Game stories

Peacocks Lose a 1-0 Heartbreaker to Stags in MAAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Fairfield, CT - The Saint Peter's College Men's Soccer team (10-8-2) faced the Fairfield University Stags (14-5-1) on Sunday morning in the MAAC Championship game. Saint Peter's seemed to be in control for the majority of the game but Fairfield found a loop hole in the Peacocks defense and scored in the second half giving the Stags the 1-0 win and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

In the first half, the Stags come out firing but the tenacious defense of the Peacocks shut them down. Saint Peter's Juan Gaviria had a feed from Alano Groves in the 10th minute that beat the Stags keeper but he was called offsides nullifying the goal. Around the 30th minute, Fairfield's Alex Cunliffe beat the Peacocks goalie but he too was caught offsides before the shot. The two teams went into the locker room gridlocked at 0-0.

During the second half, Saint Peter's looked to be the aggressor getting good looks and controlling the ball for most of the half. Early in the 69th minute, the Stags had a quick restart on a foul called on the Peacocks around midfield. Fairfield's Cunliffe found Mike Troy for a shot that trickled into the goal put the Stags up 1-0. The Pecocks did not give in as they battled back with a couple of good looks but could not put one in. Marcos Orias had a chance to tie it up with 25 seconds left to play but a Fairfield defender tipped the shot that sent it just high of the goal.

The Peacocks outshot the Stags 12-8. Saint Peter's Matt Lawlor finished the game with three saves. Fairfield's J.P. Francini also had three stops for the Stags.

Peacocks junior Juan Gaviria, sophomore Chris DeAbreu and senior Damion Gaynor were selected to represent Saint Peter's on the MAAC Campionships All-Tournament team.
 
Congratulations to the Saint Peter's College Men's Soccer team on a great season! Good luck to all of the graduating seniors!

Niagara Falls to Saint Peter's: Peacocks Reach MAAC Championship

Fairfield, CT - The Saint Peter's College Men's Soccer team (10-7-2) traveled to the campus of Fairfield to play the Niagara University  Purple Eagles (7-7-4) in the first game of the MAAC Semifinals. The Peacocks shutout the Eagles 3-0 to move on to face the winner of the Fairfield/Loyola game being played later tonight. The Peacocks improve their record to 2-1 in MAAC Semifinal play. This is Saint Peter's 9th season winning 10 or more game in a season. The last time the Peacocks won more than 10 games was back in 2003 where they won 18 and the MAAC Championships. Now they find themselves in the same position to win the MAACs.

In the first half, Murphy Wiredu put Saint Peter's up early with the game winning goal on a header from Alano Groves in the 8th minute of play. Twenty minutes later the Peacocks struck again this time with a Marco Orias goal via a pass from Wiredu late in the 27th minute. Saint Peter's took a 2-0 lead into the half.

In the second half, Niagara came out poised but could not get control as Saint Peter's added more defensive pressure beating the Eagles to every ball. The Peacocks had three or four opportunities to score but the Eagles defense bailed out their keeper who was caught out of position on a couple of chances, Juan Gaviria put the game out of reach when he juked three Niagara defenders and blasted one past the Eagles goalie in the 78th minute giving Saint Peter's the final 3-0 score.

Saint Peter's outshot Niagara 19-11 putting eight on goal and a handful blocked by Niagara defenders. Matt Lawlor recorded his fourth shutout of the season with six saves. Niagara's John Fiutowski finished with five saves allowing three goals.

Saint Peter's next action will take place this Sunday, November 5th at Fairfield University where they will face the winner of the Fairfield/Loyola game at 11am. The will be televised on ESPNU at 11am.

Connecticut Bound: Hudson Sends Peacocks into Playoffs

Baltimore, MD - The Saint Peter's Men's Soccer team (9-7-2, 6-3-0 MAAC) traveled to Baltimore to take on the Loyola Greyhounds (7-10-1, 6-3-0 MAAC) hoping to earn a spot in the MAAC Championship Playoffs this weekend. The Peacocks shut out the Greyhounds 1-0 and won the right to face Niagara on Thursday in Fairfield, CT for the first game of the MAAC Semifinals.

The first half was held scoreless due to the smothering defense of the Peacocks and some big saves by the Greyhounds keeper. Kevin Hudson had the lone goal of the game that sent Saint Peter's into the post season. In the second half, Gamal Breedy found Hudson who blasted a shot past Loyola's Justin Chelland in the 81st minute to clinch the number three spot in the MAAC tournament.

