2006 Men's Soccer

October 26, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  The Crusaders close out the season playing strong despite 0-1 loss.

In seniors Josh Corbin, Jon Freeburger and Erik Rankstrom's final game of their collegiate playing career, the Crusaders were able to give them a gift of a game.  Working in beautiful form as a team the game started and finished with a rare look of what college soccer is capable of.  The hurried pace and physical aggression was mostly absent from this contest as both sides came at one another in skill and tactics. 

"This was as controlled a game as I have seen teams play in the collegiate level",  Coach Newell commented.  "Both teams seemed to move along mentally at a great rate in possession and defending.  It truly felt like a chess match with each player playing within their capabilities and role on the team."  Summarizing the match Newell said, "We were a bit unlucky not to have found an equalizer, but that is the way soccer happens.  A little luck in such a tightly played match is the difference."

The visitors managed to go up 1-0 on a 1 v 1 with keeper Steven Bracale in the 24th minute as Peter Tomdio finished to the upper right side of the goal.  Eastern Nazarene held the edge in shots today taking 18 opportunities to the opponents 13.  And attacked well enough to earn the corner advantage, 5-3.

Josh, Jon and Erik finish their career with the Crusaders having played a major role in the growth of the team and competitiveness displayed on the field.  We wish them the best in what lies ahead of them. 

Go Crusaders!

October 24, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Crusaders chalk one up in the victory column.

Bouncing back from a difficult week, Eastern Nazarene churned out their first victory of the season against the Bison of Nichols College, winning 2-1.  In what is always a tight game between the two teams, ENC got on the scoreboard first in the 31st minute as Andy Van Amburg sent a midfield direct kick on the diagonal to Ezekiel Gillie who took two touches, got into the box and finished from left to right in the upper 90 of the right side of the goal. 

The Crusaders worked hard the entire game, especially after Jon Freburger was sent off in the 39th minute with a second yellow.  They eventually got their insurance goal in the 81st minute as Andrew Krause fed a thru ball into the right side of the box.  Enough to lure the Bison keeper out, only for ENC's speedy forward Brad Leonard to reach it first and flick the ball past the goalie to the near post and go up 2-0.

The Bison would get one back in the 85th minute and threaten twice more before the final whistle but the Crusaders held them off and earned a vital result.  The Bison owned the edge in shots out shooting the Crusaders 19-7 and 7-1 on corners.

ENC gets one day of rest before they host Massachusetts Maritime Academy on the 26th of October.

October 21, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Zimmer unzips Eastern Nazarene, 4-0.

While the Crusaders effort was strong today, it was the display of one of the CCC's leading strikers that dashed the hopes of victory for the Crusaders.  Eric Zimmer would shoot five times and capitalize on three of those attempts and a fourth striking the cross bar from what was a sharp angle on goal.

Coach Newell commented, "You will not see much better a natural finisher on the field in Division III soccer than we did today."  Fortunately for the Crusaders, Zimmer is done after this year and the Crusaders will be looking forward to the rematch next year, absent of his presence.

To give you a clearer picture of what the game was like however, the Crusaders would out shoot the Seahawks 18-12 and have several dangerous opportunities narrowly missed.  "Several of our players were getting into fantastic spots on the field but the finishing touches were not present today", says Coach Newell.  Josh Corbin had four attempts on goal and Matt Woodley and Andrew Krause each had three.  At several moments it appeared that the Crusaders were dominating the run of play.

Eastern Nazarene heads into their last week of competition still looking and playing for a positive result.

Go Crusaders!!!

October 17, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Crusaders have result stolen by Nor'easters.

Eastern Nazarene and Univ. of New England played to one of the CCC's most thrilling games of the year today as the team traded leads before the game wound up at 3-3 at the end of regulation.  Both teams looked equally as dangerous and plotting going through a double overtime scenario and just when it appeared to end in a tie, the ball came sailing out of the Nor'easters defending half to get behind ENC's last defender and in a split second the visitor's had beaten the Crusaders to the ball at the top of the 18, touched the ball past on rushing Crusader keeper and tapped the ball in as the last second ticked off the clock to win 4-3.

This was a match the Crusaders would have loved to gain a result to be in contention for the final CCC playoff spot, but failed to do so. 

