CLARKSON SOCCER PLAYERS EARN ALL-STAR HONORS
The accolades keep coming in for members of the highly successful Clarkson University soccer team. Senior Matt Nachman and junior Michael Secko recently earned All-New York State honors and were named National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Scholar Athlete Regional All-Americas. Clarkson was the only Division III school represented with two scholar athletes on the first three teams of the NSCAA East Regional All-Star squad. Senior Stan Brener also gained All-New York State honors.
A four-time Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) all-star from Johnson City, NY, Nachman gained 1998 second-team All-New York State honors. He played the majority of the season at midfield this year, after earning all-league honors at back the previous three seasons. He scored a team-high 11 goals along with six assists for 28 points through 19 games. A civil and environmental engineering major, Nachman has a 3.812 grade point average.
Secko earned All-New York State accolades for the second consecutive year, gaining first-team honors this season. A two-year UCAA All-star midfielder from Shoreham, NY, he was the Knights’ second leading scorer with 27 points on nine goals and nine assists. A biology major, Secko has a 3.969 grade point average.
A native of Plainfield, NJ, Brener scored 19 points on five goals and nine assists from the striker position.
The Golden Knights, guided by ninth-year head coach Willi Steinrotter, finished the 1998 campaign with a 12-5-2 overall record, qualified for the NCAA Tournament and finished with a 13th place national ranking. Clarkson, which advanced to the national playoffs for the fourth time in school history and made its second showing in the last five years, closed out the year with a 1-0 overtime loss at St. Lawrence in the Northeast Regional Championship game on November 15. In NCAA Tournament second round action, the Green and Gold ripped Rensselaer 5-1.
December 7, 1998
CLARKSON RANKED 13TH IN NATION
After completing one of the most successful seasons in the programs 46-year history, the Clarkson University soccer team earned a 13th place ranking in the final National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Poll. The Golden Knights, guided by ninth-year head coach Willi Steinrotter, finished the 1998 campaign with a 12-5-2 overall record and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. Clarkson, which advanced to the national playoffs for the fourth time in school history and made its second showing in the last five years, closed out the year with a 1-0 overtime loss at St. Lawrence in the Northeast Regional Championship game on November 15. In NCAA Tournament second round action, the Green and Gold ripped Rensselaer 5-1.
"I was very please with the way the team progressed throughout the year," stated Steinrotter. "The younger players stepped it up and complemented the play of the veterans. Our underclassmen gained valuable experience, which will be very benificial next year."
An explosive offense highlighted the Clarkson attack, which set a school-record with 50 goals in the 19-game campaign. First team Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) All-Star midfielders, senior Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine-Endwell) and junior Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River) led a well balanced Clarkson scoring charge, which saw six players score in double figures. A four-time conference all-star, Nachman moved up from defense to midfield this fall and scored a team-high 11 goals and 28 points. Secko, who ranks 10th among Clarkson’s all-time leading career scorers, finished with nine goals and nine assists for 27 points. Four other seniors, who closed out their careers with UCAA All-Star honors also contributed significantly to the Knights’ record-breaking offense. Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen) tallied 19 points (5-9), followed by Jason Putman (Copehagen, NY/Copenhagen), Jason Lewis (Sauquoit, NY/New Hartford) and Willie Gould (Saratoga Springs, NY/Saratoga Springs) with 17 (8-1), 14 (6-2) and 13 (3-7) points respectively.
Defensively, Clarkson was anchored by the play of UCAA All-Stars, senior Ross Morrow (North Attleboro, MA/North Attleboro), junior Randy Phillips (North East, PA/North east) and freshman Matt Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River). In goal, junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) emerged into one of the top keepers in the league and saved his best effort for postseason play when he made an NCAA Tournament record 23-saves in the championship game of the Northeast Regional. For the season, Sayer, who played all but 34 minutes, posted a .853 save percentage and a 1.17 goals against average along with five shutouts.
The 1998 season was full of highlights for the Green and Gold and Clarkson set the tone early for a successful fall with a 1-0 victory over eventual NCAA Division III national champion Ohio Wesleyan in the second round of the Battling Bishops own tournament on September 5. In the UCAA, Clarkson posted a 4-2 mark with wins over conference rivals Skidmore (5-1), Hamilton (4-2), Hobart (2-1) and Union (6-0). In non-league play, the Knights also defeated Division II LeMoyne (4-0), Ithaca (2-1 ot), Potsdam (3-0), RIT (3-1), Nazareth (5-0), and closed out the regular season with a seven-game (6-0-1) unbeaten streak after knocking off Plattsburgh (2-1) for the first time since 1991.
