2007 Crusader Headlines

Special Articles:

Games:  WNEC  U/Mass-Boston  SRU  Suffolk  Emerson  Mt Ida  Lasell 

Off the field puts them on the field....

January 23rd, 2008.  Quincy, Mass.  So why was the ENC Men's and Women's Soccer Team on the field celebrating with the Patriots on their AFC Championship victory over the San Diego Chargers?  No one had pulled a string to have us there.  There was no "connection" involved.  No television station had run a contest that we had won.  No ones father is a close friend or business partner of the Kraft family.  Here is why...It was a combination of being willing to work for what we wanted and a little bit of luck.  That is what linebacker Junior Seau referred to following the game, "you work hard, you persevere and pray that you have a chance."  In a small kind of way, our chance had come.

The Crusader Men's and Women's Programs have set goals each year to fundraise money for special team needs and this season a trip down to Gillette Stadium gave them an opportunity for that.  The forecast was unfavorable, the wind chill factor was to push the temperature into the single digits.  With the expectation of ushering, scanning tickets, doing pat-downs and assisting in stadium policy enforcement (security) for 60,000+ people, most of it would be a thankless job to earn a few bucks.

But upon check in, the management handed us these pink hospital wrist tags to put on, for what reason we did not know.  But 30 minutes later when they brought us together for our assignment, it was disclosed the bearers of the pink wrist tags were selected to literally hold the line immediately after the game.  This line existed to separate the trophy ceremony staging area from the ensuing media frenzy following the game.

So we went about the business of the day through the first three quarters of the game before we regrouped in the fourth quarter to get further instructions.  We aligned ourselves minutes prior to the end of the game in a staging area just behind the end zone so that as the final second ticked off the clock, the group immediately rushed out in formation to the 35 yard line to provide security for the presentation of the AFC Championship Lamar Hunt Trophy.

With the players of the two teams shaking hands and having conversations on the 50 yard line, the slow tide of Patriot players (Bruschi, Brady, Seau, Seymour, Hobbs, Watson and others), team personnel and NFL and CBS media and their executives trickled past us as the confetti flew on us and over the whole field.  Fireworks exploded outside the stadium in the sky as 60,000+ fans looked on and we did our job while watching what was going on around us from the Gillette Stadium Jumbo-tron. 

In all honesty, we were the fly's on the wall that day as all the excitement just moved around and by us, but it was the best seat anyone could want to experience the game.  The demands were not that great, we had to arrive on time and work diligently through the game doing other duties.   It did not cost us a dime, matter of a fact, they paid us to be there. 

A comment about the experience by one of the Crusader players summed it up nicely, "Those who were not here have no idea what they missed.  This is so amazing!", as the confetti landed on and all around us, fireworks exploding in the sky and the Gillette Stadium fans screamed and cheered at the top of their lungs.  I imagine that even if telling the story of how it went down sounded exciting to someone, they still would not have the full idea of how exciting it was.  Some probably were grateful for being at home, or even having a ticket to the game to sit in the stands, but from our perspective, ours was the most desirable view to watch the game.  The temperature and all the hard work were a long forgotten memory at that point.  

One might think you would have to be an influential politician, a wealthy friend or business partner with the Kraft family to be there.  But on this day, the only thing needed was to be a part of a common vision in the Crusader Soccer Programs.

It is more than just playing the game, it is about being available to live life together, while along the way, opportunities arise at unsuspecting moments, that you never forget and somehow, they change you.  Most of the time we look to on the field moments in the game of soccer to provide opportunities for this.  Not in this case, it was the fact that we were a team off the field the opportunity came and perhaps one day can say it was a part of changing us.

By God's Grace we will be changed.

Crusaders tripped up by AMCats, fall 2-1.

Paxton, MA.  October 6th, 2007.  An early goal gave host Anna Maria the momentum in the first half as they controlled the first half of play.  But each opportunity would end up empty as the Crusaders turned the host team away and shots were misfired.  At the 25th minute ENC freshman keeper Andrew Trice (Quincy, MA) left the game due to injury and replacement junior Steven Bracale (Pennsville, NJ), immediately made his presence felt when he turned aside a well struck ball from just twelve yards out. That save, and the fact that the Amcats did not score again before the half, gave the Crusaders a much needed boost coming out of the break.

            The play tilted in favor of the Crusaders early in the second half as their determination finally paid off.  Junior Brian Wright (Bridgewater, MA) stole a ball deep in the Anna Maria half, beat the host’s keeper to the near side and suddenly the game was up for grabs.

            Then in the 79^th minute Anna Maria broke through for their second goal of the game when pressuring the ENC defense.  The ball came free and Anna Maria took advantage of the 1 v 1 opportunity on goal, finishing past a diving Bracale for the teams and games final score.

            ENC travels to Nichols on Tuesday.

