Reminder about move to Campus Times

Hey everyone.

I am just writing to remind you out there that from now on, all content for The Jackets' Nest will be posted on UR's student newspaper, Campus Times, website.

I made the decision to switch over to the Campus Times to affiliate my blog with something and to increase readership.

The style of my posts will be the same, it will just be on a different website.

I will continue to update the notes to the right of this post on a weekly basis.

Thank you again for following, and before I forget, here is the link you can access all of the new blog posts at (although I will also be posting links on this blog to my new blog posts):

http://www.campustimes.org/blogs/author/nmulberg/

Live broadcast tomorrow

Found out today from a representative of the athletic department that it looks like a video feed will not be feasible for tomorrow's 7pm men's game vs. St. John Fisher.

Hopefully the athletic department will be able to figure everything out, but if not, there will still be a live audio feed at www.thesting.wrur.org.

Looking forward to tomorrow's game against a bitter rival!

Men beat Lycoming 1-0 on thrilling goal

The UR men shot and shot and shot some more last night against Lycoming College, and for over a half, the score remained 0-0.

Max Eberhardt's goal, assisted by Max Fan, was the game winner against Lycoming College

But ten minutes into the second, the Max-duo came through for UR on a tremendous play. Forward Max Fan ('14) took a corner kick from the left side of the field and placed the ball right in front of the net. Max Eberhardt ('12) then headed the ball into the net for the lone goal of the game.

The goal was Eberhardt's third goal of the season and third goal in the past three games. It was Fan's first assist of the year.

The low score does not do justice to how well UR played. They had countless opportunities to score, but Lycoming goalie Connor Keenan made a couple of very nice saves.

UR also outshot Lycoming 18-1, and prevented Lycoming from taking a shot until deep into the second half.

For their performances on the game-winning goal, the Jackets' Nest Players of the Game are Max Eberhardt ('12) and Max Fan ('14). Fan kicked a beautiful ball into the box where Eberhardt met it for a beautiful header goal.

Men's soccer game live tonight vs. Lycoming

I will be in the Fauver Stadium press box alongside Cody Monday calling tonight's UR men's soccer game vs. Lycoming College at 7pm. Coverage begins around 6:50pm.

It's a pretty big game for the men, who are looking to avenge last week's loss against Hobart and get back to their winning ways.

As always, tune in at www.thesting.wrur.org and check back on The Jackets' Nest for post-game reactions.

UR women lose to one of nation's premier teams

The women's soccer team traveled to #3 William Smith College earlier today to take on the Herons in a game that had serious implications for the end-of-the-season regional rankings.

UR was shutdown on offense, as William Smith defeated the 'Jackets 3-0. To be completely honest though, the 'Jackets really should feel no shame about the loss considering the loss was a road game against arguably the best team in the nation.

Goalkeeper Bridget Lang ('13) made eight saves in a losing effort for the 5-2 Yellow Jackets.

I wasn't able to make the hour trip to William Smith for the game since I had baseball practice, but here are some of the key stats I found in the box score.

1. All three of William Smith's goals were scored in the second half.
2. UR was outshot by the Herons, 25-6.
3. Ellen Coleman ('12), Heather Alico ('13) and Hayley Engel ('15) had the 'Jackets' three shots on goal.
4. UR Goalkeeper Bridget Lang ('13) had 8 saves. Allison Bernstein ('14) subbed in for Lang for the final 13:45 of the game, and made one save.

The loss drops the women's record to 5-2.

The Jackets' Nest Player of the Game is Bridget Lang ('13). She may have given up three goals tonight, but she did make 8 saves. And recognition for Bridget is long overdue- she has played extremely well this season and is yet to receive a Jackets' Nest Player of the Game. 

On the year, Lang is 4-2 with 26 saves, a minuscule 1.07 goals against average, and an .812 save percentage.

Big game for women later today

The women's soccer team is slated to take on #3 William Smith College later today. It is a huge game and test for the Yellow Jackets, especially considering the game is on the road.

I talked to head coach Sike Dardaganis about an hour ago and he said that he is very excited for the match.  He also told me that he can't remember the last time his team had a result at William Smith, so it will make for an exciting match-up against on of the nation's premier teams.

Last year, UR beat William Smith at Fauver Stadium, so William Smith will definitely be seeking revenge this time around.

Check back on The Jackets' Nest for a recap of today's game.

Both teams appear in new D3Soccer.com Top 25

The D3Soccer.com women's and men's Top 25 was released earlier today, and both UR squads appeared on the list in one way or another.

After a hard-fought 2-1 loss this past weekend to now #17 Union College, the women dropped three spots and are currently ranked 16th in the nation.

Had the UR men beaten then #10 Hobart College on Saturday (UR lost 2-1), they would have definitely been selected for the Top 25. With their loss, UR dropped down in the "receiving votes" category from #1 to #17, which effectively means that they went from being ranked 26th in the nation to 42nd.