Saint Peter's out shot  Loyola 11-7 putting seven of the 11 on goal.  The Peacocks  keeper Matt Lawlor finished with two saves while the Greyhounds  Chelland recorded six saves.

Saint Peter's next action will take place this Thursday November 2nd in Fairfield, CT where they will avenge their September 29th overtime loss against the Niagara Purple Eagles. Game-time is slated for 4pm.

Playoffs Put On Hold: Broncs Buck Peacocks

Lawerenceville, NJ - The Saint Peter's Men's Soccer team (8-7-2, 5-3-0 MAAC) matched up against the Rider University Broncs (4-10-4, 1-5-2 MAAC) in hopes to clinch a playoff berth with a win. Unfortunately for the Peacocks, the Broncs had other plans. Rider outlasted Saint Peter's in overtime as Bronc's Jacob Kratt headed in a goal off a corner kick to give Rider the 2-1 victory in the 97th minute. The Peacocks suffer their third overtime loss in MAAC conference play.

The first half of the game was uneventful. Saint Peter's had a couple of chances but miscued on a few. The defense held their ground only allowing 3 shots from the Broncs. The peacocks ended the first half with 12 shots but only one on goal. Both teams were held scoreless going into halftime.

In the second half, Tim Jones put Rider on the board with a header in the 75th minute from a pass by Mike Juska via a Jacob Kratt corner kick. The Peacocks tied it up two minutes later when Kevin Hudson found Juan Gaviria off of a rebond in the 77th minute tying the game at 1-1. No one could manage another goal in regulation forcing an overtime period.

In overtime, Saint Peter's held it together with two good looks. Seven minutes into the overtime, Rider struck again with a Kratt goal off of a Lee Tomasso corner kick to steal the game from Saint Peter's and put their playoff hopes on hold.

Saint Peter's out shot Rider 31-11 with 10 of those 31 on goal with one in the net. The Broncs put three shots on goal with two of them sneaking in. Matt Lawlor finished with one save for the Peacocks while Daniel Riverso shut the door with nine saves.

Saint Peter''s next action will take place in Baltimore, MD where they will face the Loyola Greyhounds on Sunday, October 29th. Saint Peter's could be fighting for their post season's life depending on Friday's results from Iona and Canisius.   

Peacocks cripple Jaspers

Jersey City, NJ - The Saint Peter's Men's Soccer team (8-6-2, 5-2-0 MAAC)  hosted the Manhattan Jaspers (3-14-0, 1-6-0 MAAC) Sunday afternoon at Jaroschak Field on Senior Day. Prior to the game, departing seniors Damion Gaynor, Alano Groves, Marco Orias, Michael Medeiros, Franklin Nwigwe, Kevin Hudson, Sylvers Owusu and Jose Raposo were honored by their fellow teammates parents and friends. The seniors did not disappoint their family and friends with a 5-0 thrashing of the Jaspers.

In the first half, the game was a stalemate until Juan Gaviria got the Peacocks started with a goal from Michael Medeiros and Marco Orias in the 22nd minute taking an early 1-0 lead. Late in the first half, Saint Peter's struck again. Murphy Wiredu found the back of the net via Gaviria in the 40th minute. Saint Peter's lead 2-0 at the half.

In the second half, the Peacocks scored off of a throw-in by Assaf Sheleg to Kevin Hudson who found Orias for the goal in the 57th minute putting Saint Peter's up 3-0. Manhattan took another blow when Justin Schultz recieved a red card leaving the Jaspers short-handed the rest of the way. Victor Prada joined in on the fun with a goal in the 65th minute on a delivery from Gaviria adding to  the Peacocks lead 4-0. Saint Peter's ended the offensive with a goal from Alano Groves off of a Jose Raposo pass in the 82nd minute reaching the final score of 5-0.

The peacocks out shot the Jaspers 22-9 with 14 shots on goal. Hernando Santamaria and Matt Lawlor combined to shutout Manhattan. Lawlor finished with six saves while Santamaria had one save.  Manhattan's John Ciano recorded nine saves on 14 shots.

Saint Peter's will travel to Rider University this Friday October 27th in hopes to clinch a MAAC playoff berth. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.

