Schedule/Scores | Team Roster | Statistics
Photos | Past Season Photos | Coach Profile
2007-08 Season Highlights
Men's Soccer Players Visit London's Chelsea Football Club
GLENSIDE, PA: 3/18/09- The campus is quiet and parking is plentiful. After all, it's spring break week for Arcadia University students and faculty. The University's baseball and softball teams headed south this week for a string of games in Atlanta, GA and Mrytle Beach, SC. The women's lacrosse team is on their annual training trip in South Carolina. Other students have traveled abroad with the University's Spring Preview program while others are vacationing with friends and family. But six players on the Arcadia's men's soccer team are vacationing together, in London, England, likely a much needed break from the everyday rigors of academic life. Sophomores Mike Friedman, Joe Clementi, Matt Restaino and first year players Ethan Armstrong, Kevin Caruso and Chris Siemenski are taking in the sights in London this week, and yesterday, took time out of their day to send first year head coach Rob Nydick a message from the Chelsea Football Club. Click here to watch the video.
Rob Nydick Named Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Arcadia University
GLENSIDE, PA: 1/29/09 - Arcadia University Director of Athletics Shirley Liddle is pleased to name Rob Nydick of Burlington, N.J., as Head Men’s Soccer Coach, effective Feb. 2.
“Rob brings a level of knowledge and experience that has the potential to return our program to previous levels of 
competition,” offers Shirley Liddle. Arcadia’s last automatic NCAA tournament bid was two years ago, and the team returns a strong line-up for 2009. “Rob also brings a refreshingly positive personality, enthusiasm and work ethic that will impress everyone who meets him. His ability to recruit in this area will be a clear asset, as well as his reputation, which is excellent.”
“I am extremely excited and honored to take over the position of Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Arcadia University,” Nydick exclaims. “Everything about Arcadia University was very appealing to me and having a chance to meet and speak with the current members of the team really made me feel that this was an extraordinary opportunity. Arcadia University combines strong academics, a great location, tradition-rich athletics, and a vibrant campus environment, making it a very enjoyable atmosphere to be part of. I am eager to begin working to give all the members of the program the best experience possible, and I have no doubt that they are ready to begin working toward that same goal.”
Nydick joins Arcadia as the 6th head coach in the program’s history, and will also serve as the transportation and scheduling coordinator for the department. Nydick, who holds a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from East Stroudsburg, went on to earn his master's degree in Sport Management from ESU.
During 2008, Nydick served as first assistant coach at Division III Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken, N.J., where he helped to guide the Ducks to an Empire 8 Conference Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Ducks, advancing to their first NCAA Championship match in the program’s history, faced Commonwealth Conference champion Messiah College, losing to the Falcons in Penalty Kicks. Nydick also fulfilled duties as the department’s equipment manager while at Stevens Tech.
Before joining the Duck’s staff, Nydick served a two-year stint at Division I Rutgers University, Piscataway, N.J., where he assisted in all facets of the Scarlet Knight program, including instruction and development of goaltenders.
Prior to 2006, Nydick spent one season as an assistant coach at Division II East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, Pa. While there, his responsibilities were similar to those at Rutgers. Moreover, Nydick served as a professor at ESU in the Lifetime Fitness Department.
Nydick's ties with East Stroudsburg and its soccer team date as far back as his undergraduate days. Nydick transferred to ESU after playing for one year at North Carolina Wesleyan College. During his three seasons with the Warriors, Nydick was a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship team, which reached the NCAA Tournament in 2002.
In addition to his coaching experiences at East Stroudsburg, Rutgers, and Stevens Tech, Nydick has coached many club soccer teams in a variety of areas. He has worked with the Lehigh Valley Magic, East Stroudsburg Soccer Club, Orange County (Fla.) Soccer Club, New Jersey Boys ODP and the Ironbound Soccer Club, which is based out of Newark, N.J.
