Bryant University Bulldogs MEN’S SOCCER TRAVELS TO CENTRAL CONNECTICUT WEDNESDAY; PLAY HOME OPENER FRIDAY AFTERNOON AGAINST LONG ISLAND

September 29, 2008

MEN'S SOCCER TRAVELS TO CENTRAL CONNECTICUT WEDNESDAY; PLAY HOME OPENER FRIDAY AFTERNOON AGAINST LONG ISLAND

SMITHFIELD, RI- Losers of their last five games, the Bulldogs men's soccer team looks to get back on track as they travel to take on Central Connecticut State University before playing their home opener on Friday against Long Island. Bryant makes a quick turnaround, heading back on the road Sunday to play Fordham. The Bulldogs will have played 11 straight road games to start the season before their first and only home game of the year. Bryant dropped two games over the weekend, falling 4-0 at the hands of Maine, and then 3-0 at St. Francis (NY). The Bulldogs played St. Francis even for the majority of the game, but were burned on three free kicks that led to all three Terrier goals. Freshman Andrew Snell (South Salem, N.Y.), who got his first career start, made four saves in 90 minutes.

Scouting the Blue Devils
Entering the week ranked 5^th in the NSCAA North Atlantic Region, Central Connecticut State is coming off a double overtime win over Siena their last time out. The Blue Devils rallied from a 2-0 in the match, first scoring on a penalty kick from Yan Klukowski in the 65^th minute, and then tying the game with eight minutes to go in regulation on a goal from David Tyrie. Tyrie also put home the game winner off a corner kick from Klukowski.

Yan Klukowski leads the Blue Devils in scoring with 12 points, tying him for first in the NEC. He is also tied for second in the league in goals with five, while being in the top-25 in the NCAA in both goals and points per game.

Scouting the Blackbirds
Long Island University comes into this week owning a four game winning streak following wins over Manhattan, 3-1, and Columbia, 1-0. The Blackbirds had lost their first four matches of the season before winning their last four to even their record at 4-4-0 on the season.

Freshman midfielder Josh Maley, Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week, scored the game winning goal against Columbia in overtime, the first of his career. Fellow freshman Adam Janssen recorded his first career shutout in the same game, making five saves. Jukka Lehto leads the Blackbirds in scoring, scoring three goals and recording one assist in eight games.

Scouting the Rams
The Fordham Rams are looking bounce back from a 2-1 overtime loss against Hartwick last week. The Rams will have a week off in between the loss before taking on the Bulldogs on Sunday. The game will be the final non-conference tune-up before getting into Atlantic-10 play next week.

Winners of two of their last three, the Rams are led by Aaron Markowitz, who has tallied three goals and two assists this season. Keeper Ryan Meara has recorded three shutouts, allowing ten goals in eight games while making 21 saves.

Fresh Faces
The Bulldog roster features 14 freshman this year, as well as two transfers. The new class has accounted for nine of the eleven total points for the team. Freshman Ben Mello (Rehoboth, Mass.) leads the team in points with four (2g, 0a) on the season, including the game tying goal in the 88^th minute at Pittsburgh. Classmate Robb Rodriguez (North Branford, Conn.) is second on the team with three points (1g, 1a), while Anthony Restivo (Lisbon, Conn.) and Nicholas Parisi (Holbrook, N.Y.) have each notched one assist.

The Bulldogs will be in action Wednesday afternoon at Central Connecticut (3:30 p.m.) before playing their home opener on Friday afternoon against Long Island (3 p.m.). Live stats will be available for the game against Central Conneciticut. Bryant returns to the road on Sunday against Fordham (3:30 p.m.). Live stats and video are available on the Fordham website. Check www.bryantbulldogs.com for updates.