PRESIDENTS FALL JUST SHORT IN PAC CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH (11/8)

CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. -- Aaron Osborne, the nation's third leading scorer, collected the lone goal of the 2009 Presidents' Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Championship Match to help Thomas More Saints defeat Washington & Jefferson 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at The Bank of Kentucky Field.
 
Thomas More (17-2-1) captures its first PAC men's soccer championship since joining the conference in 2005 and receives the conference's automatic bid to the 2009 NCAA Tournament, its first appearance.

W&J finishes its season with a 12-7-1 overall record.  The Presidents made their seventh appearance in the PAC title match in the past eight years.  W&J last won the conference title in 2007 when edging Thomas More 2-1 in Washington, Pa. 

The Saints wasted little time scoring the game's only goal as Osborne took a pass from Joey Tensing and beat W&J freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) in the eighth minute.  

The evenly played match saw the Saints narrowly edge the Presidents in shots (14-12), while W&J held a slight advantage in corner kicks (6-5).
 
Myrum finished the contest with five saves for the Red & Black, while TMC goalie Zack Lawson collected three.
 
The Presidents played in the PAC Championship Match for the third consecutive year.  Senior Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township), the team's leading scorer this season with 22 points, wrapped up his career with 47 career points (17 goals and 13 assists).

-- PRESIDENTS --

GANTE LIFTS W&J OVER WESTMINSTER, 4-0, IN PAC SEMIFINALS

NEW WILMINGTON – Freshman midfielder Jimmy Gante (York, Pa./Dallastown){left} scored his first two collegiate goals to help the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team earn a 4-0 PAC Tournament Semifinal victory against Westminster College on Wednesday evening at Harold Burry Stadium.   

With the victory, the Presidents (12-6-1) advance to their seventh PAC Championship match in the past eight years.  W&J faces top-seeded Thomas More on Sunday afternoon.  The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm at The Bank of Kentucky Field.

The Presidents, who earned their first victory over the Titans since the 2006 season, were edged by Westminster (10-10) in last year’s PAC Championship game by a margin of 2-1 in double overtime.

Gante got the Presidents on the board in the 19th minute as he took a pass from junior defender Chris Whiteman (Hawthorn Woods, Ill./Heritage) and beat Westminster goalie Mike Codita. 

Neither squad was able to convert a goal over the next 26 minutes of the first half.  The Titans held a slight edge in shots in the first period, 6-5, while both teams attempted two corner kicks.

W&J wasted little time lighting up the scoreboard to start the second half as senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) collected a loose ball in front of the net and knocked it past Codita 67 seconds into the period.

Gante and junior midfielder Chris Skovira (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) sealed the victory for the Presidents, netting goals in the 55th and 66th minutes for the final margin.  Whiteman was credited with his second assist of the contest on Gante’s goal.

Freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) finished the contest with three saves, while Codita hauled in four for the Titans.  The Presidents and Titans each attempted 12 shots, while WC held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.

Thomas More defeated W&J 5-1 on October 21st in the teams' regular-season meeting at Alexandre Stadium.  The Saints jumped on top early, taking a 3-0 lead into halftime and earned their first-ever victory over the Presidents. 

-- PRESIDENTS --

BOSAK NETS GAME-WINNING GOAL AS W&J TOPS BETHANY, 1-0 (10/31)

BETHANY, W.Va. -- Junior midfielder Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) {right} scored the game's only goal in the 77th minute to lift the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Bethany College in Presidents’ Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon in West Virginia.

With the victory, the Presidents (11-6-1, 4-2 PAC) secured the No. 3 seed in the upcoming PAC Tournament and will travel to Westminster on Wednesday afternoon, while No. 1 seed Thomas More will host Grove City in the other semifinal contest. 

The two squads played a scoreless first half, but the Presidents dominated the offensive side of the game, outshooting Bethany (2-16, 1-5 PAC) by an 18-7 margin.

Following 31 minutes of scoreless soccer to start the second half, Bosak connected on a free kick to secure the victory.

W&J freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) made seven saves in goal, while Patrick Coleman hauled in 13 for the Bison.  The Red & Black outshot the Bison by a margin of 30-10 and held a 10-2 edge in corner kicks.

-- PRESIDENTS --

W&J PLACES FOUR ON ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT TEAMS (10/30)

WASHINGTON, Pa. – Washington & Jefferson College landed four soccer players on the 2009 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District men’s and women’s soccer teams selected by The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Senior Spencer Ahrenholtz (Bridgeville, Pa./Chartiers Valley) and junior Sean Maddock (Olathe, Kan./Blue Valley West) {right} were first team selections in the District II College Division, while Senior Molly Macioce (DuBois, Pa./Laurel Highlands) was named to the second team and junior Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) {bottom left} earned third team laurels.  As first team selections, Ahrenholtz and Maddock now move on to the Academic All-America ballots.

The District II region includes all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA colleges and universities in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The Presidents’ Athletic Conference landed a record-high 23 soccer players (13 women, 10 men) on the All-District squads.

Maddock, a physics major with a 3.96 grade-point average, has been a key contributor on the Presidents defensive line this season.  Maddock, who was a second team All-District selection last season, has dished out two assists in 2009. 