Off the field, Nydick is a certified strength and conditioning coach with the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
The men’s soccer program at Arcadia posted a 20-30-6 mark over the past three years and last made a post-season appearance in the Fall of 2006, when the team captured the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference championship and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In 2007, the team competed as members of the Freedom Conference of the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation, commonly known as the MAC, before the program transitioned to the MAC’s Commonwealth Conference in 2008. Over those two years, the Knights went 2-10 against league opponents. Losing one senior to graduation, the team will return 21 student-athletes from its 2008 roster and opens the 2009 season at home on Sept. 1, hosting Rutgers-Camden University.
Benner Receives Second Team All Commonwealth Selection
Annville, PA: 11/12/08 - Senior forward Matt Benner (Telford, PA/Souderton) will graduate in May following four straight seasons having been recognized as an All Conference student-athlete for Men's Soccer. As it was announced by the conference office this morning, Benner secured a spot on the 2008 Second Team All Commonwealth team. Following the Knights 6-16 overall season in 2008, Benner co-captained the young squad that finished 1-5 in a very competative Commonwealth Conference. The highlight for the 2008 Knights came back on September 24 when they knocked off natinally ranked Swarthmore College 1-0, thanks to a Matt Benner breakaway score in the first half.
Benner has been among the top two point getters during the last four seasons, leading the squad in 2008. He has amassed 20 goals, six of which were game winners, and 14 assists for 54 points. His best season came in 2005, his freshman year were he posted an impressive 25 points earning 2nd Team All PAC honors. The following 2006 season, Benner nabbed a spot on the 1st Team All PAC, the same year the Knights won the PAC Championship. Also in 2006 Benner was selected as D3 Kicks 3rd Team All Regional for helping to carry the Knights into the second round of the NCAA tournament. In 2007 Benner was honored with 1st Team All Freedom Conference, in the team’s first year as members of the conference, and represented the United States in the summer of 2008 a member of the USA Athletes International Team.
Benner majors in History with a minor in Secondary Education, has participated on the golf team, has studied abroad in Italy, is a member of Arcadia’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has participated in the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Leadership Conference.
Messiah's JB Binger and Derek Black took home respective Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards while Lebanon Valley's Charlie Grimes was honored as the Coach of the Year. Full Release
Early Goal Stands as Decision in Knights 1-0 Loss at Albright
Reading, PA: Albright's Adam Toroniewski's goal just fifteen minutes into Saturday's Commonwealth Conference men's soccer regular season closer against Arcadia University stood as the 1-0 game winner in Reading.
The Knights close out the 2008 season with a 6-16 overall mark (1-5 CC). While the team tripled their number of wins from just a season ago, this is the second straight season the team will miss out on postseason play.
Saturday was a battle of evenly matched teams but the Knights only registered on shot on goal, fittingly coming from the team's lone senior, Matt Benner. Not that the Knights didn't have their chances to ignite some offense as the team was called back on four offsides calls, allowing Albright's keeper Wendell Hannaford a fairly lazy afternoon, turning aside Benner's shot for his only save of the day.
Arcadia keeper Jeff Kratohwill, on the other hand was tested with 8 Albright shots on goal. He saved 7 of them, with Toroniewski's early strike the difference in the contest.
Albright outshot the Knights overall 15-5, also leading in corner chances 5-2.
Knights Held Scoreless Against #12 Messiah
Glenside, PA: 10/30/08 - Playing their second game in a 24-hour span, the Arcadia University Men's Soccer team hosted #12 Messiah College this afternoon, in a match originally scheduled for last Saturday, with the Falcons returning to Grantham with a 3-0 win to improve to 4-1 in the Commonwealth Conference (13-2-2 overall). Arcadia, who picked up their first leauge win last night against Widener, drop to 6-11 overall and 1-4 against their Commonwealth opponents.
