News Release

Crusaders Dominate NEAC Tourney Semifinal Game, Move Even Closer

The Crusader men�s soccer team just got one step closer to making history by defeating the SUNY-Cobleskill Fighting Tigers in convincing fashion, 6-1. Senior forward Brandon Washatka (Topeka, KS/Hayden H.S) did his best to take the fight out of the Fighting Tiger in the early going by scoring the opening goal at the 14:48 mark. He was assisted by freshman Michael Chapman (Madison, MS/St. Joseph Catholic School) who had 2 goals in yesterday�s opening game. After the still Fighting Tigers rebounded to even the score at 1-1 almost 13 minutes later, sophomore midfielder/defender Ryan Meske (Niwot, Co/Niwot H.S.) put the Crusaders ahead for good with an unassisted goal 36:33 into the half. Meske�s goal not only proved to be the game-winner, but it wrapped up the first half scoring and gave UD a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

Senior midfielder and co-captain Stuart Brown (Boerne, TX/Boerne H.S.) wasted no time in giving the Crusaders some much needed breathing by scoring 12 seconds into the second half for a more comfortable UD lead of 3-1. Fellow senior and captain Brandon Washatka assisted on Brown�s early goal. Senior midfielder/defender Bennett Rawicki, (Bakersfield, CA/Garces Memorial H.S.) added some style to the Crusader�s next goal with a header assisted by Stuart Brown. With a 4-1 lead and just under 20 minutes to play, sophomore midfielder/defender Sam Sheetz (Alexandria, VA/Bishop Denis J. O�Connell H.S.) got in to the action by scoring UD�s fifth goal of the afternoon. Senior forwards Adam Lunger (Keller, TX/Keller H.S.) and Brandon Washatka provided the assists on the play. The assist was Washatka�s second of the day after scoring the team�s initial goal. Sophomore defender Tristan Voss (Watauga, TX/Central H.S.) scored the final goal with 1:52 showing on the clock. Voss� first goal of the season was assisted off a Sam Sheetz corner kick and proved to be the final score for UD, as the team took 22 shots (9 on goal) to walk away with the 6-1 victory.

Supported by the offensive outburst, the UD defensive pressure remained intact throughout. Starting and aiding senior goalkeeper Chris Sumcizk (Grapevine, TX/Nolan Catholic H.S.) were defender and midfielders Brown, Rawicki, junior Aaron Tucker (Keller, TX/Birdville H.S), sophomore Kurtis Baker (Roanoke, TX/Northwest H.S.), and freshman Preston Waltrip (Derby, KS/Derby H.S.). The defense limited the opponent to just seven shots (1st half 4, 2nd half 3) and only two shots on goal the entire game. Sumcizk recorded the lone save in the 75:45 he played before being relieved by freshman keeper Chris Brisky (Hayes, TX/Jack C. Hays H.S.) for the final 14:15.

The now fighting Crusaders are 15-3-1 after winning their first two games of the NEAC Tournament, both in dominating style. UD has outscored its opponents 11-1 in NEAC play and faces a tough Keuka College Storm team. After defeating the SUNY-IT Wildcats 6-5 in penalty kicks in today�s other semifinal game, the Keuka College Storm is 13-3-1 and will face the Crusaders for an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament. The NEAC Championship game against the defending NEAC Tournament champs will be played tomorrow, November 9th at 1:00pm in Harrisburg, PA.


Submitted 2008-11-08 16:02:29 by University of Dallas Sports Information Department

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