 advantage in shots and a 7-1 edge in corner kicks.

HILLSIDE, N.J. – (9/10/05) Manhattanville University’s Emmanuel Bondzie Jr. (Etobicoke, Ontario) took a crossing pass from Scott Vieira (Staten Island, N.Y.) and sent a shot into the lower left corner 2:49 into the overtime session to lift the Valients to a 2-1 victory over Western Connecticut in the opening round of the Kean Invitational. With the win the Valients improve to 2-1, while the Colonials fell to 2-1.

Despite being out shot 12-2 in the first half, Manhattanville held a 1-0 lead via a penalty kick goal by Viera. Western Connecticut tied the game in the 74th minute when Matt Cusack (New Milford, Conn.) converted a penalty kick.

In the game, West Conn held a 23-6 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in corner kicks, while Manhattanville’s goalie Francesco Notaristefano (Somers, N.Y.) made 10 saves in the victory.

LITTLE EAST CONFERENCE
Rookie of the Week
Daniel Michalowski, Freshman, Goalkeeper, Western Connecticut State University
Michalowski registered a 1.07 goals against average as he allowed just two goals in 169 minutes of play to help lead the Colonials to two victories last week. He made a total of six saves to tally a .750 save percentage.

WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY WINS 18TH ANNUAL
HOLIDAY INN / CIAO SOCCER CLASSIC

September 4, 2005

NORTH ADAMS, MA – With a commanding win over River College in yesterday’s game and another strong showing this afternoon, the Colonials from Western Connecticut State University won the Holiday Inn / CIAO Soccer Classic hosted by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

GAME 1
In the first game of the afternoon, the MCLA men’s soccer team defeated Rivier College with a 3-1 final. It took just under a minute for the Trailblazers to get on the board with a goal scored by freshman Brian Szabo (Needham, MA). Szabo tucked the ball low to the corner past the Raider’s goalkeeper, Mark Correira (Bristol, RI).
     The next 68 minutes were rather quite until Raul Escobar (Ashley Falls, MA) scored his second goal of the season to put the Trailblazers up by two goals. Rivier battled back and scored their loan goal by Dan O’Leary (Guilford, NH) with 15 minutes left in the game.
     Zach Natale (Florence, MA) finished with 3 saves for MCLA, while Correira finished the day with 6 saves.

GAME 2
In their encore performance, Western Connecticut State University defeated Potsdam State. Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) converted a penalty kick at the 33-minute mark and the Colonials never looked back.
     In the second half, WSCU saw three more goals; two from Keith Simone (North Salem, NY) and one from Michael Laudano (East Haven, CT); Bradley Fidler (West Lawn, PA) collected an assist.
     With just ten seconds left Potsdam’s Joseph Chase (Ft. Edwards, NY) found the net after a scramble in the WCSU box.
     WCSU’s Daniel Michalowski (Bristol, CT) collected 4 saves and Tyler Lattimore (Gansevoort, NY) made 3 saves for Potsdam.

CHAMPION: Western Connecticut State University (2-0-0)
RUNNER-UP: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (1-0-1)
OFFENSIVE MVP: Bradley Fidler (WCSU)
DEFENSIVE MVP: Ciaran Cullen (MCLA)

CIAO / Holiday Inn Soccer Classic
Hosted by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

September 3, 2005

North Adams, MA –
GAME 1
MCLA and Potsdam State played to double overtime finishing with a 1-1 draw. MCLA struck first on a goal by freshman Raul Escobar (Ashley Falls, MA) and senior Marc Capaldo (Townsend, MA) collected the assist. Escobar found the goal just three minutes into the game when he caught the Bears keeper Adam Youmelle (Cornwall, Ont.) out at the top of the box.

With 25 minutes left in regulation, Travis Carey (Franklin, NY) evened the score for Potsdam. Both teams continued to battle for 45 more minutes ending with a tie.

GAME 2
In the second game, Western Connecticut State University took just five minutes to get on the board and never looked back. Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT) collected the first of seven goal for the Colonials. Also scoring two goals in the first half was Bradley Fidler (Litchfield, CT).

Two minutes into the second half, WCSU added another goal from Keith Simone (North Salem, NY).  Mike Serra (Naugatuck, CT), Michael Laudano (East Haven, CT), and Elliott Wangaard (Shelton, CT) also added second half goals.