Arcadia spent much of the first half preventing Messiah from pushing too deep into the offensive zone. The first decent look the Falcons got was from Brett Faro who was robbed by Arcadia's Jeff Kratohwill as the keeper dove to his left to knock the shot away. Messiah finally broke through in the 26th minute as Brett Crompton headed the ball back into the box from the goal line to Geoff Pezon whose volley found its way past Kratohwill and in for the 1-0 Falcon lead.
Messiah retained their 1-0 lead into the half as the Knights remained keyed in on defense but the Falcons Josh Sanders played a cross into the middle that Nick Thompson volleyed off of Kratohwill for a 2-0 lead. Arcadia's Matt Benner gave Arcadia their best chance late in the half as he took two defenders to the right side and rifled a shot that the wind carried just wide of the far side. Messiah would go onto a final score off a rebound by Tevor Lee for the 3-0 lead.
Kratohwill played 83:15 making 12 saves for the Knights before first year Pat Malley relieved him for the final 6:45 making two stops. Jared Clugston made 1 stop for the Falcons through regulation. The Falcons out-shot the Knights 22-2 and held a slight advantage in corners 3-2.
The Knights travel to Albright College on Saturday for their final Commonwealth Conference match of the regular season.
Toomey, Armstrong Lift Knights to First Commonwealth Win
Chester, PA: 10/29/08 - Arcadia University Men's Soccer notched their first win in the Commonwealth Conference this afternoon, outlasting the Widener University Pride 2-1 in Chester, PA. Today's game was originally scheduled to be played in Glenside, but due to unplayable field conditions caused by Tuesday's rain, the match was moved to Widener's campus. With today's win, Arcadia snaps a four game losing skid and improves to 6-10 overall (1-3 Commonwealth) while Widener drops to 7-7-3 (2-3 Commonwealth).
Widener held a 4-1 advantage in shots following a scoreless opening half, and the scoreboard remained empty until a pair of Arcadia tallies in a five minute span late in the second half, with both goals set up by senior Matt Benner. Benner played a through ball to junior Jon Toomey who sent in a 10 yard shot past Widener keeper Hamed Correa at 74:39, giving the Knights the 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later, Benner put the ball at the feet of first year Ethan Armstrong who cruised in on Correa on a breakaway and hit the twine for a 2-0 Knights lead.
Widener would get in on the scoring in the 87th minute after a misplayed ball by Arcadia keeper Jeff Kratohwill found it's way to Widener's Matt Nolan for the score cutting into the Knights two goal lead, but the Pride would run out of time as Arcadia held strong in the final three minutes to secure the 2-1 victory.
Kratohwill picks up his sixth win of the season, making 5 stops in today's match. Correa registered just one save with two goals against. The Knights doubled up on the Pride in corner kicks, 6-3, while the Pride outshot Arcadia 13-6.
The Knights close out their home schedule tomorrow against Messiah College at 3:30 PM before hitting the road for thier final Commonwealth match of the season this Saturday at Albright.
Tuesday, October 28 - Men's Soccer vs. Widener - Updated
This afternoon's Commonwealth match has been postponed until Wednesday, October 29 at Widener University, Chester, PA for a 4 PM start time due to unplayable field conditions in Glenside. The women's game will follow at 7 PM. Directions to Widener University's Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium
Live Stats available at game time.
Elizabethtown Scores Twice, Hold Knights Scoreless in Commonwealth Play
Elizabethtown, PA: 10/18/08 - The Blue Jays of Elizabethtown College scored a pair of goals nearly thirty minutes apart while hold Arcadia University scoreless on just three shots on goal picking up their first Commonwealth Conference Men's Soccer win of the season, 2-0 over the Knights, who are left in search of their first league victory.
Arcadia (5-10/0-3) junior keeper Jeff Kratohwill held the Blue Jays off the board for the entire first half, despite seeing ten shots approach him through regulation. What Arcadia's defense didn't clear out, Kratohwill did, making 7 saves on the day, and allowing the two Blue Jay goals.