Here is the complete men's Top 25:

Weekend Roundup: Both teams lose 2-1 in rough weekend

Both the men's and women's soccer team were dealt losing blows this weekend, as both squads lost their away matches by a final score of 2-1.

The men lost to #10 Hobart despite holding an early lead. In the 30th minute, forward Max Fan ('14) gave UR a 1-0 lead when he scored off an assist by midfielder Brian Knouse ('13).

But the Yellow Jackets couldn't hold the lead, as Hobart managed to tie it up seven minutes later and score the game-winner early in the second half.

For his second goal of the season, which gave UR an early lead, the Jackets' Nest Player of the Game goes to Max Fan ('14).
____________________________________

The outcome of the women's game against #15 Union was almost completely identical. UR took a 1-0 lead when midfielder Kathryn Rowe ('14) scored in the 26th minute.

Kathryn Rowe's first goal of the season was not enough for UR to win against #15 Union.

The 'Jackets carried their lead into the second half, but after 13 minutes of play in the second half, UR's lead was gone for good after two Union freshmen scored, making the score 2-1.

Union was able to hold on to their lead and the UR women took their first loss of the season.

For scoring her first goal of the year, the Jackets' Nest Player of the Game goes to Kathryn Rowe ('14).

Five questions with women's head coach Thomas "Sike" Dardaganis

Coach Thomas "Sike" Dardaganis

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to chat with the women's soccer coach, Thomas "Sike" Dardaganis. Prior to taking over the head coaching duties from once long-time head coach Terry Gurnett, Dardaganis was the Yellow Jacket's assistant for 14 years.

Dardaganis, an alumnus of UR, is a class act who is always a fun interview. Check out what he had to say about his team that has raced out to a 5-0 start.

1. Prior to the season, did you expect your team to play as well as they have thus far? Why or why not?

I knew we had a talented team coming in, so I wouldn’t say it’s unexpected [how well we’ve played.] I think the team has grown faster than I thought they would. Their maturity with some players being in inexperienced roles has improved dramatically. So I’d say it’s a little bit of a surprise that we’ve gotten results in every game because I consider us a young team, but I think that considering the talent we have, I’m not that surprised that we are where we are. We also haven’t been tested yet. We haven’t played a top ten team, so I’m still waiting to see how we do against the big dogs.

2. Your team has four shutouts in five games. Why has your defense been so hard to score on?

Great goal keeping from Bridget Lang (’13) and Allison Bernstein (’14) has been key.

We’ve added a component in using our goalkeepers also as distributors, so I think they’re taking a little bit less pressure because our backs feel comfortable playing them as distributors.

And then, overall, our defense is playing with composure and heart. Heart is the biggest thing. If you want to get shutouts, you have to play with a lot of heart. I think that’s the most vital thing.

3. Your team is averaging almost ten shots on goal a game (47 shots on goal in 5 games) and nearly three goals a game. What exactly has your offense been doing so well that has led to this offensive outburst?

It starts with having an All-American at target. Ellen Coleman (’12) gets a lot of chances for us. But I think what is different this year is our wing and midfield play. Their entry passes are so much sharper than we’ve had in other years. In other years it seemed like we always relied on our front-runners to do all the work. Now our midfielders are taking advantage of goal scoring opportunities and our wingers are playing some fantastic balls in to both midfielders as well as in to [Coleman] and Rachel Wesley (’13). Wesley has also stepped up and created some chances, as has Beth Martens (’13).

And I expect us to continue. I think Ashley Hunt (’15) is a freshman that is really getting it done as a midfield distributor. Don’t be surprised if she starts collecting a few goals as well.

4. Whose performance have you been most impressed with and why?

Then assistant coach Thomas Dardaganis instructs his team during a practice during 2010.

There are a number of players. I expected a lot from our goalkeepers, so I wouldn’t say that their play has been a surprise. But our three center backs that we’ve been rotating have really done an outstanding job, especially considering they are new to that back line. You look at Kristina Diaz (’13) who has never really played in that role. Ally Abel (’13) has been injured for two years and is now stepping in to that role for the first time. It’s practically like she’s a freshman even though she’s a junior. And then Kailee Zornow (’15) coming in as a freshman and knowing our system and being able to perform right away.

Our outside backs, Danielle Crean (’12) and Alaina Wayland (’13) have logged a lot of hours last year, so they’re just continuing what they did last year.

And then, Kathryn Rowe (’14) is always steady as a back.

A surprise as far as the freshman class goes has been Katie Sappio (’15). She has really stepped up her game. She looked good in camp this summer but she has also really been able to perform. Another freshman too is Morgan O’Brien (’15). She had a good start [scoring two goals in our opening game against Medaille.] Hayley Engel (’15) has been the latest surprise. She’s really creating a lot of chances for us as a freshman, which is fantastic.

And then our wing play, I think the biggest thing is our wing play. We didn’t get strong into the final third last year in our 4-4-2 system. So with additional wingers, you look at Rachel Wesley (’13) who has been a little bit more dominant in the final third this year. That has been a surprise because I actually thought she was going to be an outside back for us going into the season.