"In such a well played game in several regards, it was disappointing that we lost a level of concentration that we had shown all game and allowed the ball to get out of UNE's half and then get behind our last defender to create the opportunity on goal as  was the case", says Coach Newell.  Continuing, "A lesson from the school of hard knocks I hope we will long remember."

October 12, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene's injury woes and streak of bad luck continue in 4-0 loss to New England College.

The Crusaders battled a playoff contending team today going into the half knotted at 0-0.  The second half would not be so kind.  Coach Newell noted, "It was apparent we did not have the energy today for a full 90 minutes, tanking in the second half."  It showed in the first two goals of the game as Coach Newell points out, "our ability to defend corners with quickness and power (to jump) was practically nil, and they exploited us for two goals in the air and added several other dangerous moments."     

The Pilgrims added a third goal and then the Crusaders knocked in an own goal for the home team on the cool and rainy day to make it 4-0 for the final. 

Having played their fourth game in eight days has proved to be difficult for the aspiring Crusader Soccer team.  Coach Newell believes this experience has been invaluable to the young players and success of this program in the future.  "While we have taken our lumps recently, several players have had the opportunity to gain playing experience due to the teams particularly circumstances."  Continuing, "It was by design that we would play the maximum number of games allowed in a season, giving as many players actual game experience, something hard to come by for young players." 

Coach Newell also points out that, "injuries have slowed several first eleven players down making it more difficult to compete toe to toe with every team."  And continuing, "but the end result will prove useful as young players receive frequent and greater amounts of time to learn and cope more quickly with the demands of the college game."

So while the short term goals of winning this game were not met today, the long term goals are likely being actualized in these moments.

The Crusaders can now recover and regroup for the final thrust of the season.

Go Crusaders!!!

October 11, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Neil Nicoll '68 leading the charge of life.

Growing up in Braintree, MA. Nicoll's path took him to Eastern Nazarene College where he attained a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in History in 1968.  As early as the next soccer season, Nicoll was coaching the Crusaders soccer team while at the same time beginning graduate studies at Springfield College in Springfield, MA. where he would earn a Master's Degree in Education. 

One of the first members of the Crusader Soccer program, Nicoll attributes playing sports to shaping him and developing life perspectives.  Things like working toward a goal, working as a team, taking responsibility for your part on the team, fair play and learning to be gracious in both winning and losing are ideas sharpened through sport.

Nicoll would go on to earn an Executive Management Certificate, from Clark University and Worcester Tech.  And also attended the Harvard Business School for Nonprofit Management Program.

Nicoll has served in the YMCA for 35 years and is honored to lead the nations largest service organization, 20 million members, with over 10 million children and teens involved in it's services.  The YMCA was founded in 1844 and the Boston chapter in 1851 and is heading into its' 162nd anniversary this year.

It originally served as an opportunity for young working men to come together and grow in their Christian faith and body.  Now Nicoll is President and CEO of a several $100 million dollar organization whose aim is to make a difference in the quality of life of families, children and communities.  The opportunity that exists here in America is to engage and support families in attaining a healthier lifestyle, one YMCA community and one YMCA member at a time. 

He is honored to take on the responsibility of enhancing the Nations family life and health as the YMCA has done historically, building spirit, mind and body.

Nicoll and his wife Anita have two children, Kimberley and Kerri make their home in the Chicago, IL. area.

See Interview: www.enc.edu/alumni/video.php

October 9th, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene gives Albertus Magnus the chance they won't refuse, Crusaders fall 1-5.

It appeared that ENC was still feeling the effect of Saturday's game as the Crusaders allowed mental lapses to hurt them before they got into halftime with a 3-0 deficit, two of those goals happening within a two minute span of each other.  

While the Crusaders settled down into the second half and began to sustain possession better, Albertus still managed to out duel Eastern Nazarene in the penalty box, especially in the air, where two of the opponents goals came from.

Crusader defender Jesse Mix was able to get one back, and in style, for the Crusaders as he broke free down the left sideline, cut inside a few yards and let loose on a 30 yard shot that traveled on a line to the upper right 90 of the goal.

The Crusaders have little rest before their next game as they face New England College for their fourth game in eight days on Thursday Oct. 12th in Henniker, NH.

October 7th, 2006.  Boston, MA.  44th minute breakdown punishes Crusaders.

