Centenary College News: Athletics: Men's Soccer

41 Cyclones Receive Fall 2011 CSAC All-Academic Team Honors

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:45:00 -0500

ASTON, Pa. (January 26, 2012) – The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) has announced the CSAC All-Academic Team for the Fall 2011 semester, and it includes 578 student-athletes from the conference's 12 member institutions. Among the 578 athletes are 41 student-athletes from Centenary College who qualified for the prestigious honor.

The All-Academic honor rewards varsity student-athletes who attain a grade-point average of 3.2 or higher during their season of competition. The Fall All-Academic Team encompasses student-athletes who participated in the sports of men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, women's tennis, women's volleyball, and field hockey.

"This recognition is well deserved for each one of these student-athletes," said CSAC Interim Commissioner Jennifer Dubow. "They have all assumed leadership roles on their campuses by demonstrating that a complete education includes both academics and athletics. Being able to perform at such a high level academically while competing athletically is truly a testament to all of these young men and women."

Of these honorees, 39 were First Team All-CSAC selections in their sport, while 38 were Second Team picks and 40 were Honorable Mention selections. In addition, 47 were named to the All-Sportsmanship Team in their respective sports.

Also noteworthy is that the Athlete of the Year in all seven CSAC fall sports received All-Academic laurels, including men's soccer Co-Players of the Year Ryan Jones (Marywood) and Andrew Leissing (Neumann), women's soccer Player of the Year Brittany Overland (Andover, N.J./Newton), women's tennis Player of the Year Rachel Fein (Gwynedd-Mercy), field hockey Player of the Year Lauren Alessi (Cabrini), volleyball Player of the Year Jelena Markovic (Centenary), and CSAC cross-country champions Katherine Klinges and Matt VanDenHengel, both of Gwynedd-Mercy.

Centenary College CSAC All-Academic Team Recipients

Centenary Receives Award of Merit at NADIIIAA Community Service Awards Reception

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:37:00 -0500

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (January 15, 2012) – Centenary College was on hand Saturday to accept an Award of Merit as part of the Jostens/NADIIIAA Community Service Awards reception held at the NCAA National Convention.

Jostens and the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) honor institutions each year at the NCAA Convention for their excellence in community service. This year, Centenary College is a proud recipient of one of the two Award of Merit honorees. Director of Athletics, Billie Jo Blackwell, Associate Athletic Director Josh Huber, and Senior Woman Administrator, Iris Correa were presented the award by NADIIIAA President, Al Bean and Jostens’ representative Kelly McKenzie.

The Cyclones’ teams participated in many community service efforts in 2011, making them worthy of earning this distinction, however Centenary was chosen mainly in part for its efforts in helping a local child, Jacob Grimes, who suffers from A.L. Leukemia. Matthew Klank, Head Coach of the men’s lacrosse team observed a posting at a local grocery store about Jacob’s illness. The situation hit home for Klank who has a child of the same age, driving Klank to begin not only a fundraising effort for Jacob Grimes, but also a chance for Centenary teams to share their team camaraderie with the young boy. The men’s lacrosse, men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams all secured sponsors to donate an amount for each repetition of a lift-a-thon or similar event. The money raised was then donated to the Grimes family to assist in treatment costs. All in all, the teams raised over $8,000 and came away with an invaluable experience.

The Centenary College Athletic Department is honored to be recognized by Jostens and the NADIIIAA and looks forward to continuing its efforts to serve the community.

Pinnella Invited To 2012 Pro Soccer Combine

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:31:00 -0500

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (December 2, 2011) – Senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) of the Centenary College men’s soccer team has been accepted to partake in the 12^th annual InfoSport’s Pro Soccer Combine at the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, Fla. during Jan. 3-5, 2012.

The combine is a major event for draft-eligible college seniors, pro soccer veterans, and qualified free agents looking for contracts in MLS, NASL, USL, MISL and any international league and looks to be Pinnella’s next step in his soccer career.

The opportunity for Pinnella opens new doors as his scouting report and player profile data from the combine will be made available to every professional soccer team worldwide as well as all professional coaches and scouts that will be in attendance.