Grace Van Der Ven (’14) too, who had her first goal [against RIT]. I tell you that kid can strike a ball. So I think we’re just going to see more and more goals and production out of our offense.

5. In the two national polls, you are currently ranked #8 and #13. What does it mean to you and your team that in other peoples’ opinions, you are ranked as one of the best teams in the country?

It puts a target on our backs. But I think there is going to be a target on our backs no matter what. The success of this program that [former head coach] Terry Gurnett built and that I’m inheriting, everyone is going to get up for us, whether we are 13^th or 50^th or 200^th in the country. No one has ever taken us lightly, no one ever will.

I only know how our team is playing. Where we rank is inconsequential. So, as long as we keep improving every day, as long as we keep playing collectively, I just don’t think rankings are relevant.

Women and men both show up in national, regional rankings

The most recent editions of national/regional polls were released within the past couple of days, and both UR soccer teams were represented in them.

In the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Top 25, the women are ranked 8th in the country. The NSCAA also ranked UR second in the East region, with #2 nationally ranked William Smith coming in at number one in the regional poll.

The Yellow Jacket's are scheduled to play William Smith in an away match-up on 9/21 at 4:30pm.

Ranked just below the 'Jackets in the regional poll is #15 nationally ranked Union. UR plays them this upcoming Saturday in Schenectady at 1pm.

Those two games against a couple of the nation's best teams will be a good test for the 5-0 women, especially considering the 'Jackets have yet to face a top-notch opponent this year.

In the D3soccer.com poll, the UR women are ranked #13. See for yourself below:

On the men's side of the ball...

The NSCAA ranked UR 27th in the nation and 4th in the East Region. D3soccer.com had the 'Jackets at 26th in the nation, just one spot outside their Top 25.

UR's next game is away at #9 Hobart on Saturday, so similar to the women's upcoming opponents, the men are in for a good test their next game.

Women take down RIT 2-1, improve to 5-0 on the year

The women's soccer team made it a clean sweep for the UR soccer program earlier today.

Grace Van Der Ven's second half goal turned out to be the game winner.

The men's team beat cross-town rival Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) last night, 3-1, and with the lady Jackets' 2-1 win today, UR takes the season series with RIT's soccer program. Neither the men or women are scheduled to play RIT for the remainder of the year.

Grace Van Der Ven

Goal scorers in today's game were Ellen Coleman ('12), who scored in the first half off an assist from Beth Martens ('12), and Grace Van Der Ven ('14), who, in the second half, scored what turned out to be the game winner.

Coleman's goal was her fourth of the season and 39th career. Currently, the two-time All-American forward sits at 99 career points.

Van Der Ven's goal was the first of her career. Bridget Lang ('13) got the win in net for UR, her fourth of the season.

For her first career collegiate soccer goal, Grace Van Der Ven is the Jackets' Nest Player of the Game. In addition to it being her first career goal, Van Der Ven's score turned out to be the game winner for UR.

UR men earn town bragging rights after beating RIT 3-0

What a great night it was for the Yellow Jackets yesterday at Fauver Stadium, as UR defeated cross-town rival Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) by a score of 3-0. The win pushed UR's record to 4-1.

Josh Richards ('12) started off the game's scoring on a first half goal that was assisted by Max Eberhardt ('12).

The play all started when Tom Sorrentino ('12) had a beautiful throw-in into the box. Eberhardt headed the ball towards the net, and Richards was there to finish. The goal was Richards second of the season.

Forward Max Eberhardt's phenomenal game against RIT included two goals and an assist.

Later on, things got very exciting very fast. About fifteen minutes into the second half, Eberhardt scored his second point of the game when he put a Jakob Seidlitz ('13) corner kick into the net for his first goal of the season. That made the score 2-0.

Twenty-five seconds later, Eberhardt scored his second goal of the game after receiving a beautiful cross from forward Jarvis D'Souza ('15). D'Souza was just outside the top right corner of the 18' when he sent a perfect cross over to Eberhardt in the middle of the box. Eberhardt's strike was a no doubter as soon as he kicked it, as D'Souza set him up perfectly to shoot on a wide-open net.

The two goals Eberhardt scored in twenty-five seconds presented a first for me in my soccer-reporting career. I have never seen one player score two goals in such a short-time frame.

I was broadcasting the game for WRUR 88.5, and I couldn't even finish breaking down Eberhardt's first goal before he scored his second.

For his three-point performance, the Jackets' Nest Player of the Game is Max Eberhardt ('12).

Live broadcast of men's soccer vs. RIT tomorrow (9/13) at 7pm

Tune in to WRUR's The Sting tomorrow night at 7pm. I'll have the call as the men take on cross-town rival Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in what should be a very exciting match-up.

I'll be calling the game solo- my first ever solo broadcast. Coverage begins at 6:55pm at www.thesting.wrur.org.