Bosak, who earned second team All-District laurels a year ago, is third on the team in goals this season with five, including two game winning goals.

Ahrenholtz, who holds a 3.80 grade-point average, is tied for the team lead in points with 14 (4g, 6a).  She has netted 23 goals and dished out nine assists for 55 total points in her four-year career at W&J.  She was also a first team Academic All-District honoree last season.

Macioce, a business major with a 3.55 grade-point average, has scored four goals and dished out five assists this season for 13 total points. 

Both the men’s and women’s squads will conclude regular-season play tomorrow afternoon at Bethany.  The men will open up the doubleheader with a 1:00 pm contest, followed by the women’s game at 3:00 pm in West Virginia.

-- PRESIDENTS --

W&J EARNS 5-1 VICTORY OVER THIEL (10/28)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Junior midfielder Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) netted two goals, while senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) {right} dished out three assists as the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team earned a 5-1 victory against Thiel College on Wednesday evening in Presidents’ Athletic Conference action at Alexandre Stadium.

The Tomcats (5-13-1, 0-6 PAC) scored the game's first goal in the 20th minute as Deighton Williams collected a loose ball in front of the net and knocked it past W&J goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) to give TC the early 1-0 lead.

The Presidents (10-6-1, 3-2 PAC) answered quickly, scoring goals in the 23rd and 26th minutes to take a 2-1 lead into intermission.  Junior midfielder Chris Suess (Moon Twp., Pa./Moon Area) connected on the first score off a rebounded shot, while Hart found Pappas open in front of the net for the second goal.

W&J continued to apply the pressure in the second period as it added three more goals to put the contest out of reach.

Junior midfielder Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) netted the first goal off assists from Hart and freshman midfielder Jimmy Gante (York, Pa./Dallastown).  Gante served the ball into the box, while Hart redirected it back to Bosak for the score.

Pappas found the net for the second time in the match in the 61st minute, corralling a loose ball in the box and slipping it by Thiel goalie David Rafle.  Junior midfielder Chris Skovira (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) closed out the scoring in the 62nd minute after he took a crossing pass from Hart and knocked it past Rafle.

The Presidents held a commanding 29-4 edge in shots and also claimed a 16-1 advantage in corner kicks.  Myrum finished the game with two saves for W&J, while Rafle collected eight for the Tomcats.

W&J concludes its regular-season schedule on Saturday afternoon, traveling to PAC-rival Bethany College.  First kick from West Virginia is set for 1:00 pm. 

-- PRESIDENTS --

WESTMINSTER BLANKS W&J IN KEY PAC MATCH (10/24)

WASHINGTON, Pa. – Westminster jumped out to a quick two-goal lead and defeated Washington & Jefferson 3-0 in PAC men’s soccer action on Saturday at Alexandre Stadium.

The victory jumped the Titans (8-9, 3-1) into a second place in the conference standings, while the Presidents (9-6-1, 2-2) are now fourth. 

Ian Hill collected a loose ball in the box in the sixth minute and fired a shot past W&J freshman goalkeeper Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) for a 1-0 advantage.

Wade Grubbs redirected Brice Lott’s cross home in the 29th minute for a 2-0 lead and the Titans held on for a 2-0 halftime edge. 

Jarred Smeltzer then put the game out of reach with a goal in the 64th minute. 

Westminster goalkeeper Mike Codita made eight saves in 83 minutes of action to earn the win.  Myrum finished with six saves in the setback. 

W&J held a 19-14 advantage in shots, but the Titans attempted five of the match’s eight corner kicks.

The Presidents hope to snap their four-game winless streak Wednesday when hosting Thiel (7:00 pm) in the regular-season home finale. 

-- PRESIDENTS --

THOMAS MORE HANDS W&J ITS FIRST PAC LOSS, 5-1 (10/21)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Aaron Osborne netted a hat trick to help lead the Thomas More College Saints to a 5-1 victory against Washington & Jefferson College on Wednesday night in a Presidents’ Athletic Conference men’s soccer match at Alexandre Stadium. 

With the win, the Saints (13-2, 4-0 PAC) are in sole possession of first place in the conference standings, while W&J (9-5-1, 2-1 PAC) is tied with Westminster for third place.

Osborne scored his first goal in the second minute of the game, taking a pass from teammate Joey Tensing and beating W&J freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway).  Dan Miller connected on the Saints second goal just eight minutes later, slipping a shot inside the left post.

Osborne netted his second goal of the first half in the 40th minute, putting the Saints up 3-0 at intermission.  The Saints outshot the Presidents 8-6 and held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks in the opening period.

Miller put the contest out of reach early in the second half, scoring a goal in the 49th minute.

The Presidents got on the scoreboard in the 61st minute as junior defender Turner Anderson (Quarryville, Pa./Solanco) corralled a rebounded shot and knocked it past Saints goalie Zack Lawson.

Osborne closed out the scoring on the evening in the 86th minute as he converted a penalty kick after W&J junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley), who entered the game in the second half, was booked for a red card in the goal box.

Myrum finished the game with three saves for the Presidents, while Lawson collected five for TMC.  The Saints held a 12-9 advantage in shots and a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.

