Motivated Alumni Team Win 3-0

NEW PALTZ, NY — A highly motivated, organized and talented alumni team beat the current New Paltz men’s soccer team 3-0 on Saturday April 26th. As expected the match got off to a fast start with both teams creating a number of early scoring opportunities. A fantastic save in the opening three minutes by current New Paltz goalkeeper Pat Carlucci off of a volley by Robert Monahan kept the match level. With the match still tied Brian Siergiej hit another first time volley that hit the crossbar and bounced down and out. Sean Reminick and Lucas Natel each had scoring opportunities for New Paltz in the opening stanza but were denied by alumni goalkeeper Mike Judge.

The alumni utilized the unlimited substitution rule in effect for the match, applying constant pressure on the New Paltz goal. Their efforts paid off when Tristan Waldvogel beat two New Paltz midfielders then played a perfect ball to Frank Gurreri who slotted the ball to a streaking Justin Thomson who placed the ball into the bottom right corner with a first time shot in the 35th minute. Thomson’s goal was the only tally in the first 45 minutes as the alumni took a 1-0 lead into the break.

The second half was a repeat of the first with New Paltz creating several scoring opportunities off of counter attacks as the alumni team pushed numbers forward to score goals. In the 55th minute Greg Foss would find the back of the net to give the alumni a 2-0 advantage. Siergiej evaded two New Paltz midfielders and then played the ball wide to the left to the feet of Gurreri who crossed the ball into the box where Foss hit a low screamer into the side netting beating second half substitute Peter Carmel.

The alumni were still in search of goals when Corey Keys got on the end of a cross from Garrett Munro to score his first of the match in the 65th minute the alumni took a 3-0 lead. The score remained the same for the final 25 minutes. With his outstanding play in goal for the alumni team Mike Judge was awarded man of the match.

Alumni in attendance included Allan Bronstein, Paola Capparelli, Dan Cocciardi, Mike Dodge, Greg Foss, Frank Gurreri, Colin Hillman, Mike Judge, Corey Keys, Dan Libardi, Robert Monahan, Garrett Munro, Buddy Pendergast, Ryan Shanks, Brian Siergiej, Bryan Smith, Chris Smith, Justin Thomson, Justin Waldvogel and former coach Stuart Robinson.

This match concluded the 2008 spring season for New Paltz. The New Paltz men’s soccer team will return to action in the fall when they travel to Wheaton, MA on the opening weekend of the season to take on two 2007 NCAA Championship participants Western New England and Wheaton.