Soccer returns to Rochester after both teams cap off away weekends

Both the men's and women's soccer teams returned to Rochester recently after playing two games each on the road this past weekend.

On the men's side, UR went 1-1, losing to #22 St. Lawrence University (SLU) on Friday, 4-0, and beating Clarkson University on Satuday, 1-0, in a double overtime thriller. UR is now 3-1 on the year.

Forward Alex Swanger ('15) scored the game-winner against Clarkson Univ.

While the Yellow Jacket's would have obviously loved to win their game against SLU, there is really no shame in losing to as good of an opponent as SLU. Luckily, the team was able to come away with a win against Clarkson.

Forward Alex Swanger ('15) scored the game winner for the 'Jackets against Clarkson- not a bad time for the freshman to score his first career goal.

It's tough to name anyone the Jackets' Nest Player of the Game for the SLU game, but Swanger is definitely the Player of the Game for his game-winning, first-career collegiate goal against Clarkson.

Five questions with men's head coach Chris Apple

Following this past weekend's contests, I had the opportunity to talk with men's head coach Chris Apple about his team. Check out what Apple had to say about UR's big win against #7 Calvin, his 3+ fantastic freshman, and the luxury of having someone as talented as senior Tom Sorrentino ('12) take care of the throw-in/corner kick duties.

Head Coach Chris Apple

What does beating a team ranked as high as #7 Calvin do for your team heading into the rest of the season, especially after graduating a number of key players from last year?

I think it just continues to help build confidence and belief in ourselves. This team knows that they’re good, but until you have that first big test in the first match in the real season, you’re never really a hundred percent sure how you’ll respond. So, the win does a lot of things for our confidence and for our belief in ourselves. But at the same time, one win doesn’t mean you’ve arrived and one loss doesn’t mean you’ve sunk. It is a long season and we just have to keep getting better.

What were your initial thoughts when your team went down 1-0 early to Calvin?

Going down a goal early to a good team like Calvin, you begin to question how the boys are going to respond. But they equalized almost right away and came back to win against a really good team in Calvin.

Last year, Tom Sorrentino took care of the throw-in/corner kick duties. He was named UAA Player of the Week recently, which in large part was due to the impact he made this past weekend with his throw-ins/corner kicks. How important is it to have someone like him who has the ability to create scoring opportunities from those aspects of the game?

His throw-in in particular is a lethal weapon for us. We were able to score a couple of goals on it last year and in our first game against Calvin, it got us two goals. Having a guy like [Sorrentino] is especially important against a team like Calvin where the scout on them is that they are great on restarts, long throw-ins and they are big and strong and physical. And to beat them at their own game is pretty neat and that shows how determined our guys were in the penalty box.

You had three freshman see significant time in your teams’ first two games- forwards Alex Swanger, Jarvis D’Souza, and Shane Dobles- and they all played extremely well. Why exactly did you have the confidence to play them in the big games this past weekend?

Well, all three of those guys throughout the preseason training camp showed that they were capable of playing at this level. They’re athletic, they’re confident. They don’t play like freshmen. And there’s even like three or four more kids in the freshman-class that are playing that well. We wanted to get them in more than we did but the opportunity didn’t arise. You will see them probably play a lot more in the next couple of games. So there are probably half a dozen to seven freshmen that are all playing great right now.

In your mind, what is one of the bright spots you have come across with this team thus far in the season?

The one thing I really love about this team is that every day, they come to train and come to get better. They really work at it. They are a fun group.

Sorrentino named UAA Player of the Week

Congratulations are in order for defender Tom Sorrentino ('12), who was named the UAA Player of the Week earlier today by UAA Headquarters in Pittsford, N.Y.

Sorrentino had a tremendous showing in the Yellow Jacket's two wins this past weekend (3-1 against #7 Calvin College and 2-1 against Fredonia).

Here is what the UAA had to say about Sorrentino's performance in UR's opening weekend:

" Tom Sorrentino  —  University of Rochester  —  Leawood, KS (Rockhurst)

University of Rochester senior back Tom Sorrentino was named the Most Valuable Player of the Flower City Soccer Classic on Saturday. He helped organize the Yellowjacket defense in a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over seventh-ranked Calvin College and assisted on a pair of goals. His throw-in set up the equalizer and his second-half pass led to the clinching goal in the last 15 minutes. On Saturday, Rochester rallied from a 1-0 deficit to post a 2-1 win over SUNY Fredonia. "

Weekend Roundup: both UR soccer teams start off season 2-0

The first weekend of UR's soccer season is over, and the men's and women's soccer teams could not be happier, as both sit at 2-0 after winning each of their respective Flower City Tournaments.

The women took down Medaille College, 7-0, on Friday and then went on to beat Skidmore College, 2-0, in the Flower City Championship game.

Against Medaille, UR dominated in all facets of the game, as is apparent by the final score. Two-time All-American Ellen Coleman ('14) and newcomer Morgan O'Brien ('15) led UR's offensive attack with two goals each.