Early 2nd half goal sinks Crusaders in 3-1 loss to Roger Williams

October 3rd, 2007.  Quincy, Mass.  Trailing 2-1 at the half, the Crusaders allowed the visiting Hawks an opportunity in on goal that they did not refuse.  The Hawks left midfielder would get around the Crusader defense and go in 1 v 1 on keeper Andrew Trice to finish their third goal of the game.  After going down by a goal, the Crusaders battled back to equalize in the 40th minute when FR/M Josh Garland (Mansfield, MA/Mansfield) went up in the air to win a head ball but was undercut by a Hawks defender.  The foul sent Crusader SR/D Andrew Van Amburg (Pepperell, MA/N Middlesex) to the penalty spot to convert on his first goal of the season and draw the Crusaders even at 1-1.  The Hawks then responded three minutes late to take the lead again at 2-1 as the teams went into the break.

The Hawks held the advantage in shots, 21-5, as well as corners, 9-2.  Crusaders FR/GK Andrew Trice (Quincy, MA/South Shore Christian Academy) recorded 5 saves on the day. 

Eastern Nazarene travels to Paxton, MA on Saturday, October 6^th for a 12:00 pm game vs. CCC opponent Anna Maria College. 

Eastern Nazarene attack starts up but needs tuning, fall 1-0 to Falcons.

September 24, 2007. Quincy, MA.  In a season complicated by injury, the Crusaders finally showed a greater presence in the attack as they finally entered their opponents defensive third with consistency, placing the pressure on their opponents.  Though the visiting Falcons out shot the Crusaders, the home team demonstrated they were on the same par, as the 13-9 advantage the Falcons had was marginal.  While the Falcons held the first half advantage in possession and shots, the Crusaders turned the table on the visitors in the second half.  The Crusaders held possession and produced opportunities that could be classified as being just shy of a strong chances in front of goal. 

Coach Newell was pleased that the team played with consistent energy and intensity the entire game but commented that, "the quantity and quality of opportunities is not there yet for us." 

It was a harmless loose ball, picked up 40 yards from goal, that turned into the game winning shot. Commenting on the goal Coach Newell says, "It was a heck of shot that beat us today. Our defensive performance was solid and to get beat by a miracle shot sits more easily than getting beat by an individual/team error."  Continuing, "I think we are responding in a proper way.  We know we played good soccer today, but it is not enough.  This team has the mentality, and capability, to make its' mark on college soccer in the wins column and I think we will not rest until we do."

Crusader JR/GK Steve Bracale (Pennsville, NJ/Pennsiville) pulled in 8 saves on the match while eight different players collected 9 total shots on the game.

Eastern Nazarene College travels to Colby-Sawyer College on Thursday, September 27th for a 4:00 pm Commonwealth Coast Conference game.


-ENC Athletics
 

Three goal second half sinks Eastern Nazarene in 4-0 loss.

September 19th, 2007.  Quincy, MA.  A midweek game with the Pilgrims set back the hopes of the Crusaders earning their first win of the year.  The Crusaders and Pilgrims put the energy on the field but the Pilgrims outplayed the home side for most of the game.  The Pilgrims out shot the Crusaders 25-11 and forced the Crusader keepers to make 17 saves.

Eastern Nazarene faces Albertus Magnus in a non-conference game on Monday September 24th at 4:00 pm.

September 15th, 2007.  Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene plays toe to toe in 2-0 loss with nationally ranked and respected program, WNEC.

With the addition of Western New England College to The Commonwealth Coast Conference, the Crusaders gained a competitor in their playing schedule who is greatly respected as one of the top teams in the New England Region of the NCAA.  The Golden Bears made it through to the sweet 16 last year in the NCAA Men's Soccer Playoffs before exiting.  Today's match would be a marker of where the Crusaders fall in relation to playing playoff caliber competition.

Returning two players lost to early season injuries, the Crusaders hoped to show better than in the previous four matches.  After getting the nerves out in the first ten minutes of play, the Crusaders turned away the Golden Bears attack with an aggressive and organized defense.   The visitor's found the net though late in the first half at the 35th minute on a corner kick, making it 1-0 before halftime. 

The game opened up in the second half as both teams went at each other to create strong chances on goal.  The Crusaders best opportunity came late in the game in the 85th minute, as a Crusader cross reached beyond far post and co-captain Brad Leonard took it out of the air missing a near post shot on a full volley.  The visitor's would add their second goal of the game with three minutes remaining, in similar fashion as a cross came through the six to far post as the Golden Bear's weak side midfielder snuck behind his mark lunging to knock the ball past the diving Crusader keeper.

The Golden Bears had the advantage in shots 22-3 (9-3 second half) and corners 11-2 (3-2 second half). 

Coach Newell stated, "I was very pleased with the quality of focus playing against a classy team and program as they are."  Pointing to what was perhaps one of the differences between the two teams, Newell notes, "from an organizational and intensity stand point, there is much similarity, what is notable to me was that the Golden Bears begin on the field and go further into their bench having a quality of first touch that we are not at yet." Continuing, "...with continued efforts as today's and through training, this program will enjoy these same qualities one day." 

Eastern Nazarene completes this five game stretch in nine days and hopes to build on today's mental focus and physical effort, matching it in each game remaining this season.

Go Crusaders!

September 14th, 2007.  Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene Men's Soccer "State of the Program" Address.