Peacocks Shutout Highlanders

Newark, NJ - The Saint Peter's Men's Soccer team (7-6-2) traveled to NJIT Wednesday evening to match up against the Highlanders (3-9-2). The game was originally scheduled to be played at Saint Peter's Jaroschak Field but due to field conditions the game was relocated.  The Peacocks shutout non conference opponent NJIT 2-0.

In the first half, Saint Peter's had a couople of opportunities early on but could not get a clean shot off. The Peacocks got 10 shots off before Damion Gaynor found Juan Gaviria who headed in the pass for Saint peter's first goal coming in the 44th minute with only 26 seconds left in the half.  

In the second half, Gaviria added an insurance goal in the 71st minute on an assist from Kevin Hudson and Udi Naim that put Saint peter's up 2-0.  The Peacock defense held it  together and kept the shutout for goal keeper Hernando Santamaria.

The Peacocks outshot the Highlanders 18-10 putting 10 shots on goal and two in goal. Santamaria stopped all eight shots that he faced for Saint Peter's earning his first career shutout. NJIT keeper Collin Cunning finished the evening with 10 saves allowing two goals.

Saint Peter's next action will take place at Jaroschak Field this Sunday October 22nd where they will face MAAC foe the Manhattan Jaspers. Kick-off is scheduled for 1pm.

Peacocks Lose Double Overtime Match to #15 Fairfield

JERSEY CITY, NJ (October 15, 2006) - The Saint Peter's College Peacocks (6-6-2, 4-2 MAAC) fell to the #15 Fairfield University Stags (10-3-1, 5-0 MAAC), 2-1 in double overtime this afternoon. The game was for first place in the MAAC as both teams came into the game tied for the top spot. The Fairfield win gives them a leg up in the battle for the MAAC Regular Season Championship and the top spot in MAAC Tournament.

The Peacocks attacked right from the opening whistle and scored just 90-seconds into the match. Juan Gaviria found the back of the net on a bang-bang play. Udi Naim found the ball off a Fairfield save, immediately passed it to Chris DeAbreu, who found Gaviria in the box for the goal. Fairfield tied the game at the 30:33 mark as Tom Skara found Mike Troy who converted in the box. The game then took a decided turn as the Peacocks were issued a red card at the 44:05 mark making them a man short for the remainder of the contest.

The second half was fairly uneventful until the clock ticked down to the under 15-seconds, when Gaviria had an opportunity to score, but could not catch up to ball in the box behind the goalie. The two teams combined for just three shots on goal in the second stanza, two for Fairfield and one for Saint Peter's. The game went into overtime, tied at 1-1.

Fairfield had the only two shots on goal in the first overtime period that went scoreless. Then in the second overtime period, the Stags converted off a corner kick as Tom Clements kicked the ball into the box that was hit by Paul McQuade. The ball then found Christian Uy all alone in the box with an open net and he did not miss to give Fairfield the win at the 105:09 mark.

DeAbreu had two shots on goal for the Peacocks, while Gaviria had three shots, one on goal. Matthew Lawlor made four saves for the Peacocks, while JP Francini made three saves for the Stags.

Saint Peter's will play their final non-conference game of the season on Wednesday afternoon as they host NJIT at 3pm.

Peacocks Blank Gaels 3-0

Jersey City, NJ - Saint Peter's College (6-5-2, 4-1-0 MAAC) hosted the Gaels of Iona College (4-5-4, 1-2-1MAAC) Friday afternoon at Jaroschak Field.  The stingy Saint Peter's defense held Iona to only six shots while their high powered offense released 16 shots. The Peacocks shutout the Gaels 3-0 for their fourth straight MAAC victyory.

In the first half, Juan Garviria put Saint Peter's up 1-0 of a pass from Kevin Hudson in the 27th minute. In the 42nd minute, Hudson headed the ball that Iona's Nils Binstock  had to make a diving save to keep it out of the goal. Two minutes later, Hudson had another chance at a goal but Binstock made a spectacular play to knock it away. Saint Peter's defense held Iona to two shots in the first half.

In the second half, Alano Groves found a streaking Murphy Wiredu who headed the ball past Binstock to put Saint Peter's on top 2-0 in the 62nd minute. Six minutes later, Wiredu struck again with a goal in the 68th minute via Victor Prada and Gaviria to give the Peacocks a 3-0 lead which would eventually become a final.

The Peacocks outshot the Gaels 16-6. Matt Lawlor registered his second shutout of the year with two saves. Binstock recorded five saves letting in three goals.