Forward Rachel Wesley's performance against Skidmore
(1 goal, 1 assist) prompted the Flower City Tournament
Committee to name her tournament Most Valuable Player.

The Skidmore College Thoroughbreds proved to be a much more difficult challenge for the Lady Jackets in the championship game. Skidmore came out attacking early on and had a number of very good scoring opportunities. But a number of terrific saves by goalie Allison Bernstein ('14) prevented Skidmore from taking the lead in the early going.

After the Thoroughbreds' upheaval of UR's defense, the Jackets turned up their attack and took the lead 1-0 off a beautiful header by midfielder Beth Martins ('12) in the fifth minute. Forward Rachel Wesley ('13) and Coleman both had assists on the play.

Early in the second half, UR sealed the win when Wesley scored on a 22-yard shot from the right wing.

Freshman Morgan O'Brien earns Jackets' Nest Player of the Game honors for scoring two goals in her first ever collegiate soccer game. For her performance in game two of the Flower City Tournament, the Jackets' Nest Player of the Game goes to forward Rachel Wesley ('13). Without her superb play against Skidmore, UR would not have scored either of their goals.

Below are the tournament awards:

1st Place: University of Rochester Yellowjackets
2nd Place: Skidmore College Thoroughbreds
3rd Place: SUNY Geneseo Blue Knights
4th Place: Medaille College Mavericks
Tournament MVP: Rochester F/D Rachel Wesley (Millwood, NY/Millwood)
Offensive Player of the Tournament: Skidmore M Kelsey Yam (Longmeadow, MA/Longmeadow)
Defensive Player of the Tournament: Rochester D Danielle Crean (Victor, NY/Victor)

___________________________________________________________


The men's Flower City Classic was not initially set up as an actual tournament- the match-ups between teams were preset prior to the Classic, which contrasts with the women's tournament, where the match-ups were decided based on which team won and lost each first round game.

Therefore, it was known beforehand that the men would be taking on Fredonia following their match-up with #7 Calvin College, regardless of whether or not they won or loss their opening game.


Well, it just so happened that both UR and Fredonia won each of their respective first games (on Thursday, UR beat Calvin 3-1 and Fredonia beat St. John Fisher 1-0) , which ultimately set up a tournament championship when the two teams met on Saturday night for their scheduled game.


The first half saw both teams have a number of scoring opportunities. Each team's goalkeeper (UR Mike Moranz ('14) and Fredonia's Bobby McGinnis), however, was up to the task. 


UR's best scoring opportunity took place just before halftime when forward Max Fan ('14) took a point blank shot just yards from the net. But McGinnis was up to the task, saving Fan's shot on what looked like a sure-fire goal. The first half ended with the score deadlocked at 0-0.


In the 52nd minute, Fredonia finally broke through, scoring a goal off of a mis-hit clearance by a UR defender.


But Fredonia's goal seemed to light an unlit fire for UR's offensive attack. A little more than three minutes after Fredonia's goal, rookie forward Alex Swanger ('15) took the ball into the 18', and was taken down by a Fredonia defender.


UR was awarded a penalty kick, and designated penalty kicker, defender Jakob Seidlitz ('13), scored on the golden opportunity to tie up the game, 1-1.


Then, less than two minutes later, forward Jarvis D'Souza ('15) scored on what truly was an absolutely beautiful kick. D'Souza unloaded a shot a few yards outside the right corner of the 18' that curved from left to right, just inside the lower section of the right post. Defender Doug Clift, who was starting the game in place of injured defender Jake Cargill ('13), had the assist on the goal.

Forward Jarvis D'Souza celebrates what would end up being his game-winning goal.

D'Souza's goal elicited one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen on a soccer field. After scoring his goal, the freshman threw his hands in the air and ran towards his teammates on the bench. 


The UR bench cleared completely after the goal, meeting D'Souza on the field. Under the lights at Fauver Stadium with the night sky as the backdrop was a mini "mosh pit" of white jerseys, celebrating an unbelievable goal by a freshman who was playing in just his second collegiate game.


Despite both teams having a number of scoring opportunities the rest of the game, the score remained the same at the final buzzer, with UR winning 2-1.


For his game-winning and first career collegiate goal, the Jackets' Nest Player of the Game goes to Jarvis D'Souza. D'Souza's goal was a remarkable sight for several reasons: the shot, the excitement it caused for the many fans attending the game, and the celebration of UR players all over the field following the goal.


Below are the tournament awards:


1st Place team: University of Rochester Yellowjackets
MVP: Rochester D Tom Sorrentino
Top Offensive Player: Fredonia F Cory Paine
Top Defensive Player: Rochester D/M Jakob Seidlitz

Live broadcast women's soccer at 1:30pm

Senior forward Ellen Coleman will look to make a big
impact today in the championship of the Flower City
Tournament, held in Fauver Stadium on the UR campus.

