Complete Game Notes as a PDF

THE START OF A NEW SEASON
The Southern Connecticut State University men's soccer team will open its 2009 season with a pair games this week. Up first for the Owls, the team will travel to the University of Bridgeport for a non-conference affair on Aug. 28. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Knights Field. Two days later on Aug. 30, the Owls will challenge Post University for their home opener at Jess Dow Field. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

ANOTHER CAMPAIGN IN THE BOOKS
As tradition dictates, the Southern Connecticut State University men's soccer team once again qualified for the Northeast-10 Conference Tournament in 2008. The Owls matched a program single season record with five ties and also played in seven overtime games, including a playoff loss to Franklin Pierce. In all, the Owls have appeared in a national semifinal 17 times in school history and have won six national championships (1987, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1998 and 1999), more than any other Division II program.

RETURNING A STRONG NUCLEUS
SCSU will have great veteran experience this year with 12 returning players from last year's club, including four seniors.

IN THE NORTHEAST-10 PRESEASON POLL
The Southern Connecticut State University men's soccer team has been selected fifth in the 2009 Northeast-10 Conference Men's Soccer Coaches' preseason poll.

LEADING THE WAY
Sophomore Paul Templeton shouldered the bulk of the offense for the Owls in 2008. The midfielder led the team with 17 points and seven goals as well as taking 38 shots during the campaign. The Saltcoats, Scotland native was quick out of the gates as he scored twice in a 3-0 win over Post on Sept. 3 to give the Owls their first win of the season. He added another two-goal effort in a 5-0 win over Stonehill.
FARRIER EARNS PRAISE
Senior defender Ancil Farrier collected plenty of accolades after an excellent 2008 season in which he was second on the team in points (8) and goals (3). Farrier was named the Northeast-10 Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year and was an All-New England and All-Region selection. He was also named to the All-Conference First Team for the third straight season. As the backbone of the defense, Farrier helped lead the Owls to seven defensive shutouts this season.

COLLECTING CONFERENCE HARDWARE
Five Owls were named to Northeast-10 All-Conference teams for their play in 2008. Ancil Farrier was named First-Team All-Conference. Vinicius Da Silva and Sean O'Brien were both named Second-Team All-Conference, while Paul Templeton was named Third-Team All-Conference. In addition, Daniel Goldberg was selected to the All-Conference Rookie Team.

SOLID BETWEEN THE PIPES
Freshman goalkeeper Andrew Esposito may have registered just a 6-6-5 record on the season but his numbers were a bit more impressive. He finished the year with a .784 save percentage and a 1.04 goals against average, allowing only 19 goals on the season.

LENDING A HELPING HAND
Senior midfielder Djorde Jankovic seemed to be feeling helpful in a Sept. 7 game vs. New Hampshire. The Sabac, Serbia native recorded two assists in the 5-1 SCSU victory. His five assists were good enough to lead the team in that category for a second straight season.

SCORING AT A PREMIUM
Defense was the name of the game for SCSU in 2008. Offensively, the Owls scored only 23 goals on the season but also only let up 19 goals and limited opponents to a 1.04 goals per game average in an outstanding defensive effort. Furthermore, the Owls set a program single season record with four scoreless ties on the season.

EXCELLING IN THE CLASSROOM
Senior midfielder Djorde Jankovic concluding his career at SCSU by being named to the Northeast-10 Conference men's soccer All-Academic Team. The All-Academic Team consists of student-athletes who have achieved sophomore year status, a 3.3 GPA and participated in at least 50 percent of the team's games.

COACH LANG'S MILESTONE
With the thrilling 2-1 victory against Bentley last season, Head Coach Tom Lang collected his 300th career win. Coach Lang has coached at SCSU for 11 seasons and has accumulated a record of 184-33-31. Lang also has nine Division II playoff appearances and two NCAA championships.

ON DECK
The Owls return to action on Sept. 2 with a contest against St. Anselm. This Northeast-10 Conference match-up is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Jess Dow Field.