Saint Peter's next action will take place this Sunday as the Peacocks battle the Fairfield Stags at Jaroschak Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm.

Peacocks outlast Saints

Loudonville, NY - Saint Peter’s College Peacocks (5-5-2, 3-1-0 MAAC) made the trip to Siena College to battle with the Saints (2-9-1, 1-3-0 MAAC). The Peacocks took an early lead but the Saints came marching back midway through the second half. The Peacocks game-winning goal came in the 75^th minute making the final 2-1. Saint Peter’s has won their last three MAAC conference game. 

Saint Peter’s drew first blood with a goal from two yards out by Murphy Wiredu via a pass from Chris DeAbreu only four minutes into the game. Matthew Lawlor held the Saints scoreless in the first half turning away six shots. The Peacocks lead 1-0 at the half.

In the second half, Siena got on the board with a blast from the top of the box by Kris Dillman on a pass from Thomas Ciovacco tying the game 1-1 in the 66^th minute. Saint Peter’s Juan Gaviria headed in his second game-winning goal in two games off an assist by Victor Prada in the 75^th minute to secure the win. 

The Peacocks and Saints were even with 22 shots a piece. Lawlor finished the game with nine saves with six of them coming in the first half. Siena’s Patrick Henry finished the day with five saves. 

The Peacocks return home to host the Iona College Gaels at Jaroschak Field this Friday the 13th. Kickoff is scheduled at 4pm

Jersey City, NJ – Saint Peter’s College Peacocks (2-5-2, 0-1 MAAC) hosted the Niagara University Purple Eagles (3-5-0, 1-0 MAAC) this afternoon opening MAAC conference play for both teams. The Peacocks suffered a heartbreaking loss in double overtime when the Eagles scored the game winning goal in the 107th minute.

In the first half, Saint Peter’s came out firing out shooting the Eagles 10-2 in the first have. The Peacocks took the lead when Marco Orias beat Niagara’s keeper off of a throwing by Assaf Sheleg putting Saint Peter’s up 1-0 late in the 25th minute. The Peacocks seemed to be in control of the game after the first half.

In second half of the game the Peacocks and the Eagles had a hard time to get into the flow of the game due to four yellow cards and one red card totaling eight cards on the day. Niagara earned themselves a penalty shot after Saint Peter’s committed a foul inside the box. Rafael Venturini took the penalty kick and faked out SPC goalie Matt Lawlor to tie the game 1-1 in the 68th minute. The Peacocks had the upper hand when the Eagles lost Miles Patterson to a red card and had to finish the rest of the game a man down. With time winding down Marco Orias had two great opportunities to win the game for Saint Peter’s when he blasted a shot that was saved and reloaded to rocketed another shot that was also blocked by keeper John Fiutowski with less than 2 minutes to play.

In the first overtime, Saint Peter’s controlled the tempo. The Peacocks had a couple of chances but could not settle the ball to get a good shot off. Marco Orias did get a clear look in the 95th minute but it did not have enough to get by Fiutowski.

In the second overtime period, Saint Peter’s had similar chances as in game one. The Eagles caught a break and slipped behind the defense and got another by Lawlor in the 107th minute taking the lead and the game 2-1.

The Peacocks outshot the Eagles 22-7. Eight of those 22 being on goal. Lawlor finished the game with three saves on five shots on goal while Fiutowski stopped seven out of eight.

Peacocks Fall to Bison in Home Opener

Jersey City, NJ – Jaroschak Field at Lincoln Park was the setting for today’s match up that featured the Saint Peter’s Peacocks (2-4-1) and the Bucknell Bison (6-1-2). The Peacocks lost their hard fought home opener to the Bison 1-0

In the first half, Saint Peter’s proved to be the aggressor by beating Bucknell to almost every ball. The Peacocks defense was so smothering that the Bison could not get any clean looks at the net. Saint Peter’s had an opportunity when Udi Naim found himself alone in the center and rocketed a shot right at Joey Kuterbach’s chest in the 26^th minute. The Bison countered with an attack from Conor O’Brien that was snuffed by Peacock goalie Matthew Lawlor in the 35^th minute. The teams were at a stalemate in the first half of play with Bucknell outshooting Saint Peter’s four to three.