November 15, 1998
CLARKSON BOWS OUT of NCAA TOURNEY
The Clarkson University soccer team completed one of its most successful seasons ever on Sunday afternoon with a hard-fought 1-0 overtime loss to undefeated St. Lawrence University in the championship game of the NCAA Division III Northeast Regional. The Golden Knights, who defeated Rensselaer 5-1 in the opening round of the regional on Saturday, closed out the 1998 campaign with a 12-5-2 record.
After a scoreless tie through 90 minutes of regulation play in Sunday’s championship match at St. Lawrence, the Saints tallied the game’s lone goal 1:10 into overtime. Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) was a standout for the Knights in goal posting a new NCAA Tournament record 23 saves.
Clarkson, which made the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in school history and its first showing since 1993, set a record for goals in a season with 50, breaking the old mark of 45 set during the 1993 season.
November 14, 1998
CLARKSON RIPS RIP 5-1 IN NCAA SECOND ROUND ACTION
The Clarkson University soccer team advances to the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship game after soundly defeating Rensselaer 5-1 in NCAA Tournament second round action on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Knights, who own an eight-game unbeaten streak (7-0-1) and a 12-4-2 overall record, will now face top seeded St. Lawrence in the regional championship game on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. on the Saints’ home field. In the regular season, St. Lawrence came-from-behind to defeat Clarkson 3-2 at Clarkson Field on October 2.
The Golden Knights, the number three seed in the regional, jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead 3:42 into the game as senior Jason Putnam (Copehagen, NY/Copehagen) scored off an assist from classmate Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen). After that Clarkson, which set a school-record for goals in a season at 50, never looked back as they handed number two seed Rensselaer (11-5) its worst loss of the season.
Brener and senior Brian Medino (Pompton Lakes, NJ/Pompton Lakes) made it 3-0 Clarkson late in the opening half before, Rensselaer scored its lone goal with 5:20 remaining before intermission. Seniors Matt Nachman (Johnson City/Maine Endwell) and Randy DeWeese (Rexford, NY/Niskayuna) added second-half goals as the Knights ended any hope of a Rensselaer comeback. Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) made four saves in the Clarkson goal as the Knights outshot the Engineers 14-7.
The Championship game of the 40-team, eight-region single-elimination NCAA Division III Tournament will be held on either Saturday or Sunday, November 28-29.
November 8, 1998
CLARKSON EARNS NCAA TR. BID
The Clarkson University men’s soccer team is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1993. The Golden Knights, the number three seed in the Northeast will battled number two seed Renssealer (11-4) on Saturday, November 14 at 1:30 p.m. In the other game of the Northeast Regional on Saturday, number one seed St. Lawrence (16-0) will play number four seed Plattsburgh (14-4-2) at 11:15 a.m. The winners of the first round will meet in the Northeast Regional Championship game on Sunday, November 15 at 1:00 p.m.. All games of the Northeast Regional will be held at St. Lawrence University. Tickets prices are as follows: $4.00 adult/$2.00 students with Ids and senior citizens/$1.00 children. Pre-sale tickets available Thursday morning (November 12) --- Call Cheryl Coots at (315) 229-5421.
Clarkson, guided by ninth-year head coach Willi Steinrotter, closed out the regular season with a seven-game unbeaten streak (6-0-1) and an 11-4-2 overall record. The Knights are ranked 15th in the country by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III Poll.
This will be the Golden Knights fourth appearance in the NCAA playoffs. In its last showing in 1993, Clarkson capped off its best season ever by advancing to the semifinal round of the Division III National Championship Tournament. The Knights also participated in the NCAA Tournament in 1980 and 1988.
During the regular season, Clarkson played against all three of the other teams in the Northeast Regional. On September 18, in Troy, the Knights lost to Rensselaer 2-1. On October 2, Clarkson fell to St. Lawrence 3-2, and in the final game of the regular season on October 30, the Green and Gold came-from-behind to defeat Plattsburgh 2-1.
Clarkson, Renssealer and St. Lawrence are members of the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA).
The Championship game of the 40-team, eight-region single-elimination NCAA Division III Tournament will be held on either Saturday or Sunday, November 28-29.