I am currently inside the Fauver Stadium press box with my boy Brian Sheffler. Both of us are diligently prepping for our live broadcast of the Flower City Tournament Championship between the UR women and Skidmore College.

Tune in at 1:30pm on www.thesting.wrur.org to hear the radio feed.

Be sure to click "hi" or "lo" under live event on the top right section of The Sting webpage. The "listen in your browser" feature DOES NOT WORK!

Following the game, I'll be posting a recap of the championship game and the women's BIG semi-final win against Medaille College yesterday, 7-0.

Senior defender Jake Cargill most likely out for tonight's game vs. Fredonia

Jake Cargill will be a game-time
decision for tonight's game vs.
Fredonia, says Coach Chris Apple.

Starting defender Jake Cargill ('12) most likely will sit out UR's 7pm match-up against Fredonia St. tonight after suffering an ankle injury in the second half of UR's 3-1 win against #7 Calvin College on Sept. 1.

Head coach Chris Apple told me yesterday that Cargill "probably won't be able to play, but it's going to be a game-time decision. Cargill is a tough kid, so you know he is going to want to play if he can."

Senior defender Doug Clift will
probably get the start on defense if,
as expected, Jake Cargill cannot play.

The severity of Cargill's injury is unknown at this time, but Apple did say that he is hoping the injury is "just an ankle sprain [and nothing worse]."

Despite the injury to one of his top defenders, Apple said that the 'Jackets should be fine if Cargill cannot play tonight.

"The good news is that we have great depth this year," Apple said. "I though [Doug] Clift ('12) stepped in and did great when Cargill got hurt [against Calvin College]."

Assuming Cargill can't go, look for Clift to get the start on defense.

Be sure to check out the live broadcast's of UR's game tonight vs. Fredonia at 7pm, only at www.thesting.wrur.org.

Men now 1-0 on season following big win against #7 Calvin College

What a night it was at Fauver Stadium yesterday for the men's soccer team.

The Yellow Jackets played a nearly flawless game en route to their 3-1 win against Calvin College, who in one poll was ranked #7 in the nation.

UR got off to a slow start, giving up an early goal in the first few minutes of the game. But the 'Jackets responded big time as they went on to score three unanswered goals, two of which came off of Tom Sorrentino ('12) throw-ins.

Just about five minutes following Calvin's goal, Josh Richards ('12) was in the right spot at the right time. He deflected an errant shot into the net for his first goal of the season to tie the score, 1-1.

Sophomore Max Fan's goal in the second half gave UR the lead for good against #7 Calvin.

Later on in the game, at the 50:23 mark, Max Fan ('14) gave UR its first lead when Sorrentino had a phenomenal throw in into the 18'. After a few passes, Fan kicked it home for his first goal of the year.

UR sealed the game at the 78:48 mark when Scott Zorn ('12) put the 'Jackets up 3-1 after another Sorrentino throw-in.

The 'Jackets really looked good in all phases of the game throughout the season opener. They looked a bit tentative in the match's early moments, but after giving up an early goal in the fourth minute to Calvin, UR completely dominated the competition.

Scott Garfing ('13) was in net and he looked much improved from last season. In 2010, Garfing split goalkeeping duties with Mike Moranz ('14), and with Garfing's stellar play in net against Calvin, it will be interesting to see whether or not head coach Chris Apple will continue his goalie platoon.

The most intriguing part of the game for me, however, was seeing Coach Apple's extensive use of three freshman: Alex Swanger ('15), Shane Dobles ('15) and Jarvis D'Souza ('15).

All three showed a lot of poise the entire game. If they had any rookie nerves, I surely couldn't see it.

Swanger arguably had the biggest impact of the fantastic freshman trio. The forward from Penfield, a suburb of Rochester, had a very nice assist on Zorn's goal, started the game for the 'Jackets, and was extremely close to scoring a goal in the second half.

Freshman Alex Swanger

UR's next game is tomorrow (9/3) at 7pm vs. Fredonia State. I won't be broadcasting that game, but two other WRUR broadcasters will be. Check out the live broadcast at www.thesting.wrur.org.

For his performance in his first ever collegiate game, the inaugural Jackets' Nest Player of the Game goes to Alex Swanger. He played aggresively and confidently the entire match and showed little passiveness. He had an important assist which helped seal the win for UR and nearly scored a goal of his own.

Live broadcast set to go

Good news!

Everything is set for the live broadcast of tomorrow's mens' soccer game versus Calvin, the number 7 ranked team in the country.

More information about the broadcast will be here tomorrow, only at The Jackets Nest.

Men picked third in UAA coaches' poll

Just like the women's soccer team, the UR mens were picked as the UAA's third best team by the conference's coaches.

Despite finishing in third place, UR (10-3-5 in 2010, 3-2-2 UAA) managed to receive one first-place vote, which was more first-place votes than the team picked to finished second in the conference, Emory University (zero first-place votes).

Check out the poll below:

The Rochester men lost a number of key players from last year's team that earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament before losing in the first round to Medaille.

