BOX SCORE
Stony Brook, NY – The University of Hartford men's soccer team concluded its 2009 regular season with a 1-0 loss on the road to the Stony Brook Seawolves on Saturday.
The Hawks drop to 7-7-2 overall (4-2-1 AE) with the loss but secure the third seed in the 2009 America East Championship and will host the quarterfinal round against No. 6 Boston University. Hartford will be making its eighth appearance in the conference postseason tournament, including its third appearance in as many years.
With the win, the Seawolves locked up the number two seed in the tournament earning a first-round bye. Stony Brook improves to 5-9-3 overall with a 4-2-1 mark in the America East.
Stony Brook's Leonardo Fernandes scored his sixth goal of the season at an opportune time, netting the game-winner in the 21st minute. Leonardo tracked down a throw in from teammate Antonio Crespi and sent it home from six yards out to give the Seawolves the advantage.
"Unfortunately we waitied until the second half to execute our plan," commented Head Coach Dan Gaspar. "Congratulations to Stony Brook. We are anxious to get back home to play at Al-Marzzok Field versus Boston University. It will be a great match up and quality soccer and I am looking forward to having our fans come and show their support."
The Hawks held a demanding 23-10 advantage in the shots column over the Seawolves, including a 10-2 advantage in the second half. Eight of Hartford's shots were on goal, forcing Stony Brook keeper Anthony Rogic to make eight saves in the contest. Senior keeper Nenad Cudic faced three shots on goal, making two stops.
Seniors Carlos Villa and Ivan Guarin led the Hartford attack, taking eight and four shots respectively. Sophomore Patrick Boucher also added three shots.
The 13 points recorded during conference play by Hartford is the most since 2003 when it went 4-3-1 in league play.
As the third seed in the America East Championship, the Hawks will host sixth-seed Boston University on Saturday, November 7 with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. The Hawks and Terriers have met just once in the conference postseason where Hartford suffered a 3-0 loss in the 1996 semifinal round. Hartford is unbeaten at Al-Marzook Field in conference play this season with a 3-0-1 at home versus America East opponents.