November 3, 1998
KIRMSE HELPS ROCHESTER TO TITLE
Former Clarkson soccer all-star, Michael Kirmse has continued his playing career after college and this fall helped the Rochester Raging Rhinos win the professional A-League Championship against the Minnesota Thunder on October 17 at Rochester’s Frontier Field. A 1994 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and management, Kirmse finished his second year with the Rhinos after playing two seasons with FSV Salmrohr -Regionalliga West Southwest in the German 3rd Division. He has also played internationally in Mexico, Holland, England, and Canada, along with indoor soccer with the Buffalo Blizzard (NPSL).
A native of Holbrook, NY, Kirmse played a vital role in the tremendous success Rochester enjoyed this season. Playing in 29 games, the 5-10, 165-pound midfielder scored three goals and three assists in helping the Rhinos to a 30-4 record and the A-League Championship title. Kirmse scored the Rhino’s first goal in the opening round playoff 3-0 victory over Charleston on September 12.
A four-year starter for Clarkson from 1990-93, Kirmse rates as one of the Golden Knights’ all-time leading scorers with 97 points on 35 goals and a school-record 27 assists through 69 games. As a senior captain during the 1993 season, Kirmse helped to lead Clarkson to its best record ever at 13-4-2, the Empire Athletic Association (EAA) title and a semifinal round berth in the NCAA Tournament. Named an All-America and the EAA Player of the Year, Kirmse closed out his senior campaign with a school-record 42 points (16-10).
November 2, 1998
CLARKSON SOCCER UCAA HONORS
Eight members of Clarkson University’s men’s soccer team earned Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) All-Star honors, including three players who gained first-team status. Senior Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell) and juniors Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River) and Randy Phillips (North East, PA/North East) were named to the UCAA first-team squad.
Nachman has played the majority of the season at midfield this year, after earning league all-star honors at back the previous three seasons, and scored a team-high 10 goals along with five assists for 25 points through 17 games. He tallied 12 points (5-2) in six conference games. Nachman was named UCAA Player of the Week once and gained weekly UCAA Honor Roll selection twice.
Earning UCAA First-Team midfield accolades for the second straight year, Michael Secko is the Golden Knights’ top scorer with 27 points on nine goals and nine assists, including 13 points (5-3) in league play. He was named UCAA Player of the Week once and gained weekly UCAA Honor Roll selection twice.
Starting in all 17 games, Phillips helped to lead Clarkson’s defense, which allowed just 21 goals this season.
Gaining second-team honors for Clarkson were senior striker Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen), and freshman back Matt Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River). Seniors, striker Jason Lewis (Sauquoit, NY/New Hartford), midfielder Willie Gould (Saratoga Springs, NY/Saratoga Springs), and back Ross Morrow (North Attleboro, MA/North Attleboro) gained honorable mention recognition.
Clarkson closed out the regular season this past Friday, October 30 with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Plattsburgh to stretch its unbeaten streak to seven-game games (6-0-1). The Golden Knights now await word on a possible bid to the Division III NCAA Tournament, which will be announced on Sunday, November 8.
Junior striker, Sarah Giguere (Waterville, ME/Messalonskee) was named to the UCAA Women’s Soccer All-Star Team, gaining honorable mention selection. She led the Lady Golden Knights with 15 points on six goals and three assists through 18 games.
October 30, 1998
CLARKSON RALLIES FOR 2-1 WIN VS PLATTSBURGH
The Clarkson University soccer team, ranked 4th in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Northeast Regional Poll, strenghten its bid for an NCAA playoff berth with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Plattsburgh at Clarkson Field on Friday afternoon. The Golden Knights, who own a seven-game unbeaten streak (6-0-1), closed out the regular season with an 11-4-2 overall record.
Against Plattsburgh (13-4-1), which entered the game ranked third in the Northeast, the Golden Knights fell behind 1-0 as the Cardinals scored with two minutes remaining in the first half. Clarkson came out strong to start the second half, and after several near misses, senior Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell) drilled a high shot from the top of the box just under the crossbar to tie the game at the 59th minute. Senior Willie Gould (Saratoga Springs, NY/saratoga Springs) set-up the Knights’ first goal with a strong rush into the Cardinals’ zone. With just under 20 minutes left in regulation play, Gould converted a pass in front from junior Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River) for the winning goal. The score also tied the Clarkson record for most goals in a season at 45 and lifted the Knights to their first win over Plattsburgh since 1991. Clarkson outshot Plattsburgh 17-12. Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) posted nine saves for the Knights.