The Presidents return to action on Saturday afternoon for another key PAC match with the Westminster College Titans.  The first kick from Alexandre Stadium is set for 3:00 pm.

-- PRESIDENTS --

W&J AND SAINT VINCENT PLAY TO SCORELESS TIE (10/16)

LATROBE, Pa. -- The Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team played Saint Vincent College to a 0-0 double overtime tie on Friday afternoon in Latrobe.  The draw will not count towards W&J’s (9-4-1) Presidents’ Athletic Conference record due to Saint Vincent’s (7-8-2) provisional status in the NCAA Division III.

With the scored tied at 0-0 at the end of regulation, the matched entered overtime, but still neither team was able to convert on a scoring opportunity.

The Presidents outshot the Bearcats 27-20 in the contest, while the two teams each attempted six corner kicks.  Junior midfielder Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) led W&J with six shot attempts, while Luis Rodriguez fired seven times for SVC.

Junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) played the first half and stopped three shots, while freshman Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) {top right} played the second half and both overtime sessions and amassed six saves.  Jake Gilbertson and Clemente Mejia split time in goal for the Bearcats, totalling four and two saves, respectively.

The Presidents return to Alexandre Stadium for a key PAC match against Thomas More on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm.  The winner of the contest will move into first place in the conference standings.

-- PRESIDENTS --

W&J RANKED NINTH IN NSCAA GREAT LAKES REGIONAL POLL (10/13)

WASHINGTON, Pa. — The Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team, which is off to its best start since the 2005 season, is ranked ninth in the current NSCAA Great Lakes Region poll released on Tuesday afternoon.  The 2005 Presidents won 10 of their first 13 matches to begin the season.

Dating back to September 16th, the Presidents (9-3, 2-0 PAC) have won seven consecutive games and are one win shy of tying the school record for consecutive wins in a season.  W&J will look to earn that victory tonight, traveling to Geneva for a 7:00 pm contest against the Golden Tornadoes.

The Presidents have been paced offensively this season by senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) and junior midfielder Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson).  The duo have both amassed 17 total points on the season with Hart tallying six goals and five assists and Pappas netting eight goals with one assist.

The defensive unit, which has only allowed just one goal in the seven game win streak, has been led by the goalie tandem of junior Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) and freshman Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway).  The duo has combined for a 0.91 GAA, allowing 11 goals in 1,090 minutes this season. 

The W&J backline of juniors Turner Anderson (Quarryville, Pa./Solanco) {top right}, Sean Maddock (Olathe, Kan./Blue Valley West), Josh Weber (Pittsburgh, Pa./Chartiers Valley) and Chris Whiteman (Hawthorn Woods, Ill./Heritage) have also been a contributing factor in the current streak, allowing opposing offenses to 80 total shots (11.4/game).

NSCAA Div. III Great Lakes Region Poll

1.  Ohio Wesleyan - (12-0-2)  
2.  Carnegie Mellon (Pa.) - (11-1-0)  
3.  Kenyon (Ohio) - (10-3-0) 
4.  Centre College (Ky.) - (10-3-2)  
5.  Ohio Northern - (9-3-1)  
6.  Capital (Ohio) - (10-4-0)  
7.  Thomas More (Ky.) - (10-2-0)  
8.  DePauw (Ind.) - (7-3-1)  
9.  W&J - (9-3-0)  
10. Baldwin-Wallace (Ohio) - (8-5-0)  

-- PRESIDENTS --

PRESIDENTS' WIN STREAK COMES TO AN END WITH 2-1 LOSS AT GENEVA (10/13)

BEAVER FALLS, Pa. -- The Geneva College Golden Tornadoes used two second-half goals to post a 2-1 victory and hand the Washington & Jefferson men’s soccer team its first loss since September 16th.  The setback will not count towards the Presidents' conference record due to Geneva’s provisional status in the NCAA Division III.

After the two teams played a scoreless first half, Josh Mann connected on the game's first goal in the 54th minute to give the Golden Tornadoes (9-4) the 1-0 advantage.  Teddy Krzywiecki and Matt Weaver were credited with assists on the goal.

GC added what would eventually become the game-winning goal in the 88th minute on a penalty kick conversion off the foot of Caleb Musselman.

The Presidents answered with a goal of their own just seconds late as junior defender Chris Whiteman (Hawthorn Woods, Ill./Heritage) {above} took a pass from junior midfielder Chris Skovira (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) and beat Geneva goalie David Callahan for his first collegiate goal.

With just over a minute left in the contest, W&J was not able to put together another scoring opportunity, leading to its first defeat in nearly a month.

Junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) finished the game with two saves for W&J, while Callahan hauled in five for the Golden Tornadoes.  The two squads both attempted 14 shots, while W&J held a 9-4 edge in corner kicks.

W&J is back in action on Friday afternoon, traveling to Saint Vincent for a 4:00 pm contest with the Bearcats.  The outcome of the match will also be omitted from W&J’s conference record because SVC is in its final year of provisional status within NCAA Division III.