In a one minute span at the end of the first half, what the CCC leading Leopards put into the Crusaders box found its' way into the back of the goal.  A penalty kick, a hanging cross coupled with an unlikely header and an own goal saw the home team pad their 2-0 lead to what would be the final in this 5-0 game. 

The Crusaders, still suffering from early season injuries, could not get the kind of possession needed to sustain attacks with consistency and would be out shot 28-14 in the game.

Eastern Nazarene travels down to New Haven, CT for a Columbus Day game vs. Albertus Magnus College.

October 4, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene lets super chances get away, Chargers escape with 1-0 win.   

In a fairly evenly played match, the Crusaders created opportunity in each half to put some goals on the scoreboard but narrowly missed on each occasion.  First half one v goalie situations twice missed a foot wide of the left post.  The first occasion as Ezekiel Gillie slotted a through ball to Pat Oyede behind the Chargers defense and into the penalty area on the keeper but his attempt missed wide left by a foot.

Several minutes later the Crusaders Bryan Wright having won a loose ball going into the Chargers defensive thrid broke in behind the Chargers back line to be one on one with the keeper but also missing just left of the goal with his shot.

After conceding a goal in the 31st minute and going into half time down 1-0, the Crusaders took the initiative and nearly scored on two other super chances.  Having won the ball and separated from his defender on the right side of the penalty area, Fritz McIntosh pushed a 25 yd pass across the area to an open Joe Meserve who one timed his shot only to miss left.  Later on Brad Leonard providing the service from the left side of the area across to Drew Krause who shot back to the far left beating the Charger keeper but hitting the post and coming out.  The fans as usual reflected and provided an atmosphere of the game it was, close, exciting and competitive.

The Chargers were able to hold off other attempts though not as serious as those mentioned and go on to win 1-0.

Eastern Nazarene (0-11-1) heads to Wentworth on Saturday October 7 for another CCC match up, game time 3:00 pm.

Go Crusaders!!!

September 27, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Endicott pulls out 1-0 victory in 84th minute to win versus Eastern Nazarene. 

A long throw-in into the Crusaders penalty area worked its way to an Endicott midfielder sitting in front of Crusader keeper Steven Bracale.  With Bracale being shielded and unable to attack the ball, the Endicott player was able to turn the ball to goal and poke it by the sprawling Crusader keeper for the 1-0 lead. 

However, just when it seemed the game was over, Crusaders Joe Meserve nearly pulled the home team even.  In a last minute attempt, Meserve found himself on the end of a cross in front of Powergull keeper poised to strike twine, only to have the linesman signal him offside. 

In a match where the Crusaders possession of the ball was particularly strong at times, the Powergulls would manage the advantage in shots 19-9 and corner kicks 6-3.  Both teams’ keepers recorded 5 saves on the day. 

Eastern Nazarene (0-10-1) takes a week off before they host Colby Sawyer on the 4^th of October at 3:00 pm in search of their first win of the season.   

Go Crusaders!!!

September 23, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Roger Williams, 0-5.

September 21, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  St Joe's, ME., 0-2

September 19, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Curry, 0-4.

September 16, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Anna Maria, 0-2.

September 14, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  U/Mass-Boston, 1-2.

September 12, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Mt Ida, 0-1.

September 9, 2006.  Wenham, MA.  Crusaders and Scot's tangle to a 1-1 draw, on warm day in Wenham.

The jekyl and hyde play of ENC continued as the team put together an incredible piece of soccer over the course of 120 minutes on this hot and muggy day in September.  The Crusaders bent incredibly but did not break and if not for a terrible bounce in front of keeper Steven Bracale, the game would have gone in favor of the Crusaders.

The Crusaders opened the scoring in the 27th minute as Ezekiel Gillie broke free of his marker on the left side of the box and sent a cross to the penalty spot where Andy Van Amburg beat his man and Scots' keeper to the ball with his leaping header sending it into the back of the net for the score.  The Scots' would find the equalizer in the last minute of the first half as a shot from outside the box rolled to Crusader keeper and took a bad bounce just prior to reaching him, going up and over the down keeper for the goal.

While the Scots' out shot the Crusaders on paper 40-4, the game reflected a patient ENC defense denying the home side a clear and easy shots.  What shots did land on target, Crusader keeper and defender Erik Ranstrom found themselves into a position to make the save or clear the ball off the line.