Rivier’s loan goal was scored at the 51-minute mark by G. Pisano (Lynnfield, MA)

Sunday:
12:00 – MCLA vs. Rivier
2:00 – WCSU vs. Potsdam

(July 26, 2005) Shaun Bailey, has been named Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at Western Connecticut State University, announced Head Coach Peter Schachter.
     Bailey holds the USSF “A” license, and has been the Director of Coaching for the Norwalk Junior Soccer Leagues travel programs for the past three years.
     In addition, he has a wealth of experience, as both player and coach, in his native England, including a stint with the First-Division reserves of Colchester United FC.
     “Shaun has a tremendous understanding and insight to the game. He is a great motivator, and he brings a wealth of coaching skills to the Western Connecticut program," stated Schachter. "I am looking forward to working with Shaun and I know the players will both enjoy and benefit greatly from having someone with his personality and expertise on board. “
     Bailey will assist in all facets of team training and other related managerial duties during his first campaign.
     The Colonials open pre-season camp on August 19.
     They open the 2005 campaign at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4.

SCHACHTER ANNOUNCES MATT CUSACK AND BRADLEY FIDLER 2005 CAPTAINS

   Matt Cusack               Bradley Fidler

Head Coach Peter Schachter has announced that senior midfielder, Matt Cusack (New Milford, CT), and junior forward, Brad Fidler (West Lawn, PA), will serve
as co-captains for the upcoming 2005 season. Both were awarded second team all conference honors, conferred upon by a vote of the Little East Conference
coaches, following their performances in 2004 for the Colonials. Cusack led the team with 8 goals, while Fidler bagged 7, in addition to adding 3 assists, for the
overall team scoring lead.
     “I have great faith that Matt and Brad will be exemplary, in the roles of co-captains, for us this coming season,” says Schachter. “Both are exceptional athletes
who bring that ‘something extra’ to the field. They are exciting players to watch and I feel privileged to be able to work with them. Hopefully, with their leadership
we can climb right back into contention for the Little East Conference title.”

Peter Schachter has been named Head Men's Soccer Coach by WestConn Director of Athletics and Recreation Ed Farrington.
     Schachter assumed the head coaching duties on an interim basis last August, three days before pre-season camp was to begin. He guided the Colonials to a 5-11-3 overall record in 2004. They finished 1-5-1 in the Little East Conference.
     Schachter will be relieved of his duties as an Assistant Director of Athletics for Recreation and Facilities/Westside on August 1. He has held that position since 2000.
     "We were fortunate that Pete Schachter was interested in taking on the head job on a permanent basis," added Farrington. "His past experiences in coaching at the collegiate level made him an ideal person for the position and the challenges ahead in the upcoming season."
     Schachter has been the Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation at Western since 2000, running the Intramural and Recreation programs, in addition to managing the Westside Weight Room. He will relinquish these duties August 1^st to concentrate on the coming season.
     Prior to arriving at Western Connecticut, Schachter was the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Manhattanville College from 1995-2000. He compiled a 48–55–3 record
during that time and led the Valiants’ program to its first ever NCAA tournament appearance in 1999, when the team finished with a 14-5 record and a perfect 6-0 Skyline Conference mark. He was awarded the Skyline Conference Coach of the Year award that year. Schachter also coached the Men’s Soccer team at Hunter College-CUNY during the 1990 season, guiding them to a second place CUNY Conference finish, before resigning the post to become the Athletic Director at York Preparatory School in New York City.
     Schachter played his college soccer at Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) and earned 4 varsity letters from 1973 to 1976, as a starting defender. The 1976 Brandeis team won the NCAA Division III National Championship during his senior year. In 1975 they were Greater Boston Conference Champions and an ECAC participant; he earned the team’s Unsung Hero Award his junior year. He played semi-professionally in the 1^st Divisions of the Hellenic American Soccer League (Nisyros SC) and the Cosmopolitan Soccer League (BW Gottschee), from 1985 to 1992.\
     Schachter holds an Advanced National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America; and is also currently certified as an Advanced Personal Trainer.
Following his BA degree in Fine Arts from Brandeis, he earned his MSc. degree in the Sociology of Sport and Sports Management from the University of Leicester.