During his time at Centenary, Pinnella became the Cyclones’ All-Time leader in goals (37), points (93), and assists (19), and finished the 2011 season ranked 18^th in the nation in goals per game (0.88) and 20^th in points per game (2).

For more information on the combine, click here.

Five Cyclones Earn Awards Recognition

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:22:00 -0400

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (November 1, 2011) – The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) named its 2011 All-Conference teams today with five Cyclones receiving honors including three members to the Second-Team, one Honorable Mention and one earning All-Sportsmanship honors.

The Cyclones, who finished the regular season with a 9-7-2 record, placed senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan), the CSAC leading scorer in points (34) and goals (15) on the Second Team as a forward. Pinnella has led the Cyclones in scoring and goals for each of the past three seasons and was named to the CSAC Honorable Mention team in 2010. Pinnella is joined on the Second-Team by teammates, junior Patrick Bourland (Vienna, N.J./Hackettstown) who made the team as a defender and freshman Quinn Khouri (Eldersburg, MD/Liberty) as a midfielder. Khouri tallied 12 points on five goals and two assists on the season in his rookie campaign.

Senior midfielder Matt Winkler (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown) who tallied four goals for Centenary earned Honorable Mention honors while sophomore Reid Meeker (Phillipsburg, N.J./Notre Dame Green Pond) received All-Sportsmanship team accolades.

2011 All Conference Teams

Cyclones Drop Vital Game

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:40:00 -0400

ASTON, Pa. (October 30, 2011) – The Centenary College men’s soccer team dropped what could be the most important game of the season today as they fell to the Rosemont Ravens 1-0.

The Cyclones needed a win in order to push their way into the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Tournament, but their dreams were cut short by the Ravens. The game, originally scheduled to be held yesterday at home for the Cyclones, had to be rescheduled for today on the campus of Neumann University.

The game was dominated by the Rosemont offense from early on as they forced senior goalkeeper Jason Rogers (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills) to make three saves within the first 15 minutes to keep the game scoreless.

The Cyclones found an opportunity when Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) took a pass from fellow senior Matt Winkler (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown) and knocked it around the goalie before a Raven defender was able to clear it out of the box.

Another opportunity for Pinnella came late in the first half when the Cyclones were awarded a free kick opportunity right outside the box. Pinnella was able to rip a ball past the Ravens wall, but was stopped as Rosemont goalkeeper Nick Hulayew was able to make the save off a bounce.

Despite an offensive attack by the Ravens, outshooting the Cyclones 15-4 and forcing Rogers to make nine saves in the first half alone, both teams entered the half scoreless. Coming out of the second half, the Ravens continued their attack when Ahmed Faik was able to take a loose ball off a corner kick and head it home to give Rosemont a 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately for the Cyclones, the lead turned out to be enough for Rosemont, giving the Ravens a 1-0 victory and pushing the Cyclones out of playoff contention. Rogers finished the day with 12 saves for the Cyclones.

Box Score

Cyclones Fall In Overtime

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:18:00 -0400

GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. (October 25, 2011) – Despite two goals, the Centenary College men’s soccer team were unable to defeat Gwynedd-Mercy as they fell to the Griffins 3-2 in an overtime matchup.

The game held scoreless for the majority of the first half before a Kevin Elmer goal in the 32nd minute to give the Griffins a 1-0 lead. The Cyclones didn’t wait long to respond however as freshman Quinn Khouri (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty) responded with an equalizer goal less than one minute later to tie the game up at 1-1.

Unfortunately for the Cyclones, the offensive attack continued when Nick Strangler took a pass from fellow Griffin Trevor Sotell and netted the go-ahead goal to put Gwynedd-Mercy up 2-1 going into the half.

The beginning of the second half started out just as slow as the first until freshman Michael Marin (Union City, N.J./Union City) was able to net home yet another Cyclone equalizer to bring the game to 2-2 and send it into an eventual overtime.

Despite the two equalizers in regulation, the Cyclones were unable to attack in overtime before Gwynedd-Mercy’s Dan Panepresso was able to knock home the game winning goal in the 96th minute. With the loss, Centenary falls to 9-6-2 overall and 4-4 in the conference.