In the second half, both teams fought hard with neither team giving in. In the 83^rd minute, Saint Peter’s had a chance to take the lead with a bullet from Juan Gaviria that Kuterbach deflected. Bucknell marched down the field and scored in the 84^th minute on a goal from Alex Russo via O’Brien and Nathan LaGrave which was enough to surpass the Peacocks 1-0.

Saint Peter’s outshot Bucknel 9-7 in the game. The Peacocks’ Lawlor finished with one save while the Bison’s Kuterbach rejected three blasts.

Saint Peter’s next action will take place this Saturday back at Jaroschak Field at 1pm where the Peacocks will face the Hawks of Monmouth University.  

 Peacocks knock off Bobcats 2-1

Hamden, CT – Saint Peter’s College Peacocks (2-3-1) traveled to Connecticut to do battle with the Quinnipiac Bobcats (0-5-1) The Peacocks came into the game after recording their first win against St. Francis on last Saturday. The Peacocks eliminated the Bobcats 2-1 scoring both of their goals in the first half which hasn’t been their style the first couple of games. The win today may have motivated Saint Peter’s and set the tone for their season. The Peacocks win streak is currently at two. 

Saint Peter’s first and second goals were both scored by Murphey Wiredu. The first goal came 2:30 into the game of a corner kick by Michael Medeiros. Wiredu headed the ball into the net putting Saint Peter’s up 1-0. Wiredu’s second goal was the exact same play. A header off the corner from Medeiros only this time it happed during the 17^th minute. 

Saint Peter’s took a two goal lead into halftime 

In the second half, Quinnipiac scored a goal to close with in one 2-1. Danilo Schiavon tipped one into the Peacocks goal from about two yards out during the 61^st minute. Matthew Lawlor held the Bobcats at bay after that securing the 2-1 victory for the Peacocks. 

The Bobcats outshot the Peacocks 18 to 16 in the game. Saint Peter’s Lawlor finshed with four save while Quinnipiac’s Paul Fleck saved a total of seven.

Saint Peter’s next action will be their first home game this Wednesday September 20^th at 4pm. The Peacocks will match up against the Bucknell Bison in hopes to capture their third straight victory.

Peacocks rally to take Terriers for first win of the season

Brooklyn, NY – The Saint Peter’s Peacocks (1-3-1) traveled to St. Francis (NY) to challenge the Terriers (0-4-0) on Saturday. The Terriers took a 1-0 lead into halftime but the Peacocks made a second half surge scoring two goals securing the win 2-1.

St. Francis scored first during the 30^th minute when John Baptist Joseph broke through Saint Peter’s defense and beat goalie Matthew Lawlor to go up 1-0. The Terriers went into halftime holding the Peacocks scoreless.

In the second half, the Peacocks tied the score in the 57^th minute with an Assaf Sheleg pass that hit Jaun Gaviria who rocketed a shot to the left corner post that burned goalie Chris Antonio. Five minutes later Michael Medeiros scored the game winning goal in the 62^nd minute with a pass for Kevin Hudson.

Saint Peter’s proved to be the aggressor getting 15 shots off while St. Francis only triggered five. Peacocks Matthew Lawlor ended with two saves on three shots on goal. St. Francis goalie Chris Antonio recorded nine saves giving up two goals.

The Peacocks next action will take place in Hamden, CT on September 15th when they will take on the Quinnipiac Bobcats  at 4pm.

Peacocks have a devil of a time against CCSU

New Britain, CT – Saint Peter’s (0-3-1) could not overcome the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State (2-0-1). CCSU handed Saint Peter’s a 5-2 loss for their third loss of the season. The Blue Devils had two players to score two goals each to put Saint Peter’s away.

CCSU struck early into the game when Alex Harrison hit a streaking Yan Klukowski inside the 18 to put the Blue Devils up 1-0 at 6:23. 

Saint Peter’s had a chance to tie with a Murphy Wiredu shot but it ricocheted of the post.  

The Blue Devils added two more goals to their lead before halftime. David Tyrie played a free kick to Harrison for the score in the 41^st minute. A few minutes later, Harrison found Klukowski who slipped another one past SPC goalie Matthew Lawlor taking a 3-0 lead. 

Three minutes into the second half, CCSU struck again with a Ben Howe goal via another free kick from Tyrie making it 4-0.

The Peacocks put an end to the hopes of a second straight shutout when Juan Gaviria smoked one by Marcin Kaczerski on a penalty kick to make it 4-1. 