-- PRESIDENTS --

W&J DUO EARNS PAC WEEKLY SOCCER AWARDS (10/12)

WASHINGTON, Pa. – Washington & Jefferson College junior men’s soccer player Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) and freshman women’s soccer player Chrissy Marcius (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) were selected as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week, respectively, on Monday afternoon by the conference office.

Both players earned the award after netting their first collegiate hat tricks in a pair of W&J victories last week. Marcius posted her three-goal effort during a 6-0 victory against Chatham on October 5th, while Pappas accomplished the feat in a 3-1 victory against Waynesburg on October 10th.

Pappas, who leads the team with eight goals, has played and started in all 12 games for the Presidents. The junior has also dished out one and assist and is tied for the team lead in points (17) with senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township). He has also attempted a team-best 50 shots and owns three game-winning goals.

For his career, Pappas has played in 54 games and has started 47 times. The junior has scored 26 career points (12g, 2a) and has scored four game-winning goals. He has also attempted 144 total shots.

Marcius kept the momentum going into Saturday’s contest against Waynesburg as she assisted on the game-winning goal, scored by freshman midfielder Dawn Murphy (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny), in the 79th minute of the contest.

On the season, Marcius, who has started eight games, is tied for the team lead with four goals. She has nine total points and has attempted 35 shots in 12 contests.

Both the men’s and women’s squads will return to action on Tuesday, October 13th, traveling to Beaver Falls for a PAC doubleheader. The women’s game is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm, while the men are set to kickoff at 7:00 pm.

-- PRESIDENTS --PAPPAS NETS HAT TRICK IN 3-1 VICTORY OVER WAYNESBURG (10/10)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Junior midfielder Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) {right} posted his first collegiate hat trick during a 3-1 victory for the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team against Waynesburg University on Senior Day at Alexandre Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

With the two-goal victory, the Presidents (9-3, 2-0 PAC) have now extended their current win streak to seven.  W&J can tie the school record for consecutive wins in a season with a victory in its next contest against Geneva College on Tuesday evening.

Pappas and junior midfielder John Lhota (Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield Area) teamed up for the first two goals in the 17th and 27th minutes of the first half to put W&J up 2-0 at intermission.

The Yellow Jackets (1-13, 0-2 PAC) drew within a goal of the Presidents early in the second half, receiving a goal of the foot of Nick Munnell.  Jared Dobsch assisted on the score.

Pappas sealed the victory in the final minute of the contest on a penalty kick.  Senior Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) earned the penalty kick after being taking down in the box on a break away opportunity.

The Yellow Jackets held a 16-13 shot advantage and a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.  Junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley), who picked up his sixth win of the season, made three saves, while his teammate Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) played the second period and stopped four shots.  Luke Navickas hauled in four saves in the contest for WU.

The Presidents and Golden Tornadoes will kick off at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evening in Beaver Falls.

-- PRESIDENTS --

HART CARRIES W&J OVER PSU-BEHREND 2-0 WITH TWO SECOND HALF GOALS (10/7)

ERIE, Pa. -- Senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) {right} scored a pair of second-half goals to help the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team grab a 2-0 victory against Penn State-Behrend on Wednesday evening.

With the 2-0 victory, the Presidents (8-3, 1-0 PAC) have now posted six-straight shutout performances.  The six consecutive shutouts are a new school record as well as the current stretch of 569 minutes and 12 seconds without allowing an opponent to score (dating back to Sept. 13th versus Lynchburg). 

Hart connected on what would eventually be the game winning goal in the 54th minute of the second half.  Junior midfielder Chris Skovira (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) sent a pass into the box that Hart was able to knock past the Lions goalie Dustin Walker to put W&J up 1-0.

Hart added his second goal in the 88th minute of the contest on a penalty kick after PSU-Behrend (7-3-1) was whistled for a foul in the box.

The Presidents and Lions held an even 6-6 count in shots, while the Lions held the edge in corner kicks, 6-3.  W&J junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) and Walker each finished the match with two saves.

W&J returns to Alexandre Stadium for Senior Day on Saturday, October 10th, at 1:00 pm versus Waynesburg.

-- PRESIDENTS --

W&J SWEEPS WEEKLY PAC MEN’S SOCCER AWARDS (10/3)

WASHINGTON, Pa. – Washington & Jefferson College junior men’s soccer players Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) {bottom left} and Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) {right} were selected as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Offensive and Defensive/Goalkeeper Players of the Week, respectively, on Monday afternoon by the conference office.

The Presidents (7-3, 1-0 PAC), who have not allowed a goal during their current five-game winning streak, are off to their best start through the first 10 games since the 2005 season when the squad also posted a mark of 7-3.

Bosak and Kern are the fourth and fifth men’s soccer players to earn PAC Player of the Week honors in 2009 as senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township), junior defender Sean Maddock (Olathe, Kan./Blue Valley West) and freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) have also been recognized by the conference.

Bosak garnered the honor after netting two goals in the first 15 minutes of action against Penn State-Beaver to help lift W&J to a 7-0 victory against the Lions on September 29th.  He than added the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Grove City on Saturday, October 3rd. 

After a Grove City foul in W&J territory, Bosak lined up a free kick from 20 yards out and knocked it past the Wolverine goalie to give W&J victory in the conference opener.