Their first goal came early in the second half as Cameron Gettel lofted a close range volley into the twine at 47:31, and their second, a short-side blast off the foot of Andrew Filewicz in the 76th minute. The Knight failed to convert two second half corner chances, their only two of the game. Elizabethtown outshot the Knights 18-4 as they improve to 4-8-2 and 1-3-0 among their Commonwealth counterparts.
The Knights move on to face Messiah College on Saturday at 3 PM.
Knights Held Scoreless Against Dutchmen in Commonwealth Play
Glenside, PA: 10/11/08 - Arcadia University Men's Soccer dropped to 0-2 in the Commonwealth standings this afternoon as the Dutchmen of Lebanon Valley College took a 3-0 win over the host Knights. The Dutchmen improve to 7-6 and remain undefeated in conference play at 3-0 while the Knights drop to 5-8 and 0-2 in the Commonwealth.
Both team' played an aggressive first half, clogging up the midfield and spreading the ball around the field but neither team could convert a score. Despite being outshot 16-3 by Lebanon Valley, the Knights were awarded three corner opportunities but failed to connect to settle for the stalemate at the half.
The visiting Dutchmen came out on the attack to open the second stanza, scoring ten minutes in as Chris Hall beat Arcadia keeper Jeff Krathowill for the 1-0 LVC lead. The Dutchmen made it 2-0 at 67:20 as Ethan Groff fed Justin Huchinson for the score and at the 88 minute mark, Joe Kopchik made good on a penalty kick to seal a 3-0 victory.
Kratohwill made 15 stops for the Knights and sophomore Joe Clementi tallied a team high three shots for Arcadia.
Overtime Goal Lifts Rutgers-Camden past Arcadia
CAMDEN, NJ: 10/08/08 - Sophomore midfielder Ryan Dougherty (Pittsgrove, NJ/Schalick) scored the game-winning goal with 1:47 remaining in the first overtime to lift the Rutgers University-Camden men’s soccer team over Arcadia University, 2-1, in a non-conference game Wednesday night at Rutgers-Camden Community Park.
Senior forward Andrew Dorsey (Mt. Laurel, NJ/The King’s Christian School) opened the winning attack for the Scarlet Raptors, feeding sophomore midfielder Shane McGrory (Stratford, NJ/Sterling). McGrory, who earlier assisted on the game-tying goal by Dorsey, worked his way to the right end line and hit a cross into the goal mouth, where Dougherty drove a shot off the bottom of the crossbar and into the net for the winning tally. With the victory, Rutgers-Camden improves to 10-2-1 overall. Arcadia, which played a fine game and frustrated Rutgers-Camden much of the night, falls to 5-8.
The Knights scored the game’s first goal on a first-half penalty kick following a handball in the box. Sophomore midfielder Joe Clementi (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) converted the kick at 35:46, staking Arcadia to a 1-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Scarlet Raptors finally notched the equalizer as Dorsey ran onto a through ball by McGrory for a breakaway goal at 53:32.
After holding a slim 4-3 edge in shots during a lackluster first half performance, the Scarlet Raptors outshot Arcadia, 15-5, the rest of the way to finish with a 19-8 advantage. Rutgers-Camden nearly won the game earlier in overtime after Arcadia junior keeper Jeff Kratohwill (Pennsburg, PA/Upper Perkiomen) was called for taking out a player at the top of the box, giving the Scarlet Raptors a penalty kick. Kratohwill made a fine diving save to his right to deny the PK by Raptor junior back Chase Komer (Williamstown, NJ/Williamstown) only 3:02 into the overtime period. Five minutes later, Dougherty scored the winning goal.
Kratohwill finished with seven saves for Arcadia, while freshman goalie Tim VanLiew (Deptford, NJ/Deptford) had five saves to earn the win. VanLiew, who owns every decision this season for the Raptors, lowered his goals-against average to 1.15.
The Knights will look to even their 0-1 Commonwealth Conference record this Saturday, hosting Lebanon Valley College at 3 PM.