Participanting teams for the upcoming 1998 NCAA Tournament will be announced on November 8. The 40-team single-elimination Division III NCAA Tournament begins with first round play on Wednesday, November 11.
October 27, 1998
CLARKSON TIES OSWEGO
The Clarkson soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to six consecutive games (5-0-1), but it wasn’t what the Golden Knights were looking for as they had to settle for a 1-1 overtime tie at Oswego on Tuesday. Clarkson, with a 10-4-2 overall record, closes out the regular season this Friday, October 30 hosting Plattsburgh in a 2:30 p.m. game at Clarkson Field. Clarkson entered the week ranked 4th in the Division III Northeast Regional poll, while Plattsburgh, which lost 2-0 to St. Lawrence on Tuesday, is ranked 3rd.
After a scoreless first half on Oswego’s windy South Athletic Field, Clarkson took the initial 1-0 lead when senior Brian Medino (Pompton Lakes, NJ/Pompton Lakes), who was starting in place of injured strikers Stan Brener and Jason Lewis, converted a pass from classmate Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine-Endwell) 11 minutes into the second half. The Lakers came back to tie the game with 12:45 remaining in regulation. The Knights outshot Oswego 12-8 and held an 11-5 advantage in corner kicks. Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) posted seven saves in the Clarkson goal.
October 24, 1998
CLARKSON CONTINUES WIN STREAK
Clarkson ran its winning streak to five games with a pair of key wins on the road in Rochester over the weekend. On Friday, the Golden Knights defeated RIT 3-1, and on Saturday, the Green and Gold dominated Nazareth in a 5-0 shutout. Ranked 5th in the Division III Northeast regional poll entering the weekend, Clarkson owns a 10-4-1 overall record and closes out the regular season this coming week against a pair of SUNY teams. On Tuesday, the Knights play at Oswego, at 3:00 p.m., and then host regional powerhouse Plattsburgh on Friday in a 2:30 p.m. game at Clarkson Field.
Seniors Jason Putman (Copenhagen, NY/Copenhagen) and Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen), and junior Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River) scored goals in Friday’s win at RIT. Freshman Matt Thomas (North Rose, NY/North Rose-Wolcott) recorded two assists. In goal, junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) made three saves.
On Saturday, Clarkson picked up its fifth shutout of the year, behind a stingy defensive effort and three saves from Sayer in the whitewash of Nazareth. Senior Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell) led the attack with two goals and an assist. Michael Secko and Putman each chipped in one goal and an assist, while freshman Chris Werely (Hamburg, NY/Frontier) also added a goal.
Averaging close to three goals a game (42 though 15 games), Clarkson is just three goals shy of the school-record for goals in a season at 45 set during the 19-game 1993 campaign.
October 17, 1998
CLARKSON GAINS CONVINCING WEEKEND SWEEP
Clarkson earned a convincing sweep in Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) action at Clarkson Field over the weekend by defeating Hobart College 2-1 on Friday, October 16 and Union 6-0 on Saturday, October 17. The Golden Knights, ranked 6th in the NSCAA Division III Northeast Regional Poll entering the weekend, improved their record to 8-4-1 overall and finished 4-2 in the UCAA. Clarkson has now won three straight and is 5-1-1 in its last seven games, outscoring the opposition 27-11 during that stretch.
In Saturday’s shutout over Union, senior Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell) tallied two goals and an assist, and junior Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River) also scored twice to lead a dominating Green and Gold effort.
Clarkson controlled from the start taking a commanding lead after the first 45 minutes. Secko, with two unassisted goals, Nachman, off a beautiful give-and-go from senior Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen), senior Jason Putman (Copenhagen, NY/Copenhagen) and freshman Chon Y. Kim (Utica, NY/Proctor), with his first collegiate goal, built the Knights’ lead to 5-0 at the half. Nachman added his second goal of the game early in the second half.
Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) faced only two shots in recording his fourth shutout of the season. Freshman John Hall (Brooklyn, CT/Woodstock Academy) played the final 13 minutes in goal, but did not face a shot.
On Friday, Michael Secko scored both Clarkson goals in the Golden Knights’ victory over Hobart. The Clarkson victory gave head coach Willi Steinrotter, Jr. another win against his father Willi Steinrotter, Sr., the Statesmen’s head coach. Since 1990, the younger Steinrotter holds a 7-2 advantage in the series. Both of Secko’s goals came off assists from senior Willie Gould (Saratoga Springs, NY/Saratoga Springs) as the Knights took a 2-0 lead late in the game.