September 13th, 2007.  Dorchester, MA.  Eastern Nazarene rally falls short in 3-1 loss to U/Mass-Boston.

Playing to a 0-0 first half score, the Beacons of U/Mass-Boston capitalized on two Crusader defensive errors early in the second period to take a 2-0 lead.  Senior forward and co-captain Brad Leonard (Daleville, VA) responded for the Crusaders in the 59th minute, chasing down a through ball 10 yards wide of the goal, cutting a hard shot back into an open goal to pull the Crusaders back to within one at 2-1.  The Crusaders continued to press for the tying goal but an 81st minute penalty kick against the Crusaders magnified its' difficulty and 3-1 is where the score would stand at the end of regulation time.

Eastern Nazarene hosts first year Commonwealth Coast Conference member Western New England College on Saturday, September 15th, kick off at 1:30 pm.

September 11th, 2007.  Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene drenched in rain and 4-0 loss to Salve Regina.

Playing in a steady rain and being interrupted by lightning for 60 minutes, the Crusaders picked up the game and second half allowing four unanswered goals.  In increasingly wet conditions, an unusually high ball lofted into the penalty area spelled trouble for the Crusaders as, combined with the height and skip of the bounce, it sailed over the outstretched arms of Crusader keeper and into the goal for Salve's first goal.  The second occurred a minute later as a Seahawks corner kick found the head of a runner coming through the box and getting a favorable deflection off a Crusader defender to make it 2-0.  With the Crusaders on their heels, the Seahawks found opportunities to get shots on goal for their third and fourth goals of the game.

Eastern Nazarene continues this difficult five game stretch on Thursday as they travel to neighboring U/Mass-Boston for a non-conference game with the Beacons.

September 8th, 2007.  Somerville, MA.  Eastern Nazarene runs into Suffolk buzz saw.

Falling prey to the first of three goals by Suffolk transfer Marco D'Andrea, the Crusaders fell behind 1-0 on a 20 yard direct kick from the D-II transfer in the first half.  D'Andrea would then hit for two more outstanding shots in the 50th and 63rd minute of the second half to lead the home side to a five goal victory.

The Crusaders look forward to a couple days of rest after their fourth game in eight days and start up with Commonwealth Coast Conference play next Tuesday @ Salve Regina University.

September 6th, 2007.  Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene stumbles to 5-0 loss to Emerson.

The Lions second goal of the game occurring :30 seconds before halftime put the Crusaders in a position to chase the game in the second half.  Though the Crusaders picked up the level in the second half, three times the Lions took advantage of the pushed up defense and got in on keeper Andrew Trice for the three goal second half and 5-0 victory.

The Crusaders continue play on the road this Saturday, September 8th as they travel to Somerville, MA to face the Suffolk Rams, game time 7:00 pm.

September 1st, 2007.  Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene takes early lead but is caught by Mount Ida in 3-1 loss.

A 12th minute full-volley sent into the upper-left "90" by Sr./Fwd. Co-captain Brad Leonard (Daleville, VA) was not enough as the Crusaders legs could not carry them far or quickly enough past a strong rushing Mustang team. 

While the Mustangs pressed and were dangerous from the opening whistle, the Crusaders denied the visitors until the 34th minute when the Mustangs  broke through on a 1 v 1 with the keeper to tie the game up at 1-1. 

The Crusaders could not get out of the pressure and get possession of the game in the second half either as two more goals were scored to ensure the win.  The Mustangs held the advantage in shots 22-6 and corners 9-1.   Eastern Nazarene, playing their second game in two days, showed tremendous heart and courage while playing both games in 80+ degree weather. 

The Crusaders travel to non-conference Emerson College this Thursday, September 6^th for a 5:15 pm game under the lights.

Go Crusaders!!!

August 31, 2007. Quincy, MA.  Eastern Nazarene drops season opener in overtime, 3-2.

With the final seconds of the first overtime period winding down, the Laser’s deep far post cross was played back across the 6 yard box for an on rushing attacker who headed in the game winner with seconds remaining in the first sudden death overtime period.

While the Laser's got on board first in the game the Crusader’s responded in the 44^th minute when Josh Garland’s shot was deflected by the diving goalkeeper, bouncing out 10 yards and just left of goal for Crusader’s Ezekiel Gillie to thump it into the back of the net with a right footed blast. 

In the second half, the visitors went back in front again after a failed Crusader clearance rolled to the top of the 18 yard box and the ensuing shot deflected off of a Crusader's leg going into goal to make it 2-1.  But the Crusader’s Jordan Corbin tied the game up in the 80^th minute when he jumped on a loose ball 25 yards out, finishing it into the goals left upper-90.

The games pace remained strong as regulation time came to a close and overtime ensued before the final goal was scored.

Neither team had an advantage in shots, each having 14.  The Laser’s held the advantage in corners, 6-3 and also in fouls 21-11.  Crusader’s goalie Stephen Bracale made 2 saves in the first half and Andrew Trice made 3 in the remainder of the game.

The Crusaders step back on the pitch for game #2 of the season Saturday, September 1^st, 2007 against the Mustangs of Mount Ida at 11:30 am on ENC’s Bradley Field.