Knights Stymied by Warriors In Commonwealth Opener
Williamsport, PA: 10/4/08 - Arcadia University Men's Soccer entered their first match as members of the Commonwealth Conference coming off Wednesday's 1-0 win over DeSales University, only to manage just a pair of shots on goal against the Warriors of Lycoming College who scored four times to earn the 4-0 win in Saturday's Commonealth opener. The Warriors improve to 7-3-1 while the Knights fall to 5-7 overall.
Lycoming's Chris Lorenzet beat Arcadia keeper Jeff Kratohwill from six feet out giving the Warriors the early lead at 9:17, a lead that would stand through the next thirty three minutes before the Warriors would take a 2-0 lead. Joe Pusateri put the Warriors up 2-0 on strong shot that deflected off Kratohwill and in before Lycoming added two more tallies, one at 83:03 from Mike Coates and another insurance goal with under a minute remaining by Randon Wilston giving the Warriors the 4-0 victory.
Joe Clementi and Jon Toomey earned the Knights only shots on goal as the Warriors out-shot the Knights 19-6 overall. Both squads ended the day with three corner opportunities. Kratohwill turned aside 5 shots on goals while Lycoming's David Bald's shutout performance saw him make two stops in the net.
Arcadia travels to Rutgers-Camden University on Wednesday for a 7 Pm match under the lights. This is the third time this season playing at Rutgers-Camden Community Park, meeting up with Eastern and Alvernia at the Cialella Classic earlier in the season.
Clementi PK Nets 1-0 Win for Men's Soccer
Center Valley, PA: 10/01/08 - Sophomore Joe Clementi nailed a penalty shot past DeSales keeper Keith Barry with at 88:13 to give Arcadia University Men's Soccer a much need victory over non-conference DeSales University Wednesday afternoon in Center Valley.
Despite being outshot by the Bulldogs 24-7, the Knights maintained possession of the ball throughout the contest, enough to keep the Bulldogs focused on the defensive end while junior keeper Jeff Kratohwill held down the Arcadia goal for 10 saves to earn his fourth shutout of the season, his third in four games. Kratohwill, this week's Commonwealth Conference Goalie of the Week has amassed 30 saves in the last four outings.
The game winner resulted in a hand ball penalty on DeSales as Commonwealth Player of the Week, Matt Benner drew the ball past his defender in the box. Clementi stepped up for the shot at 88:13 and crushed the ball past Barry for the game's first and only score. Kratohwill prevented a Bulldog score just 3:12 into the contest as German Reyes was awarded a penalty shot for the DeSales. Kratohwill knocked the ball down to the left keeping the stalemate alive.
Barry made 3 stops in goal for the Bulldogs, who drop to 5-6 overall.
Arcadia begins their 2008 Commonwealth Conference schedule when they travel to Williamsport on Saturday to battle Lycoming College at 1 PM.
Knights Lead and Two Game Win Streak Slip Away at Cabrini
Radnor, PA: 9/27/08 - For the third straight game, senior Matt Benner found the back of the net to put his Knights up 1-0 until Cabrini finally answered in the 70th minute to tie the game going on to steal it in the 85th minute for a 2-1 win over Arcadia in men's soccer non-conference action.
Benner broke a scoreless game at 33:39 when he put home a rebound in front of Cabrini keeper Colin Hinkelmon and the game would remain in the Knight's favor for the next 37 minutes until Cabrini's John Graham rocketed a shot from 25 yards out that deflected off of Arcadia keeper Jeff Kratohwill and in to tie the game at 1-1. The nail in the coffin for Arcadia came with under five minutes to play as Evan Hanauer played a one-timer to Mike McDevitt to give Arcadia their fifth loss of the season. Kratohwill made 8 stops in goal for Arcadia. Benner's goal off off two shots led the team while first year Anthony Procopio also put two shots on goal for the Knights.
The Knights (4-6) travel to DeSales on Wednesday for a 3:30 PM match.