The Cyclones return home on Saturday for their last game of the regular season when they host Rosemont at 1pm. Prior to the game, the Cyclone will be recognizing their graduating seniors for all the hard work and dedication they have contributed to the Centenary tradition.

Box Score

Men's Soccer Falls 1-0

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:26:00 -0400

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (October 20, 2011) – The Centenary men’s soccer team (8-5-2, 3-3 CSAC) fell to the Philadelphia Biblical Crimson Eagles yesterday 1-0 to even their conference record at 3-3.

Despite the Cyclones’ ability to outshoot the Crimson Eagles 17-12, Centenary could not find the back of the net after allowing a goal early in the first half to Philadelphia Biblical’s Gary Bruce. Freshman Quinn Khouri (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty) was able to find six shots, two of which were on goal, but was unable to capitalize to keep the Cyclones in it.

Senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) also contributed with four shots, two on goal, while both Jimmy Corey (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) and Luis Villacis (Newark, N.J./St. Benedict’s) were able to add a shot on goal.

Both Jason Rogers (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills) and Philadelphia Biblical’s Dave Shaffer made six saves throughout the game, but Rogers suffered the loss after allowing the early goal to the Crimson Eagles. The Cyclones return to action on Saturday as they host Keystone College at 3pm on Cyclone Field in Hackettstown, N.J.

Box Score

Cyclones Announce White Out Day

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:21:00 -0400

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (October 19, 2011) – The Centenary College Sociology and Criminal Justice Club and the Sports Management Association presents: "White Out Day" on Saturday for the soccer men and women doubleheader. Come support the Cyclones by wearing your Centenary gear and get a free limited edition "White Out" t-shirt.

“White Out Day” will start with the women’s soccer team as the Lady Cyclones take on Neumann University at 1pm. Prior to the game, Centenary will pay tribute to their five graduating seniors as part of a senior day celebration, honoring Brittany Overland (Andover, N.J./Newton), Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy), Arielle Hamilton (Scotrun, Pa./Pocono Mt. East), Mary Anderson (West Milford, N.J./West Milford), and Kristyn Lehmann (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial).

Following the women’s game, “White Out Day” continues as the men’s team takes on CSAC rival Keystone at 3pm. For more information on the “White Out Day” festivities, feel free to contract Kim Garcia at garciak@centenarycollege.edu.

Cyclones Fall To Pacers 4-0

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:20:00 -0400

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (October 12, 2011) – The Centenary men’s soccer team (8-3-2, 3-1 CSAC) fell to the Marywood University Pacers (8-3, 5-1 CSAC) on Wednesday 4-0 for their first conference loss of the season.

Marywood’s offense played a major factor in the game as the Pacers outshot the Cyclones 19-13 in their win. The Cyclones were only able to find a total four shots on goal, three of which came from senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) and the other off sophomore Nick Telle (Union, N.J./Roselle Catholic).

The Pacers jumped out early, scoring within the first five minutes as Richard Fifi was able to knock home a ball to the far post off a Christian Lawlor cross. Lawlor was able to contribute two more goals and one more assist on the day as he was an active part of each of the Pacer’s scoring drives.

Cyclone goalkeeper Jason Rogers (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills) made six saves, including a few Pacer one-on-one scoring opportunities, but suffered the loss after allowing four goals through.

The Cyclones return to action on Saturday when they host pre-season favorite Neumann University at 3:00pm.

Box Score

Pinnella, Chu Earn CSAC Player Of The Week Honors

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:48:00 -0400

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (October 10, 2011) – Centenary men’s soccer senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) and volleyball junior Erika Chu (Galloway, N.J./Absegami) were each named Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Player of the Week for their respective sports, the league announced Monday. For their efforts, the two also received Cyclone of the Week honors.

Pinnella earned CSAC Player of the Week for the third-straight week. He posted two goals in two games to become the all-time leading scorer in Centenary program history (37 career goals), while also adding an assist, as the Cyclones went 2-0 on the week to improve to 8-2-2 on the year, and a perfect 3-0 in CSAC play.

Chu totaled 30 kills, 11 blocks, seven digs, and three aces in three matches for the Cyclones, who went 2-1 on the week, 2-0 in CSAC action. Chu twice recorded double-digit kill totals, including a season-best 12 against Cedar Crest. The junior also blocked seven shots in her team’s 3-0 win over the Falcons.