On the season, Bosak has scored four goals, including two game-winners.  He has attempted eight total shots and is second on the team in scoring with eight points.

Kern earned the award after posting back-to-back shutouts in goal for the Presidents last week.  The junior hauled in two saves in the Presidents' victory against Penn State-Beaver and collected four in W&J’s triumph at Grove City on Saturday afternoon.

Kern, who holds a record of 4-2 in 2009, has appeared in nine games this season, totaling 630 minutes of action and allowing just eight goals for a GAA of 1.14.  He has stopped 37 shots and carries a .822 save percentage.

The Presidents conclude their non-conference schedule on Wednesday, October 7th, traveling to Penn State-Behrend for a 4:00 pm contest, and return to Alexandre Stadium for Senior Day on October 10th, for a 1:00 pm PAC match against Waynesburg.

-- PRESIDENTS --

BOSAK NETS LATE GOAL TO LIFT W&J OVER GROVE CITY, 1-0 (10/2) 

GROVE CITY, Pa. -- After playing 80 minutes of scoreless soccer, Washington & Jefferson College junior midfielder Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) {right} scored a goal in the 82nd minute off a free kick to give the Presidents' men’s soccer team a 1-0 victory over Grove City College on Friday evening at College Field.  The game was the Presidents’ Athletic Conference opener for both squads.

The Presidents (7-3, 1-0 PAC) controlled the pace of the game in the first half, leading GCC (3-6-1, 0-1 PAC) in shots, 6-4, and corner kicks, 5-0, but weren’t able to convert a goal as the two teams went into halftime tied up 0-0.

The score remained the same for the majority of the second half, but a Wolverine foul deep in W&J territory in the 82nd minute set up Bosak’s opportunity.  The junior lined up a shot from 20 yards out and knocked it past Grove City goalie Sean Osborne for the game's only goal.

The Red & Black held the edge in total shots, 10-6, and corner kicks, 12-4.  Junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) and Osborne both finished the match with four saves.

W&J concludes its non-conference schedule on Wednesday, October 7th, traveling to Erie, Pa., for a 4:00 pm contest against Penn State-Behrend.

-- PRESIDENTS --

W&J’S SEAN MADDOCK EARNS PAC SOCCER AWARD (9/29)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Washington & Jefferson College junior defender Sean Maddock (Olathe, Kan./Blue Valley West) was selected as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week on Monday afternoon by the conference office. 

Maddock helped W&J (5-3) record shutout victories over La Roche (5-0) and Wilmington (1-0) last week.  He is part of a defense that hasn’t allowed a goal for nearly 300 minutes dating back to a 2-1 loss at Lynchburg on Sept. 13th.  Washington & Jefferson has four shutouts in 2009. 

The W&J defense allowed only 10 shots on goal last week.  Maddock also assisted on the eventual game-winning goal versus La Roche in the 44th minute. 

Maddock has played in 40 matches for the Presidents over the past three seasons, including 30 starts.  He has collected two assists (both in 2009) and has attempted 18 shots.  W&J has posted 16 team shutouts with Maddock as a part of the defensive unit. 

-- PRESIDENTS --

PRESIDENTS COLLECT FOURTH-STRAIGHT VICTORY WITH 7-0 DECISION AGAINST PSU-BEAVER (9/29)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Junior midfielder Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of action on Tuesday evening to help the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team earn its fourth-consecutive victory, 7-0, over Penn State-Beaver at Alexandre Stadium.

The seven goals scored were the most scored by a W&J squad since the 2004 season.  On November 1, 2004, the Presidents earned an 8-0 decision against Waynesburg University.

With W&J leading 2-0 after Bosak’s early goals, the Presidents struck three more times before intermission to grab a 5-0 lead at half time.

Junior Chris Skovira (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) netted his third goal of the season in the 33rd minute off a pass from senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township), while junior Chris Suess (Moon, Twp., Pa./Moon Area) added his third goal in the last three games on a pass from freshman midfielder Matt Wolf (Goldsboro, N.C./Wayne Country Day) in the 41st minute. 

Senior forward Brian Kage (Flint, Mich./Carman Ainsworth) scored his first goal of the season in the final minute of the first half off an assist from freshman defender Adam Ivusich (Joppa, Md./Joppatowne).

The Red & Black added two goals early in the second half to close out the scoring for the evening.  Sophomore Ryan Suess (Moon, Twp., Pa./Moon Area) and senior Larry Nolan (Zanesville, Ohio/Zanesville) {top right} netted goals in the 47th and 49th minutes, respectively, with freshman Jimmy Gante (York, Pa./Dallastown) and Hart earning the assists.

The Presidents outshot the Lions by a margin of 38-4 and held a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks.  Junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley), who earned his second win of the season, finished the game with two saves, while Kevin Conley hauled in 15 saves for the Lions.

W&J will begin its Presidents’ Athletic Conference schedule on Friday afternoon, traveling to Grove City for a 4:00 pm contest with the Wolverines at College Field.