Benner Strikes for Knights in 1-0 Win at Swarthmore
Swarthmore, PA: 9/24/08 - Arcadia senior Matt Benner scored on a breakaway in the first half for his team leading third goal of the year giving the Knights a 1-0 win over host Swarthmore College in local non-conference men's soccer play. Swarthmore was ranked #11 in the country a week ago and tonight's win gives Arcadia a record of 4-5 and avenges a 0-0 double overtime stalemate between the two programs last season.
The Garnett ran much of the offense, outshooting the Knights 25 -5 but junior keeper Jeff Kratohwill turned aside ten Garnett shots on goal to preserve his third shutout of the season.
Sophomore Matt Nowicki set up the game winner, threading a pass to Benner who then beat Swarthmore keeper David D'Annunzio to the left side for the score at 26:20. Benner had three of the Knights five shots while first year Ethan Armstrong was credited with a pair.
Tonight's win was Arcadia's second straight. The team will go for three in a row when the travel to Cabrini College this Saturday at 3 PM.
Knights Snap Scoring Drought, Winless Streak with 2-0 Win
Madison, NJ: 9/20/08 - Arcadia University Mens' Soccer picked up a much needed 2-0 win this afternoon at FDU-Florham to improve to 3-5 overall. Today's win snaps a three game winless streak which saw the Knights get outscored by their opponents 6-0.
Sophomore Matt Nowick struck for the Knights just 27 seconds into the match. The goal was his second of the season. The two squads headed into the half with the Knights retaining their 1-0 advantage. Senior Matt Benner added an insurance tally at 65:13 for a 2-0 Knights lead. Senior Nick Sarlo earned the assist on Benner's econd goal of the season. Benner led the Knights with 5 shots while Nowicki had 3.
Arcadia outshot FDU 17-5 with junior keeper Jeff Kratohwill making 3 stops through regulation. Arcadia also held the advantage in corner kicks, 7-3.
Knights Drop Third Straight
Glenside, PA: 9/16/08 - Arcadia University Men's Soccer had plenty of chances Tuesday afternoon against non-conference opponent Philadelphia Biblical University, but the only ball to find the goal came off the foot of Jake Miller of PBU in the 53rd minute, giving the Crimson Eagles the 1-0 win over Arcadia. Arcadia (2-5) outshot the Crimson Eagles 17-7 and moves on looking for win three of the season this Saturday at FDU-Florham, a non-conference game.
Deadlocked and scoreless as the second half began, the Knights used open space when they could find it to send in 12 second half shots at PBU keeper Andy Ecker, but just couldn't connect for a score. The game winner as it would turn out, came at 53:56 off a corner kick, a category the Knights also led at the end of the match with 7 chances to PBU's 2.
Arcadia junior keeper Jeff Kratohwill made 6 stops for the Knights, while sophomore Joe Clementi and first year Anthony Procopio got off 4 and 5 shots respectively.
Shoremen Blank Knights 4-0
Glenside, PA: 9/13/08 - The Shoremen of Washington College handed Arcadia University Men's Soccer a 4-0 loss Saturday afternoon in Glenside in non-conference men's soccer action. Arcadia (2-4) will look to snap a two-game winless streak when they host Philadelphia Biblical University, Tuesday at 4 PM.
The Shormen took a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals by senior Brian Schultz and freshman Zach Zimmer. Senior Brian Danver connected for a tally and the 3-0 Shoremen lead off a free kick at 76:52 before Zimmer added his second on the day with just under five miutes remaining in regulation, blanking the Knights 4-0 in their home opener.
Junior keeper Jeff Kratohwill (Pennsburg, PA/Upper Perkiomen) made three saves in 80 minutes of action for the Knights, with 3 goals against, before freshman Pat Malley (Raritan, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) replaced him for the final ten minutes. Malley made one stop and allowed the fourth and final Shoremen goal. Sophomore Joe Clementi (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) led the Knights with five shots.