Pinnella Leads Cyclones To 3-1 Victory Over Baptist Bible

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:02:00 -0400

CLARKS SUMMIT, Pa. (Oct. 8, 2011) – The search for the two goals to make senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) Centenary College’s All-Time goal scorer is finally over as Pinnella led the Cyclones to a 3-1 victory over Baptist Bible College Saturday.

The Cyclones (8-2-2, 3-0 CSAC) jumped out early in the first half when Pinnella knocked home a goal in the 15th minute to put Centenary on the board and tie Pinnella with former Cyclone Chris Hill with 36 career goals. Not even four minutes later, fellow senior Matt Winkler (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown) netted the Cyclones another goal to put them up 2-0 over the Defenders.

The rest of the first half ended quietly with the Cyclones entering halftime with a 2-0 lead and Pinnella only needing one goal to achieve Cyclone history. Fortunately for Pinnella and the Cyclones, history wouldn’t have to wait too long as he ripped home his fifteenth goal of the season in the 54th minute to put the Cyclones up 3-0 and enter Pinnella’s name into the Centenary record books.

The game wasn’t quite over with yet however as the Defenders threatened with a goal in the 81st minute by Bobby Newman to shorten the Cyclone lead to 3-1. Centenary goalkeeper Jason Rogers (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills) was able to ensure the victory as he contributed six saves in the game, his only error in allowing Newman’s goal.

Pinnella and the Cyclones return home on Wednesday, Oct. 12 when they host Marywood at 3:00pm.

Box Score

Men’s Soccer Shuts Out Berkeley, 7-0

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:59:00 -0400

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (October 5, 2011) – The Centenary men’s soccer team (7-2-2) saw 10 separate players record at least a point in a 7-0 blowout of non-conference foe Berkeley (2-10), Wednesday in Hackettstown, N.J. Freshman Charlton Duncan (New York, N.Y./Community) scored his first career goal and fellow classmate Michael Marin (Union City, N.J./Union City) posted a personal-best five points on two goals and one assist in the win.

The Cyclones outshot the Knights, 23-10, including an 11-3 edge in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Jason Rogers (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills) was up to the task, posting three saves for his program-leading 16th-career shutout.

Sophomore Nick Telle (Union, N.J./Roselle Catholic) gave the home team a 1-0 advantage in the 20th minute off an assist from senior Jimmy Corey (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial). Corey received a beautiful through ball from fellow classmate Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) and drove around a defender along the baseline to find Telle in front of the net. That score held for almost 20 minutes, until junior Alex Khouri (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty) found senior Matt Winkler (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown), whose laser shot from just outside the box found the back of the net.

Leading 2-0 at halftime, Centenary turned on the jets in the second half. Marin netted the first of his two goals with a blast from 23-yards out in the 53rd minute. Five minutes later, junior Patrick Bourland (Vienna, N.J./Hackettstown) sent his throw in to the box where freshman Quinn Khouri (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty) headed it past the BC keeper. Marin scored his second goal of the game in the 64th minute off assists from Pinnella and Corey.

In the 82nd minute, Marin recorded his first career assist as he and Bourland collaborated to set up freshman Dylan Bricker (Florida, N.Y./S.S. Seward) for the goal. Duncan rounded out the scoring in the 86th minute with a penalty kick after he was taken down in the box.

CC returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 8, with a road game at Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) foe Baptist Bible at 3:00 p.m.

Walters Hits Game Winner In Second Overtime To Defeat Cavaliers 3-2

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:33:00 -0400

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Oct. 1, 2011) – With the rain pouring and the field becoming muddier by the second, senior Alex Walters (Sciota, Pa./Pleasant Valley) was able to take a corner from junior Patrick Bourland (Vienna, N.J./Hackettstown) and drill it home to give the Cyclones (6-2-2, 2-0 CSAC) a 3-2 double-overtime win over the Cabrini Cavaliers (5-5-1, 1-1 CSAC).

The Cyclones jumped out early when sophomore Nick Telle (Union, N.J./Roselle Catholic) was able to chip a ball over Cavalier goalkeeper Eric Nowicki’s head and into the net, despite an second-effort attempt to retreat and swat the ball away.

