Men's soccer team snags Championship crown, prepares for NCAA Tournament

KYLE GEORGER
Special to The Leader

For the first time in 10 years, the Blue Devils were able to call themselves SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) champions as they gained the title in a game against the Plattsburgh Cardinals.

On Friday Nov. 2, Fredonia had advanced to the medal round after denying Cortland a playoff spot in the finals. Freshman forward Peter Dagel's last minute goal sealed the victory as Fredonia won 1-0. It was Dagel's team-leading seventh goal of the season and his fourth game-winner.

It was not until Saturday that the men's soccer team captured the SUNYAC win after nearly 110 minutes of no scoring from either side.

"It is very special winning this championship," said Head Coach P.J. Gondek. "We have been so close many other times and have come up short until now."

Gondek was also recently selected as SUNYAC Coach of the Year. His overall record, in eight seasons of coaching the Blue Devils, stands at 100-45-17.

Senior goalkeeper Scott Bergen was named SUNYAC Tournament MVP for his two consecutive shutouts during the winning weekend.

"What a way to go out," said Bergen. "As a senior, I would not want to have it any other way." The game against Plattsburgh ended in a scoreless tie but Fredonia gained their spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament by winning the penalty kick round, also known as a shootout, 4-2.

With the win, Fredonia will be making its second NCAA appearance in three years, while being guaranteed a spot in the 57-team NCAA Tournament on Friday Nov. 9 at the University of Rochester against Hobart.

"The guys have really turned things around since starting the season 0-3," said senior defender Lee Wilson. "We are playing very well right now and playing teams in the tournament will be tough but we know what we are up against. The team is just focused on advancing even further."