-- PRESIDENTS --

LHOTA'S LATE FIRST HALF GOAL LIFTS W&J OVER WILMINGTON, 1-0 (9/26)

WILMINGTON, Ohio -- Junior midfielder John Lhota (Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield Area) {right} scored a goal late in the first half to help the Washington & Jefferson College men's soccer team defeat Wilmington College, 1-0, on Saturday night in Ohio.

Lhota took a pass from classmate Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) late in the first half and beat the Quakers goalie for the game-winning goal.

Junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) made five saves in goal for the Presidents, while Wilmington held an 18-8 edge in shots.

The Presidents will return to action on Tuesday, September 29th, hosting Penn State-Beaver at 7:00 pm at Alexandre Stadium.

-- PRESIDENTS --

STRONG SECOND HALF CARRIES W&J OVER LA ROCHE, 5-0 (9/23)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- After leading 1-0 in a tightly-contested first half, the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team exploded for four goals in the final 45 minutes to post a 5-0 victory over La Roche College on Wednesday night at Alexandre Stadium.  Junior midfielder Chris Suess (Moon, Twp./Moon) {right} scored a career-high two goals in the winning effort.

W&J (4-3) scored the only goal of the first half in the 44th minute.  Suess knocked in his first goal off a pass from junior midfielder Sean Maddock (Olathe, Kan./Blue Valley West).

After a scoreless 15 minutes, the Presidents fired in goals in the 67th and 68th minutes to extend their lead to 3-0.  Junior midfielder Chris Skovira (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) netted his first goal of the season off a rebounded shot attempt, while junior Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) took a pass from senior Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) and beat Redhawk goalie John Happel for the second goal.

Suess added his second goal of the game in the 88th minute on a loose ball in the box, while freshman Mark Reuter (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/University School) scored his first collegiate goal in the 89th minute.  Suess’ younger brother, sophomore Ryan Suess (Moon, Twp./Moon), assisted on the final score of the game.

The Presidents held a 25-12 advantage in shots, while La Roche (2-4-1) led in corner kicks, 6-3.  Freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway), who played the first half, picked up his third win of the season in goal and finished with one save.  Junior Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chatiers Valley) played the second half for W&J and stopped four shots, while Happel finished the game with nine saves for the Redhawks.

W&J is back in action Saturday evening when traveling to Ohio for a 7:30 pm contest with the Wilmington College Quakers.

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WEBER’S GOAL LIFTS W&J OVER MARIETTA, 1-0 (9/16)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Junior midfielder Josh Weber (Pittsburgh, Pa./Chartiers Valley) {right} scored the only goal of the match for the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team on Wednesday night as the Presidents defeated Marietta College at Alexandre Stadium.

In the 15th minute, W&J (3-3) junior midfielder Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) fired a shot at the goal, which was deflected towards the top of the box by MC goalie Andrew Shannon.  Weber was able to gain control of the loose ball, and with one touch, knocked it by Shannon for the games only score.

The Pioneers (2-3-1) outshot the Presidents, 18-11, but the Red & Black held an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks.  Freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) made two saves in goal for W&J, while Shannon finished the match with three.

The Presidents will be off until next Wednesday when they host La Roche College.  The first kick from Alexandre Stadium is set for 7:00 pm.

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W&J’S SIMEN MYRUM NAMED PAC ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (9/14)

WASHINGTON, Pa. – Washington & Jefferson College freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) was named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference men’s soccer defensive/goalkeeper player of the week on Monday afternoon by the conference office.

He earned the award after recording his first collegiate shutout in the Presidents' 1-0 victory against Marietta on September 16th at Alexandre Stadium.  The freshman exchange student from Norway tallied two saves in the victory.

On the season, Myrum has appeared in four games, making two starts.  He ranks second in the PAC in goals against average, allowing only two goals in 227:36 minutes of action.  Myrum holds a 2-1 overall record on the year and has made 11 saves in goal for the Red & Black.

The Presidents (3-3) return to action on Wednesday evening for a 7:00 pm contest with La Roche College.

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W&J’S DAN HART NAMED PAC ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (9/14)

WASHINGTON, Pa. – Washington & Jefferson College senior Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) was named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference men’s soccer offensive player of the week on Monday afternoon by the conference office.

Hart earned the award after finishing the week with three goals and two assists.  He had a career night in a Presidents' uniform last Tuesday, scoring two goals and recording one assist during W&J’s 6-0 victory against NAIA member Point Park University at Alexandre Stadium.

He added another goal and assist in a 4-3 overtime victory against Randolph College (Pa.) at the Lynchburg College Tournament last weekend in Virginia.

On the season, Hart leads the team in points (10), goals (4) and assists (2).

The Presidents return to action on Wednesday evening when they host Ohio Athletic Conference member Marietta College at 7:00 pm.

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W&J DUO EARNS ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM HONORS (9/14)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Washington & Jefferson College junior men’s soccer players Sean Maddock (Olathe, Kan./Blue Valley West) and Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) were named to the All-Tournament team last weekend at the Lynchburg College Tournament in Virginia.