Clarkson travels to Rochester this coming weekend to battle RIT on Friday, October 23 and Nazareth on Saturday, October 24
October 8, 1998
CLARKSON DOWNS HAMILTON
Senior Jason Lewis (Sauquoit, NY/New Hartford) scored two goals to lead Clarkson to a 4-2 victory over visiting Hamilton in Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) action played under a steady rain at Clarkson Field.The Golden Knights, ranked 8th in the NSCAA Division III Northeast Regional Poll, scored the lone goal of the first half when Lewis tallied off a crossing pass from Willie Gould (Saratoga Springs, NY/Saratoga Spr.) 18 minutes in. The two teams then combined for five goals in the second half, including three in a span of just over three minutes. Junior Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River) put the Knights up 2-0 eight minutes into the second half, but 27 seconds later Hamilton scored to make it 2-1. Lewis answered back with his second of the game at the 56th minute and senior Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell) tallied on a direct kick at the 65th minute to put Clarkson up 4-1. The Continentals, who entered the game ranked sixth in the region, added their second score with just over 13 minutes to play.
October 2, 1998
CLARKSON FALLS TO SLU
The Clarkson men’s soccer team battled nationally ranked and unbeaten St. Lawrence University for a full 90 minutes on Friday afternoon, but the Golden Knights fell short in their bid to knock off the defending Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) champions, falling 3-2 at Clarkson Field. The Saints scored the final two goals with 28 minutes left to earn the come-from-behind win.
Clarkson, which held leads of 1-0 and 2-1 had a chance to tie the game with just under a minute to play, but senior Ross Morrow’s (North Attleboro, MA/ North Attleboro) header in the box rolled up and over the Saints’ crossbar
The Golden Knights took their first lead 4:36 into the game when senior Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen) connected off a pass from junior Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River). St. Lawrence tied the game with 9:43 remaining in the half. Clarkson once again took the lead, at 2-1, as Brener set-up senior Jason Lewis’s (Sauquoit, NY/New Hartford) goal with a perfect pass deep in the Saints’ goal area at 54:59.
At the 62nd minute, St. Lawrence tied the game at 2-2, and then with 7:26 remaining the game, the Saints netted the gamewinner with a high shot off the crossbar.
September 29, 1998
CLARKSON SHUTS-OUT POTSDAM
The Clarkson soccer team ran its unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1) with a convincing 3-0 victory over cross-town rival Potsdam College in their home opener at Clarkson Field on Tuesday afternoon. Senior Jason Putman (Copenhagen, NY/Copenhagen) lead the Golden Knights offensively with two goals, including the opening score just over two minutes into the game when he knocked in a rebound off the post. Senior Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell) scored off a give-and-go from junior Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River) at 13:49, and Putman added the final goal with just 2:03 remaining in the first half. Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) was called upon to make just two saves as he recorded his third shutout of the season. Clarkson, which has now defeated Potsdam in eight straight games, continues its five-game home stand hosting unbeaten and nationally ranked St. Lawrence this Friday at 4:00 p.m. The Knights are ranked sixth in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III Northeast Regional Poll.
September 26, 1998
CLARKSON CLOSES OUT EIGHT-GAME ROAD TRIP
The Clarkson University men’s soccer team twice came back from two-goal deficits to earn a hard-fought 3-3 overtime tie at Elmira College on Saturday afternoon. Ranked 7th in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III Northeast Regional Poll entering the weekend, the Golden Knights, who came away with a 2-1 overtime victory at 5th ranked Ithaca on Friday, closed out their season-opening eight-game road trip with a 4-3-1 record.
In Saturday’s game against 9th ranked Elmira, Clarkson fell behind 2-0 and 3-1 before gaining the tie. After the Soaring Eagles jumped out to a 2-0 lead midway through the first half, senior Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell) scored directly off a corner kick with one second left before the half to ignite the Green and Gold’s offense.
Elmira (3-3-1) made it 3-1 15 minutes into the second half before Clarkson mounted its comeback. Senior Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen) set-up both of the Knights’ second half scores with junior Andres Garcia (new Hyde Park, NY/New Hyde Park) connecting at the 66th minute and senior Jason Lewis (Sauquoit, NY/New Hartford) tying the game with 18:30 left in regulation.
Clarkson outshot Elmira 27-26, including a 9-0 advantage in the second overtime session.
Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) made four saves in the Clarkson goal.