Centenary’s offense continued to push forward when senior Matt Winkler (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown) ripped a shot that went just wide off of a misplayed header from the Cabrini defender. Luckily for Winkler, a short time later he was able to fire a cross from the left side to the top of the box where he found fellow senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) who ripped it into the left side of the net to give the Cyclones a 2-0 lead.

The Cavaliers would not rest for long, however, as Brett Lockbaum headed a ball into the net off a corner by Jim Mattock with only 3:30 left in the first half to shorten the Cyclone lead to 2-1.

Entering the second half, both the rain and the intensity of the game picked up as Cavalier forward Eric Collins was able to head home a goal only five minutes into the half to tie the game at 2-2.

With only 6:30 left in regulation, Walters received a perfect corner from Pinnella but his header attempt was knocked wide by a line of Cabrini defenders guarding the net to keep the game tied at 2-2 and force overtime.

The Cyclones almost capitalized on another opportunity in overtime when freshman Michael Marin (Union City, N.J./Union City) drilled a ball to the right side of the net, but it was just deflected off the head of a Cabrini defender and sailed just over the net to keep the game tied.

With only 5:01 left in the second overtime, Walters’ goal brought the Cyclones a 3-2 victory and improved their CSAC record to 2-0. Pinnella’s go-ahead goal in the first half improves his season goal total to 13, bringing him only two away from becoming the Cyclones’ All-Time Goal Scorer.

The Cyclones return to action on Wednesday when they host the Berkeley Knights at 3:00pm.

Box Score

Pinnella Goal Leads To First Conference Victory For Cyclones

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:21:00 -0400

IMMACULATA, Pa. (Sept. 28, 2011) – Despite an hour long rain delay to postpone the start of the game, senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) was able to knock home a goal in the last fifteen minutes of play to bring home the Cyclones’ (5-2-2, 1-0-0 CSAC) first conference win of the season.

The Cyclone offense came out strong as they outshot Immaculata 14-2, eight of which were on net. Pinnella continued his on-field dominance as he was able to fire off five shots, four on goal and one of those that led the Cyclones to their 1-0 finish over the Mighty Macs.

With the goal, Pinnella tallies 12 on the season and continues his dominance among the ranks as he was ranked third in the NCAA Division III standings in total goals scored entering the game. The senior has also moved closer to yet another Centenary all-time record as he is only three goals away from taking over as the all-time goal scorer as well.

Also contributing to the powerful Cyclone offense were Reid Meeker (Phillipsburg, N.J./Notre Dame Green Pond), Quinn Khouri (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty), and Alex Khouri (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty) who each contributed with shots on goal.

With the weather conditions proving to be dismal and dreary, the intensity of the game revved as five cards were issued, including one red card to each of the respective teams.

The Cyclones look to continue their offensive momentum when they return home on Saturday to take on conference foe Cabrini College at 3:00pm.

Box Score

Pinnella and Markovic Make Impact On NCAA Rankings

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:46:00 -0400

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Sept. 28, 2011) – After jumping out to a strong start to the 2011 season, senior Andrew Pinnella (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) and junior Jelena Markovic (Brcko, Bosnia and Herzegovina/The Economic School) have found themselves ranked amongst the top of NCAA Division III athletes.

Pinnella’s consecutive hat-tricks and stellar performances thus far this season have brought him to rank in the NCAA top ten in four different categories: Points Per Game (8th), Total Points (3rd), Goals Per Game (8th), and Total Goals (3rd). With 11 goals on the seasons already, seven of which came between two games, Pinnella is well on his way to gaining both end of the year Conference and possibly NCAA honors as well.

Markovic is also on a tremendous run this season as she leads the team and conference in aces with 57 to give her an NCAA 14th ranked 1.04 aces per set. Her dominant serve has brought the Cyclones to be ranked 27th among the NCAA with a 2.82.

Pinnella and the Cyclones open up conference play today as they travel to Immaculata, Pa. to take on the Mighty Macs at 4:00pm. Markovic will lead the Lady Cyclones on Friday as they travel to Brooklyn, N.Y. to take on the Bulldogs at 6:00pm.