The Presidents (2-3) opened the tournament with a 4-3 overtime victory against Randolph College (Va.) on Saturday afternoon.  Pappas scored back-to-back goals for W&J in less than a minute of action to help propel the Presidents to victory.  The first goal came with 28:40 showing on the first-half clock off an assist from senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) and the second goal was scored just 13 seconds later (28:53) as Pappas took a pass from classmate Chris Skovira (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) and knocked it passed RC goalie, Scott Zaring.

W&J suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of tournament host Lynchburg on Sunday afternoon.  Maddock, who recorded his first career point this season on an assist in the Presidents 6-0 victory against Point Park University on September 8, earned the honor for his productive play in the midfield throughout the weekend.

W&J will be back in action on Wednesday, September 16th, against Marietta College (Ohio).  The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm at Alexandre Stadium.

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PRESIDENTS FALL ON SECOND DAY OF LYNCHBURG TOURNAMENT (9/13)

LYNCHBURG, Va. -- The Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision against Lynchburg College on Sunday afternoon on day two of the Lynchburg College Tournament in Virginia.

Donald Hart beat W&J freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) on a breakaway opportunity in the 20th minute to give the Hornets (4-1) the early 1-0 advantage in the match.

Josh Reed scored the eventual game-winning goal for LC in the 61st minute with just under 30 minutes to play in the contest.

Junior midfielder Josh Weber (Pittsburgh, Pa./Chartiers Valley) got the Presidents on the scoreboard in the 86th minute with his first goal of the season.

Junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley), who took over for Myrum in the second half, finished the game with five saves, while Myrum corralled six.  Lynchburg goalie Matt Sturdivant finished the game with two for the Hornets.

LC outshot W&J by a margin of 34-7 and held a 10-5 advantage in corner kicks.

The Presidents (3-2) return home on Wednesday evening for a 7:00 pm contest with the Pioneers of Marietta College.

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PAPPAS’ PROPELS W&J OVER RANDOLPH, 4-3, IN OVERTIME (9/12)

LYNCHBURG, Va. -- Junior midfielder Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson)  scored two goals to help lead the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team to a 4-3 overtime victory over Randolph College on Saturday afternoon at the Lynchburg College Tournament in Virginia. 

Randolph (1-2-1) struck first in the contest, scoring a goal in the 19th minute off the foot of Eddy Ratianarivo to put the WildCats up 1-0 early in the match.

W&J (2-2) answered just minutes later as Pappas struck for two goals in less than a minute of action.  The first goal came with 28:40 showing on the first-half clock off an assist from senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) and the second goal was scored just 13 seconds later (28:53) as Pappas took a pass from classmate Chris Skovira (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) and knocked it passed RC goalie, Scott Zaring.

The WildCats evened the score back up at 2-2 in the 31st minute after a goal from Timothy Songer.  Ratianarivo assisted on the goal.

Hart gave the Presidents the lead back early in the second half, scoring a goal in the 48th minute to put W&J up 3-2, but Songer responded with his second goal of the contest in the 66th minute off a pass from Montana Gibson to tie the match up, 3-3.

Both squads defensive units were able to shut down the offenses over the remaining 24 minutes of regulation, sending the match into overtime.

Skovira ended the match early in the overtime session, taking a pass from senior Larry Nolan (Zanesville, Ohio/Zanesville) in the 93rd minute and beating Zaring to give W&J the 4-3 victory.

Freshman goalie Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) recorded his first win in goal for the Presidents after taking over for junior Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) in the second half.  Kern made three saves in goal, while Myrum posted two.  Zaring finished the match with six saves for RC.

The Presidents will be back in action in Virginia tomorrow afternoon for a 2:30 pm kickoff with Lynchburg College. 

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HART AND PAPPAS LEAD W&J TO 6-0 VICTORY OVER POINT PARK (9/8)

WASHINGTON, Pa. – Senior midfielder Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) had a career night Tuesday for the Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer team, scoring two goals and recording one assist during the Presidents' 6-0 victory against NAIA member Point Park University at Alexandre Stadium. 

The six goals marked the second time since the 2005 season that a W&J squad posted that total in a game.  The Red & Black last posted a six-goal effort in a 6-2 victory against Thiel onl on October 22, 2005.

The Presidents (1-2) scored the first goal of the contest in the 31st minute when junior forward Mike Pappas (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) {top right}  took a crossing pass from classmate John Lhota (Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield Area) and beat Point Park (0-3) goalie Zeke O’Donnell.

The Red & Black added another goal just eight minutes later when Hart converted a penalty kick after a Point Park defender committed a foul in the goal box.

Two early second-half goals helped put the game out of reach for W&J.  Junior Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) took a pass from junior Sean Maddock (Olathe, Kan./Blue Valley West) and headed home the third goal, while Pappas converted his second goal of the game off an assist from Hart.

Hart capped of his night with a breakaway goal in the 67th minute to put the Presidents up 5-0.  Sophomore midfielder David Stueber (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/University School) assisted on the goal.  Stueber then put the final point on the board in the 80th minute, taking a pass from freshman defender Chris Rojotte (Newington, Conn./Bridgton Academy) and beating O’Donnell for his first collegiate tally. 

Junior Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) and freshman Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) combined on the shutout as Kern posted four saves, while Myrum added one.  O’Donnell finished the contest with seven saves for the Pioneers.