Senior Erik Ranstrom, as did the entire defense and midfield, played out of their minds to withstand the Scots' and create the Crusaders own possession in the game.  As the game went into extra time, the Crusaders responded with a reinforced effort to win or take away points from the game. 

The Crusaders did suffer a blow today though, as center midfielder Matt Woodley suffered a serious injury to his knee putting him on the sideline for what will be several weeks.   Freshman Andrew Gardner stepped into the vacancy and held his own for the Crusaders.

September 5, 2006.  Boston, MA.  Crusaders can not get out of the gate in 0-2 loss to Saints.

Eastern Nazarene fell on the road to Emmanuel College tonight under the lights and on the turf of Boston English HS.  The game was played under a light dreary drizzle which was how the Crusaders approached it unfortunately. 

The Saints jumped on board in the 35th minute as Michael Evans jumped on a loose ball and finished the ball in the top left part of the goal.  Then in the 65th minute, an interference by the referee at mid-field left a Crusader standing near the play complaining as the Saints player took advantage of the moment and broke through the midfield, penetrating into the box for the score.

The Crusaders could not get a hold of the ball well enough to keep possession and mount an attack, struggling on the hard surface.

September 2, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Second half PK sinks Crusaders.

The Crusaders pulled it together today putting in a strong effort vs. a solid team and former teammate.  Facing a feisty Emerson College team, the Crusaders got on the board in the 19th minute as captain Jesse Mix drove the ball to left top edge of the Judges penalty box, cut the ball across his body, and then stroked a low hard shot to the far post to beat his friend and former teammate, Jonas Imbert. 

Imbert, the Crusaders goalkeeper the year before, had been accepted in late enrollment with the prestigious Berkley School of Music in downtown Boston.  While Berkley does not have an athletics program, they do have a consortium with Emerson College that allows its students to compete for Emerson.

The Judges tallied a controversial goal in the 25th minute to tie the game as it appeared a loose ball was brought under control with the players arm before it was settled and struck to beat the Crusaders goal tender to the near post.

The Crusaders missed an ideal opportunity to go up again as one of the Judges defenders handled the ball in the penalty area, but the resulting PK missed.  This would come back to haunt the Crusaders as Emerson's Cody Schram did find the back of the net on a PK called against the Crusaders in the 65 minute.

While the Crusaders would out shoot the Judges 10-8, it would not be enough to overcome the one goal deficit they lay in and that's where the game ended in favor of the visiting Judges, 2-1.

September 1, 2006.  Dedham, MA.  Crusaders still putting the pieces together in 5-1 loss to Lasell College.

In the first game of the season Eastern Nazarene still looked to be sorting out the pieces to the puzzle as they gave up 4 goals in the first half before some semblance of cohesion, spirit and attack was found.

While earning a 1-1 tie in the second half was hopeful, the Crusaders put the pressure on Lasell on several occasions as unfinished opportunities on goal mounted for them. 

Lasell won the shots and corners battle 17-13 and 4-3.  Jeff Danso was able to get the first and last goal for Lasell and Zach Gagne would have the game winner in scoring Lasell's second goal of the game. 

Eastern Nazarene's Brad Leonard hit a 23 yard laser on a free kick in the 65th minute to score for the Crusaders.

Go Crusaders!!!

August, 2006.  Quincy, MA.  Crusader Soccer-experience and youth.

With a strong cast of returning players filling out much of the roster, the Men's Soccer team will look to have its' most competitive team in the last three seasons.  The team returns 6 players with two or more years of experience.  Senior Erik Ranstrom and Jonathan Freeburger will lead the team in the back while Jesse Mix (Jr, Captain), Josh Corbin (Sr) and Brad Leonard (Jr) will set the standards in the middle of the field.  Andy Van Amburg (Jr) will be counted on as a driving force for the Crusaders up front. 

Throwing several sophomores in with the experienced cast of players will give the roster a group of players who can provide organization and composure immediately.  Leading that class of players for the Crusaders are midfielder Matt Woodley and defender Bryan Wright.

Several new players will be breaking into college soccer this year, striving to make the team stronger as it works toward making this team the first in four seasons to reach the Commonwealth Coast Conference Playoffs.  2006 Roster

Go Crusaders!