The Blue Devils retaliated with another goal from Harrison on a penalty kick to add to the lead 5-1. Murphy Wiredu finished the game with a goal at 89:33 to make it a 5-2 final in favor of the Blue Devils.

The shots were dead even with both teams having a total of 17. Saint Peter’s had one more shot on goal than CCSU with 10. Lawlor, Kaczerski and Paul Armstrong each had four saves for their respected clubs

The Peacocks next action will take place on September 9^th at 4pm when they take on the St. Francis (NY) Terriers.

Slow start haunts Peacock in loss to BC

Chestnut Hill, MA - Saint Peter’s Peacocks (0-2-1) suffer a 2-1 loss to the Boston College Golden Eagles (2-1-0). The Peacocks came out fired up with a couple of great looks but BC had a five minute power surge in which they scored two goals on three assists midway through the first half.  

Saint Peter’s came out strong in the first 15 minutes of the game with a Murphy Wiredu direct kick rocketed at BC goalie Shane Boggis in the 11^th minute. The Peacocks had another good look from about 16 feet out during the 14^th minute.

Trouble set in for the Peacocks when the Eagles Mike Konicoff found the back of the net off a feed from Charlie Davies at 18:26. BC added pressure with a shot off the cross bar in the 19^th minute. The Eagles took the lead on a Davies goal assisted by Sam Brill and Sherron Manswell in the 22^nd minute.

Saint Peter’s battled back with a goal from Juan Gaviria via Kevin Hudson which made it 2-1 in the 34^th minute.

Neither team could capitalize on key opportunities in the second half.

Saint Peter’s were outshot by the Eagles 18-9. Only six of the Eagles shots were on goal. Four shots were snubbed by Peacocks goalie Matthew Lawlor while two snuck by him into the goal. The Eagles Boggis ended the day turning away three shots and allowing one goal.

Saint Peter’s next action will take place this Sunday in Connecticut where they will take on Central Connecticut State at 2pm.

Peacocks , Wildcats showdown ends in 1-1 draw

The Peacocks fell behind midway through the second half when Chris Banks slipped one past the Saint Peter’s goalie on a pass from Kyle Urso in the 62^nd minute to take the lead 1-0.

Saint Peter’s would not surrender as Juan Gaviria found the back of the net resulting from a redirected pass from teammate Marco Orias tying the game at one apiece.

After regulation, the teams could not capitalize during the two extra 10-minute overtime periods resulting in a 1-1 tie.

The Peacocks outshot the Wildcats 12-11 while both teams’ goalies tallied five saves each.

Juan Gaviria and Marco Orias were selected to represent Saint Peter’s as members of the 2006 Nike Fall Soccer Classic All-Tournament Team.

Saint Peter's next action will take place this Thursday at 4pm on the campus of Boston College where the Peacocks will take on the Golden Eagles.

Peacocks Suffer first loss of their 2006 campaign

Durham, NH – Saint Peter’s soccer suffers their first loss of the 2006 season, 3-1 to the Catamounts of Vermont at the Nike Fall Soccer Classic on the University of New Hampshire campus.

The Catamounts wasted no time getting started. Tyler Hasman scored the first goal for Vermont at 6:49 into the game after intercepting a back pass. The Peacocks retaliated with a goal from Murphy Wiredu in the 17th minute.

The score remained tied until the 61st minute when Saint Peter’s let the ball get into their own net putting the go-ahead goal on the board. Soon after, Vermont added an insurance goal thanks to Lee Steph Kouadio to ensure the victory for the Catamounts.

The Peacocks put seven shots on goal but only managed one goal past Vermont’s Tom Critz. Matthew Lawlor turned away five of the eight shots on goal that he faced.

The Peacocks take on the Nike Classic host New Hampshire Wildcats this Sunday August 27 at 3pm.

Peacocks head into 2006 campaign with high expectations

As the Saint Peter’s College Peacocks head into the 2006 season, third year coach Chris Smith is looking to make some strides in the program’s 47th season in NCAA play. During spring ball, the Peacocks earned themselves a 3-1-1 record and revitalized their faltering defense that plagued them at the end of last season. This year, the Peacocks are picked to finish fourth in the MAAC pre-season poll for the third straight year.

Saint Peter’s returns eight of 11 starters this season along with the arrival of six notably talented freshmen who look to play some key roles in a run to the MAAC playoffs.