Late Goal Sinks Knights at William Patterson
Wayne, NJ: 9/10/08 - William Patterson's Steve DeMatteo sent a shot past Arcadia keeper Jeff Kratohwill in the 84th minute of regulation to end a scoreless game, giving the Pioneer's the 1-0 win in non-conference men's soccer action Wednesday night in Wayne, NJ. The Knights (2-3) will host Washington College (Md.) this Saturday at 3 PM in their home opener.
Kratohwill turned aside 10 Pioneer shots on goal as the Knights appeared headed for overtime but DeMatteo finally broke through with the game's first tally at 83:58 which stood as the game winner. Kratohwill has just prevented a score seconds earlier before DeMatteo's dagger. Sophomores Joe Clementi and Matt Nowicki led the Knights attack with 3 shots apiece. As a team, Arcadia had two corner opportunities and 7 total shots on goal.
Armstrong Gives Knights 2-1 Double Overtime Victory Against Alvernia
Camden, NJ: 9/7/08 - First year Ethan Armstrong sent home the dagger in this afternoon's double overtime match against Alvernia College to give Arcadia University Men's Soccer the 2-1 victory in the consolation match at the Cialella Soccer Classic at Rutgers-Camden University. Sophomore Joe Clementi also scored for the Knights who pull their early season record even at 2-2. Both Armstrong and Clementi represented the Knights on the All Tournament Team.
Armstrong’s 25-yard shot from the top right of the box carried into the left side with 3:11 remaining for the winning goal in a game where Alvernia (1-3) outshot Arcadia (2-2), 26-16. Alvernia’s Morgan Davidheiser hit a post five minutes into the game and Domenic Montone was denied by a fine one-on-one save from Arcadia keeper Jeff Kratohwill late in the opening half. Arcadia also had an early chance when Armstrong sent a direct kick off the crossbar 13:30 into the scoreless firsts half.
The Knights finally broke the deadlock 5:30 into the second half on a direct kick by Clementi from the left of the goal. He sent a shot into the far right side.
Alvernia scored the tying goal by Schaeffer at 65:20 off a cross from the right side into the box by junior forward Adam Lush. The Crusaders had several great chances to win the game late in regulation, including a header off the bar by Montone, followed by a header wide left by Lush with 7:30 remaining. With 1:05 left in regulation, Lush had a shot saved by Kratohwill.
Kratohwill made eight saves for the Knights, while senior keeper Richard Kessler had four for Alvernia.
Eastern Hands Knights 3-0 Loss
Camden, NJ: 9/5/08 - In a battle of the only teams that had never lost at the Cialella Soccer Classic, Eastern defeated Arcadia 3-0, which had gone 7-0-1 and won three tournament titles in four previous trips to Rutgers-Camden.
The Eagles, 2-1 this season and now 3-0 in their second Cialella Soccer Classic, scored the only goal they needed at 11:29.
Eastern senior Michael Dorsch (Wilmington, DE/Wilmington Christian) worked 70:16 in goal and freshman Jon Crowder (Landenburg, PA/Avon Grove) finished the game to combine for the shutout. Each made one save as the Eagles held an 11-4 advantage in shots.
Junior Jeff Kratohwill (Pennsburg, PA/Upper Perkiomen) had three saves for the Knights, who fell to 1-2.
Benner, Nowicki Lift Knights Over Wilkes
Wilkes Barre, PA: 8/30/08 - Senior Matt Benner (Telford,PA/Souderton) and sophomore Matt Nowicki (Havre de Grace, MD/Fallston) scored a goal apeice to help the Knights to a 2-0 win at Wilkes University this afternoon. Both goals came in the first half behind a shutout performance from sophomore keeper Jeff Kratohwill (Pennsburg, PA/Upper Perkiomen). With today's win, the Knights even their record at 1-1.
Benner opened the scoring at 17:18, unassisted, giving the Knights the early one goal cushion. Arcadia's one goal became a two goal lead just three minutes later when Nowicki's unassisted shot made it's way past Wilkes keeper TJ Baloga for a 2-0 Knights lead that stood through regulation.