Among those gone include All-Region defender Misha Carrell-Thomas, midfielder Jimmy Parinello and forward Chris Blivin. But despite the losses, there are several more-than-capable players ready to step up for the Jackets.

Not to mention that 23 lettermen return from a 2010 team that was ranked in the Top 25 nationally for 12 straight weeks.

Junior goalie Scott Garfing will
probably get the nod in net in
UR's opening game on Sept. 1.

Here are a few names to look out for come Sept. 1 at 7pm during UR's home opener:

Jr. goalie Scott Garfing (10 GP, 20 saves, 4 goal against in 2010)

Sr. defender Jake Cargill (18 GP in 2010)

Sr. defender Tom Sorrentino (18 GP, 5 assists in 2010)

Sophomore Max Fan had a
phenomenal year as a freshman
in 2010. Look for him to build
off on his success from last year and
have anything but a sophomore slump.

Jr. defender Jakob Seidlitz (15 GP, 1 goal in 2010)

Sr. midfielder Josh Richards (18 GP, 2 goals, 5 assists in 2010)

Sr. forward/midfielder Max Eberhardt (17 GP, 2 goals, 3 assists in 2010)

So. forward/midfielder Max Fan (17 GP, 2 goals, 1 assist in 2010)

A number of freshman are also expected to make significant contributions this season, including local Rochester product Alex Swanger (Penfield High School, 2010 Section V High School Player of the Year).

According to a source, the forward/midfielder may start in UR's opening night game at Fauver Stadium. I am planning on conducting an interview with the talented freshman for The Jackets Nest in the near future.

Stay tuned for post-game coverage following UR's first game tomorrow.

The season is finally here. Let the buzzing begin!

Mens soccer breakdown to be released tomorrow (Aug. 31)

Sorry about the lengthy delay- the past week has been crazy for me with my move-in back to campus.

Tomorrow, I plan on publishing a roster breakdown of the men's team, just in time for the start of the season on Thursday, Sept. 1.

As of now, it does appear that I will have a live radio feed set up for the men's opening game against Calvin. But to be sure, check back here later tomorrow. I should have all of that confirmed by then.

Five questions with UAA Sports Information Director Anthony Moscaret

A couple days ago, I had the opportunity to talk with University Athletic Association (UAA) Sports Information Director Anthony Moscaret about both the women's and men's soccer teams. Here is what Moscaret had to say about both programs in the exclusive interview.

And a quick note: the men's team was chosen third in the recently-released UAA coaches' poll. Check back here in the next few days for a breakdown of the men's team.

1. Both of the UR soccer teams were picked third in the UAA coaches' poll. Which team has a better chance to "upset" the Association and win the UAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament?

Senior striker Ellen Coleman should once
again be the leader of UR's offensive attack.

Looking at both team's, I would say the women have the best chance to upset.  The men I feel could do it as well, but not knowing if they have that closer to score a lot of key goals will play a factor. The women have Ellen Coleman who knows what it takes to close out games and I think that her ability could really carry the team.

2. How do you think the women's team has reacted to having a new head coach in Tom Dardaganis? Will having a new coach cause any issues for the women's team come the start of the season?

Having a new head coach in any sport or on any team is hard, but Coach Dardaganis knows the girls very well and has coached them as their assistant coach for many years.  So, I think having him as their head coach will be fine. I do know he is very passionate for the game and his team and he is willing stand up for his players in games.  It may take some time to get use to him as the head coach but I think they will be fine.

3. What kind of season can we expect out of two-time All-American Ellen Coleman, especially considering her fellow striker for the past three years, Bridgette Varin, has graduated? Do you see Coleman having the same type of success she has had in recent years?

Look for senior midfielder/forward Josh Richards to be a
key component of the the UR scoring attack in 2011.

It definitely will be tough for Ellen since she did lose Varin, but knowing how talented Ellen is as a player, I think she will still be the force and the leader of the offense. A lot of girls will need to step up to fill that role that Varin played, and if they do so, which I think they will, I feel that Ellen will have success in what she does best and that is score.

4. Last year, the men's team scored just 27 goals in 19 games (1.42 goals per game). Their lack of scoring was probably the biggest issue the team had in 2010. How do you think UR's offense will fare this year?

I do agree that not having that finisher or closer in the scoring area for the men did hurt them last year. But they did find ways to win matches. If one or two of the players can come out of training camp as a scorer/finisher for them, they will definitely be an improved offensive team.

5. Who should we look for on the men's side to lead the team's offensive attack?

Based on what I saw last year, I think that Max Eberhardt and Josh Richards could be two guys that step up into that role as goal scorers.

Women ranked nationally, men unranked

I was doing some research on the Internet this morning and came across the recently-released edition of the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) Division III Top 25.

While the UR men are unranked, the women are slotted at number 21. Ranked just below the women in the poll is the University of Chicago, UR's UAA counterparts who the Yellow Jackets play on 10/30 and come in ranked at number 20.