Leading the pack this season are the two returning captains, Sylvers Owusu (Newark, NJ/Saint Benedict's Prep) and Alano Groves (Port Elizabeth, South Africa/Saint Benedict's Prep) and first year captain Marco Orias (Newark, NJ/Saint Benedict's Prep) who was named All-MAAC First Team. Along with the three tri-captains, the Peacocks bring back All-MAAC First Team selection Juan Gaviria (Elizabeth,NJ/Saint Benedict’s Prep). Gaviria, who is arguably one of the top 50 players in Division I soccer, will also be joined by Second Team All-MAAC selection and All-MAAC Rookie Team selection Chris DeAbreu (Pickering, ON/St. Mary’s Secondary).

DeAbreu, Gaviria, Orias and Damion Gaynor (Brooklyn, NY/SUNY-Delhi) are expected to make big impacts to the team’s performance both on offense and defense. With their production and the tenacious leadership from the three captains, the Peacocks look to stake their claim in the postseason.

Sophomore goalie Matthew Lawlor (Fairlawn,NJ/Don Bosco Prep) looks to fill the shoes of assistant coach Pat Nagawiecki. Lawlor, having experience from last season, brings an unblemished record of 1-0-1 into the 2006 season.

Lawlor will see the bulk of the playing time, while Steve Damore (Lindenhurst,NY/ Lindenhurst), Carl Braverman(Bordentown,NJ/Bordentown) and Hernando Santamaria (East Elmhurst, NY) will all compete for minutes.

The new coaching styles of Armando Tarazona and Pat Nagawiecki will provide clever schemes to Smith’s game plan. They will strive to direct the Peacocks into becoming a defensive oriented team. Saint Peter’s gave up 49 goals last season in 20 games for a goal against average of 2.45. Coach Smith’s main focus is to keep opponents under 20 goals on the season. There is no need to be concerned about scoring with 36 goals last year averaging nearly two goals a game.

The Peacocks start their 2006 campaign traveling to New Hampshire for the Nike Soccer Classic. Following the Classic, the Peacocks have four away games at Boston College, Central Connecticut, Saint Francis(NY), and Quinnipiac. Saint Peter’s starts their first four-game homestand on September 20th when they face Bucknell, Monmouth, Niagara and Canisius. After the homestand, the Peacocks head out on a quest to Marist and Siena before returning on October 13th for their second four-game homestand versus Iona, Fairfield, NJIT and the Peacocks final home match versus Manhattan on October 22nd. Their last two games of the season will be played away at Rider and Loyola.

Jersey City, NJ – Jaroschak Field was the setting for this afternoon’s game which featured the Saint Peter’s Peacocks (2-4-2) and the Hawks from Monmouth University (5-3-1). The Peacocks scored first in the first half and led at halftime 1-0. The Hawks retaliated with a goal in the second half tying it up at the end of regulation. Saint Peter’s and Monmouth played two extra frames leaving it deadlocked at 1-1 after 110 minutes of play.

Saint Peter’s started the game aggressively with a shot from Marco Orias that just missed high in the seventh minute. The Peacocks poured on the pressure with a goal from Chris DeAbreu in the 17th minute thanks to teammates Murphy Wiredu and Damion Gaynor. The Peacocks took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the game got physical. Both teams scratched and clawed at the opponents. There were a combined 22 fouls in the second half alone and some controversial no-calls. The Hawks managed to score a goal off of a scuffle in front of the net. Monmouth’s Steven Holloway found the back of the net from about 10 yards out tying the game at 1-1 in the 52nd minute. In the final three minutes, the Hawks had a chance to win the game but Peacocks goalie Matt Lawlor rejected Jonathan Schmid’s shot to force overtime.  

In the first overtime period, Saint Peter’s had an opportunity to win it. Alano Groves found himself a wide open look but could not get the ball past Hawks goalie Daniel Schenkel. The second overtime belong to Saint Peter’s goalie Matt Lawlor. Lawlor had two game saving stops for the Peacocks including a diving save that secured the tie with 40 seconds on the clock.

Monmouth outshot Saint Peter’s 13-7 with 8 of 13 being on goal. The Peacocks had four shots on goal. Matt Lawlor finished with seven saves in the game only allowing one shot to get by him. Monmouth’s Schenkel ended the day with three saves in 110 minutes of play.

Saint Peter’s next action will take place on September 29th where they will face the Purple Eagles of Niagara University. Game time is at 4pm at Jaroschak Field.