Two of the top Division III teams in the Northeast Region met on Friday afternoon with Clarkson defeating home standing Ithaca 2-1 in overtime. Freshman Chris Werely (Hamburg, NY/Frontier) recorded his first collegiate point knocking in the game winner, off an assist from Lewis, six minutes into the first sudden death overtime period. The Golden Knights took an early first half lead on Brener’s goal five minutes in. The Bombers came back to tie the game 20 minutes later. Sayer made four saves, including a game-saving stop with five minutes remaining in regulation.
The Knights make their first appearance of the season at Clarkson Field this Tuesday (September 29) when they open a five-game home stand hosting cross-town rival Potsdam State at 4:00 p.m.
September 19, 1998
CLARKSON SPLITS IN UCAA OPENING WEEKEND
The Clarkson men’s soccer team bounced back from a disappointing 2-1 loss at Rensselaer on Friday with a convincing 5-1 victory at Skidmore on Saturday to earn a split in the opening weekend of Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) play.
Seniors Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell) and Willie Gould (Saratoga Springs, NY/Saratoga) each scored twice in Saturday’s win as Clarkson improved its record to 3-3 overall. Senior Brian Medino (Pompton Lakes, NJ/Pompton Lakes) added the Golden Knights’ fifth goal against Skidmore. Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) and freshman John Hall (Brooklyn, CT/Woodstock Academy) made five and two saves respectively in the Clarkson goal.
On Friday, in Troy, Clarkson fell behind 2-0 to Rensselaer before senior Jason Putman (Copenhagen, NY/Copenhagen) scored the Knights’ lone goal with 5:32 remaining. Sayer posted six saves in net.
Clarkson continues its season-opening eight-game road trip with none-league games at Ithaca (September 25) and Elmira (September 26) next weekend.
September 9, 1998
Syracuse, NY - The Clarkson soccer team evened its record to 2-2 with its second straight shutout win on the road by defeating Division II LeMoyne College 4-0 in Syracuse. The Golden Knights took a 2-0 first-half lead on goals by seniors Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Plainfield), 27th minute, and Jason Lewis (Saquoit, NY/New Hartford), 36th minute. Junior Michael Secko (Shorehman, NY/Shoreham Wading River) assisted on both scores.
Secko made it 3-0 off an assist by Brener, at the 75th minute and seven minutes later Lewis tallied his second of the game for the final 4-0 outcome.
Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe Academy) posted eight saves, including a stop on a penalty kick late in the contest, for his second shutout of the season.
Clarkson is now off until Friday, September 18 when it resumes its eight-game road trip with the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) opener at Rensselaer.
September 7, 1998
CLARKSON CLAIMS RUNNER-UP TROPHY at OHIO WESLEYAN TR.
The Golden Knights capped off a rugged three-game road trip to open the season by finishing as runner-ups in the 1998 Fred Myers Invitational at Ohio Wesleyan University over the weekend. Clarkson defeated host Ohio Wesleyan, which was ranked seventh in the country, 1-0 in the second round of the tournament on Saturday, September 5 to earn the second place trophy. On Friday, the Knights dropped a 4-1 decision to 15th ranked Kenyon.
Kenyon went on to defeat Aquinas (Mich.) 2-0 on Saturday to win the invitational. In the other first round action on Friday, Ohio Wesleyan defeated Aquinas 4-1.
"Kenyon and Ohio Wesleyan are two of the toughest teams we will face this season," stated head coach Willi Steinrotter. "Playing this challenging of a schedule this early in the season should only make us better."
In Saturday’s victory over Ohio Wesleyan, Clarkson’s top scorer from 1997, junior midfielder Michael Secko (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham Wading River) scored on a penalty kick 8:40 into the second half for the lone goal of the contest. Senior striker Stan Brener (Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen) drew the penalty after beating a defenseman in the goal area before being tripped up. Junior Brad Sayer (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) posted five saves to record his first career shutout.
Against Kenyon, on Friday, senior back Jason Putman (Copenhagen, NY/Copehagen) tallied Clarkson’s goal with just under six minutes to play in the first half to tie the game 1-1. Michael Secko earned the assist.
Named to the All-Tournament team for the Knights were the Secko brothers, Mike and freshman back, Matt, and senior back, Matt Nachman (Johnson City, NY/Maine Endwell).
Clarkson opened the season on Wednesday, September 2 with a 1-0 loss at Cortland, despite outshooting the Red Dragons 21-9. The Knights continue their opening eight-game road trip this Wednesday, September 9 with a 4:00 p.m. game at Division II LeMoyone for their only action of the week.