Check out the full rankings below:

Two other teams that the UR women play during the year are also ranked in the Top 25: #4 William Smith College (non-conference, play UR on 9/21 at William Smith) and #5 Emory University (UAA opponent, play UR on 10/16 in Rochester).

So right off the bat, it appears that the women have a very tough schedule, which should make the season a lot more interesting (especially if the Jackets win their big games).

As hard as the women's slate of games is, the UR men may have an even tougher schedule.

UR lost a number of key starters due to graduation, including
First-Team All-UAA and All-Region defender Misha Carrel-Tomas.

The men's team has four ranked opponents in the preseason Top 25 in #7 Calvin College (non-conference, play UR in first game of the season on 9/1 at Rochester), #19 Emory University (UAA opponents, play UR on 10/16 in Rochester), #20 Washington University (UAA opponent, play UR on 10/28 at Wash. U) and #22 St. Lawrence University (non-conference, play UR on 9/9 at St. Lawrence).

The UR men's opening game against Calvin is huge. What a matchup to kick off the season.

Due to graduation, the Jackets lost several key starters from last year's nationally-ranked team, so it will be very intriguing to see how the Jackets fare in an early-season contest against such a formidable opponent.

I should be calling the Calvin game from the press box at Fauver Stadium. You can hear all live broadcasts of soccer games on the website of UR's student radio station, WRUR 88.5.

Women picked third in preseason coaches' poll

Just received the women's soccer preseason UAA press release which previews the upcoming season.

As voted upon by the eight UAA head women's soccer coaches, UR was picked to finish in third place. Check out the complete poll below:

At 12-5-3 overall, the UR women had a very good season last year. They finished 2010 ranked 26th in the nation according to d3soccer.com, while earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Jackets managed to win their opening round NCAA Tournament game against Western Connecticut State, 1-0, before falling to SUNY Oneonta, 2-0.

Despite losing a couple top players from last season due to graduation (Second Team All-Region striker Bridgette Varin, Second Team All-Region defender Meaghan Magee and midfielder Kirsten Ross), there is still a ton of reason for optimism.

For the first time in her collegiate career, Ellen Coleman (above)
will be without her fellow striker Bridgette Varin, who graduated
in the spring. Look for senior Jessica Smith to fill in for Varin.

Reigning UAA MVP and two-time All-American forward Ellen Coleman returns for her senior campaign. Last year, Coleman was nothing short of miraculous as she led the team in goals (15), points (34) and shots on goal (45).

But, much of Coleman's success in 2010 was in large part due to the rapport she had with Varin, her fellow forward. The duo worked wonders on the field, and with Varin now gone, someone will need to step up.

According to the UAA press release, that someone could be senior Jessica Smith, who did not play last season due to injuries but in 2009 ranked second on the team with five goals scored.

The Yellow Jackets' midfield should be solid with the return of seniors Danielle Crean (3 assists) and Beth Martens (4 points), while the always-strong UR defense returns All-UAA Honorable Mention senior midfielder/defender Kathryn Rowe, junior defender Alaina Wayland, and of course, the heart-and-soul of the defense, All-UAA Honorable Mention junior goalkeeper Bridget Lang (1.08 GAA).

The 2011 season will be the start of a new era for UR soccer, as longtime head coach Terry Gurnett retired following the Jackets' 2010 campaign. Taking over for Gurnett, who spent 34 seasons as UR's head coach, is Tom Dardaganis (pronounced darr-dah-GAH-niss).

Dardaganis, a 1992 UR alumnus, is more than qualified to take over the realm from Gurnett. Before taking over as head coach, Dardaganis spent 14 years as assistant coach of the women's soccer team.

Dardaganis' countless experiences as assistant coach for UR should help make the transition of head coaches a very smooth one. Expect the Jackets to play as if Gurnett never left when the season begins.

Expect a smooth transition when new head coach, Tom Dardaganis (above),
takes over for recently-retired head coach Terry Gurnett. Dardaganis
previously spent 14 years as the Yellow Jacket's main assistant coach.

The women open up the 2011 season on Friday, Sept. 2 at 4pm in Fauver Stadium as part of the Flower City Tournament that UR annually hosts. They'll be taking on Medaille College, the same college that ended the men's soccer team's season last year in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

And just a note- I should be calling the game live from the press box at Fauver stadium. More to come about that in the coming weeks.

We'll see if the women can get some revenge for their male counterparts by beating Medaille in game one, since the UR men are not scheduled to face Medaille during the regular season.

Speaking of men's soccer, I'm still waiting on the men's press release to be published, and will break it down for you all as soon as I receive it.

Welcome to The Jackets' Nest

Today is the big day!

Later today, I will officially launch The Jackets' Nest, which, in short, is a student-journalist's take on the 2011 UR women's and men's varsity soccer seasons.

Check back here the entire fall for various stories, insider interviews with players/coaches, and more about both soccer teams.

Let the buzzing begin!