W&J outshot the Pioneers by a margin of 21-11 and also held the edge in corner kicks, 6-4.

The Presidents travel to Virginia this weekend to take part in the Lynchburg College Tournament.  W&J will compete against Randolph College on Saturday at 3:30 pm and against the host Hornets on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm.

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W&J FALLS TO WOOSTER, 2-1 (9/5)

WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Scott Buckwald scored two second-half goals to help lift The College of Wooster to a 2-1 victory over Washington & Jefferson College in men’s soccer action on Saturday night at Alexandre Stadium.

The Fighting Scots (1-0-1) and Presidents (0-2) battled tough throughout the first 45 minutes, but neither team was able to find the back of the net.  W&J had the best look at a goal in the 25th minute when junior midfielder Stephen Bosak (Westerville, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) struck a ball towards the right post, but a diving save from Wooster goalkeeper Taylor Takacs helped preserve the 0-0 tie.

The Red & Black led the Fighting Scots at intermission in shots by a margin of 9-3 and corner kicks, 2-0.

The Presidents struck first in the second half after the senior duo of Dan Hart (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) {top right} and Larry Nolan (Zanesville, Ohio/Zanesville) connected for a goal in the 63rd minute.  Nolan crossed a ball in front of the net that Hart was able to flick in and give W&J a 1-0 advantage.

Buckwald scored the first of his two goals just eight minutes later, taking a long pass sent in by Karl Ruter and beating junior goalkeeper Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) to tie the score up at 1-1.

Buckwald and Ruter teamed up again in the 87th minute to cap off the come-from-behind victory for the Fighting Scots.

W&J outshot Wooster by a margin of 20-7 and held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.  Kern made one stop in goal for the Presidents, while Takacs finished the contest with six saves.

The Presidents will return to action next Tuesday when hosting NAIA member Point Park at 7:00 pm.

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NO. 21 CMU TOPS W&J IN MEN'S SOCCER SEASON OPENER (9/1)

WASHINGTON, Pa. - Senior midfielder Ryan Heuler (Mt. Pleasant, Pa./Greensburg C.C.) scored two goals to help 21st ranked Carnegie Mellon open the season with a 3-0 men's soccer victory over Washington & Jefferson Tuesday evening at Alexandre Stadium. 

Heuler took a pass from senior forward Ricky Griffin (Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y./Hastings) and beat W&J junior goalie Brandon Kern (Oakdale, Pa./Chartiers Valley) in the seventh minute for the opening goal. 

The Tartans (1-0) controlled play for most of the first half, but Kern turned back five shots.  W&J didn't record its first shot on goal until the final seconds of the first half.

The Presidents' best chance of the match game in the 57th minute as junior forward Mike Pappas' (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) headed a corner kick cross which senior goalie Maks Khurgin (Cupertino, Calif./Monta Vista) got a hand on and lifted just above the crossbar. 

Heuler added his second goal in the 78th minute after lofting a shot past Kern, while senior midfielder Ryan Browne (Pittsburgh, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) tacked on a goal with five minutes remaining. 

Kern finished with nine saves, while Khurgin earned the win after making three stops.  CMU outshot the Presidents by a 22-7 margin. 

Washington & Jefferson looks ahead for its first win Saturday evening when hosting North Coast Athletic Conference opponent Wooster at 7:00 pm. 

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2009 MEN'S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW (8/19)

WASHINGTON, Pa. –  The  2009 Washington & Jefferson College men’s soccer program will rely on numerous players to fill the void left behind by a talented graduating class.  The 2008 seniors accounted for much of the Presidents' production last season, including 46 percent (12 of 26) of the goals, 69 percent (11 of 16) of the assists, 30 percent (92 of 309) of the shot attempts and nearly 100 percent of the goalkeeping stats.

The 2008 Presidents opened the season with 0-3-1 record, but used a second half push to again secure its second-straight spot in the PAC Tournament Championship match.  W&J dropped a double-overtime heartbreaker against Westminster, 2-1.

The 2009 roster will feature just three seniors, while 13 juniors will make up the focal point of the team.  The Presidents will return six starters off last season's squad, including senior Dan Hart and juniors Stephen Bosak, Sean Maddock, Mike Pappas, Chris Skovira and Josh Weber.

Hart started 12 games last year and returns to the starting lineup after scoring five points (2g, 1a).  Pappas and Skovira, who both recorded one goal last year, will again be mainstays on the Presidents' offensive attack.

Weber, who recorded two goals in 2008, will be expected to improve upon his offensive production this season, while Bosak and Maddock will focus much of their attention on setting up teammates from the midfield position.

The biggest question mark for 19th year head coach, Ian McDonald, will be replacing four-year starting goalie Tyler Hodgins.  Junior Brandon Kern and freshman Simen Myrum will battle for the open position in preseason camp.  Kern appeared in one game for W&J last year.

The Presidents will be without their leading returning scorer from 2008, Jonathan Moore, who suffered an off-season injury and will likely miss the entire 2009 season.  Moore tallied nine points (4g, 1a) last season.

The Presidents will open regular season play on September 1st when hosting University Athletic Association member Carnegie Mellon.  The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm at Alexandre Stadium.

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