Kratohwill turned aside 9 shots to even his early season record to 1-1. Benner led the Knights offense with three shots on goal while first year Anthony Procopio (Vineland, NJ/Sacred Heart) registered a pair of shots. The Knights took a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks despite being outshot by the Colonels 18-6.
Arcadia travels to Rutgers-Camden University to play their former PAC rivals Eastern on September 5th.
Late Goal Lifts Courgars Over Knights
Dallas, PA: 8/29/08 - Misericordia University ended a scoreless game with the game winning tally in the 88th minute of play to hand Arcadia Men's Soccer a 1-0 loss in their 2008 season opener Friday afternoon in Dallas, PA. The Knights (0-1) will look to even their record today at non-conference opponent Wilkes University at 2 PM.
Knights junior keeper Jeff Kratohwill (Pennsburg, PA/Upper Perkiomen) made a point blank save midway through the first half on a shot from Misericordia's Tyler Mensch from eight yards out to keep the game scoreless where it remained until the 88th minute when the Cougar's Joe DiGirolomo fed the ball to Joey Scanlon for the game winner.
The Cougars held a 5-2 advantage in corner opportunities and outshot the Knights 10-5. Kratohwill made 6 saves for the Knights while sophomore Matt Nowicki (Havre de Grace, MD/Fallston) registered a pair of shots to lead the Arcadia offense.
Knights Picked Sixth in Commonwealth Conference Preseason Poll
Glenside, PA: 8/26/08 - The Arcadia University Men's Soccer program has been selected to finish their first season in competitive Commonwealth Conference in sixth place with natinal powerhouse Messiah chosen as the pre-season favorite for the conference title. The Knights enter the 2008 season working to improve on last year’s performance and will look to senior Matt Benner (Telford, PA/Souderton) to provide leadership and experience with junior goalkeeper Jeff Kratohwill (Pennsburg, PA/Upper Perkiomen) returning for his third year as a starter. Senior Shawn Coller (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), and juniors Greg Cianni (Barto, PA/Upper Perkiomen) and Jon Toomey (Pennsburg, PA/Upper Perkiomen) will also be looked to for further experience as the remaining members of the Knights’ NCAA Tournament Team from the 2006 season.
Matt Benner Jon Toomey
The remainder of Arcadia’s 24 man roster is comprised of 20 freshmen and sophomore players that will provide the core of the squad for the coming years. Returning sophomores Joe Clementi (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee), Matt Restaino (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough), Jeff McDonald (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge) and Matt Nowicki (Havre de Grace, MD/Fallston) will need to build on solid first year performances as the Knights continue thier rebuilding process. The Knights also add eight freshmen to this years squad and several of the players are in line to see significant playing time right away.
Greg Cianni Shawn Coller Jeff Kratohwill
The schedule this year includes several familiar opponents that should provide a strong test for the team early. Arcadia will face former PAC rivals Misericordia, Eastern and Alvernia in the first two weeks of the season. In addition the Knights will play several teams that are regionally and nationally ranked on a regular basis including DeSales, Rutgers-Camden and Swarthmore before the conference schedule begins. In Commonwealth Conference play they will face Elizabethtown and perennial national power Messiah College a week apart while also facing strong opponents in Lycoming and Albright.
Third year head coach Derrick Ayers believes his young team is heading in the right direction, and with a lot of hard work and a little luck they can have a successful year. The squad kicks off the regular season this weekend when they travel to Northeastern Pennsylvania for a pair of non-conference contests against Misericordia University, Friday at 4 PM and Saturday at Wilkes University at 2 PM.
Commonwealth Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Messiah (41 points)
2. Elizabethtown (40 points)
3. Lycoming (29 points)
4. Lebanon Valley (28 points)
5. Widener (25 points)
6. Arcadia (17 points)
7. Albright (16 points)
