Wesleyan nears completion of 2006 recruiting class
April 5, 2006

BUCKHANNON, W.Va.-The Wesleyan soccer team is nearing completion of its 2006 recruiting class. So far eleven players have committed to be a part of the Bobcat squad. In the mix are five in-state athletes, two coming from Pennsylvania, one from Maryland, another from New Orleans, and two from abroad. The recruits bring with them enormous talent which is evident from the championship titles, honors, and awards they have accumulated in their high school careers.

The Bobcats’ head coach, Gavin Donaldson, states, “These players join one of the best recruiting classes for West Virginia Wesleyan soccer for the last ten years.”

All of the in-state recruits have one thing in common: each one was a starter in the West Virginia AAA championship game. This fall three of the Parkersburg’s state champs will be settling their rivalry with two players from Fairmont Senior’s runner-up team. Instead of competing against each other, the players will now be working together on the field as Bobcats.

Parkersburg, W.Va.
Deric McDonald, a three year letterman for Parkersburg High School, joins the Bobcats’ offensive line and should make an impression on the 2006 season. He was named to the all-state second team his senior year and has been honored with nods for first team MSAC twice.

Helping out Wesleyan’s defense next season is the West Virginia Defender of the Year, Abe Levin-Nielsen. The Bobcats graduated key players in the backline and Levin-Nielsen is stepping up to help fill the void. He joins Wesleyan as a member of West Virginia’s all-state first team.

An honorable mention for all-state, Drew Wolf is the final member of the Parkersburg trio heading to Wesleyan. This defensive midfielder brings with him not only soccer skills but also qualities of a solid leader. Wolf was a co-captain of his RVSC ‘87s team and he was also the recipient of the Fabio Marinelli Sportsmanship Award.

About the Parkersburg recruits coach Donaldson says, “I am very excited to have three of the top players in the state from this year’s top team joining the Bobcats next year. Deric, Abe, and Drew should all have an early impact on the success of the Bobcats.”

Fairmont, W.Va.
Patrick Haines comes to the Bobcats as the goal keeper for Fairmont Senior, the WVSSAC state runner-up. For his work in the net, Haines earned a place on the all-state second team. He was also a member of the 2005 WVSSAC North Bears All-Star team and has been twice named to the all-conference team. Haines adds to these athletic accomplishments multiple academic ones such as the 2006 United States Achievement Academy English Merit Award and the National Honor Roll.

Also joining the Bobcats is midfielder Greg Wilmoth. Like Haines, Wilmoth has been a force on the field for Fairmont Senior. Throughout his career, Wilmoth has stood out as a player. He was named to the all-state second team in 2005 and twice chosen for both the all-conference and all-region first teams. No doubt a leader, Wilmoth spent his senior season as the team captain for Fairmont.

“Both Greg and Patrick bring a wealth of winning experience from their club and high school teams. I expect that each will contribute to the success of the Bobcats quickly,” states coach Donaldson.

Washington, Pa.
David Jochynek comes to the Wesleyan soccer program with an impressive background. He helped his Century United of Pittsburgh club team to three state championship titles. Jochynek was also a two-time All-WPIAL Section 5 Player of the Year as well as a two-time member of the All-Section 5 team. His list continues further with Jochynek being named twice to the Washington Co. all-star team as well as a player on the Pennsylvania West ODP team.

Pittsburgh, Pa.
Transfer student Andrew Baldasare will join the Bobcats for his sophomore year. This former Gannon University and Upper St. Clair High School goal keeper brings with him a strong playing history. In 2005, he led his soccer club team to the state championship title as well as the regional championship game. No stranger to these high pressure games, Baldasare helped his team to the 2002 and 2004 AAA WPIAL championships, winning the title in ’04. His team also secured the 2003 and 2004 PIAA AAA state championship titles with him defending the net. Number one rankings in America by USA Today and by NSCAA/Adidas were earned in 2004.

About this accomplished recruit, coach Donaldson states, “Andrew is an experienced goal keeper who will vie for time with incumbent George Rowley.”

New Orleans, La.
A four-year starter for the Fontainebleau High School varsity soccer squad, Jeremy Oates will be joining the Bobcats this fall. Oates brings with him a strong defensive background and he has the awards to prove it. This year alone he was named to several first teams including all-district, all-metro, and all-state. As the all-district MVP defender, he helped lead FHS to the state championship game in 2006. Oates made just as big of an impact on the New Orleans Soccer Academy team, assisting them to four state championships and a regional semi-final. He was also a four-year member of the Olympic Development Program state team.

When asked about Oates, coach Donaldson commented, “Jeremy continues the chain of excellent players from New Orleans coming to WV Wesleyan. He is a mature, polished defender and field general who will fight for immediate playing time.”

Lusby, Md.
Three-year letterman for Patuxent High, Garrett Douglass comes to the Bobcats as his team’s leader in assists. He was honored with all-county team, the Patuxent High School Sportsmanship award and the Scholar-Athlete award. While playing for the LaPlata Blackhawks, Douglass helped them to the semi-final game of the Maryland Cup. Douglass was also a four-year member of his district's development team, honing his skills even further. He was invited to play internationally in both Germany and Holland.

Hohenburg, Germany
Coming from Hohenfels American High School in Germany, freshman Jimmy Pietras will join the Wesleyan 'Cats as a defender. Pietras, a four-year starter, led his team to a 14-1 record this year. At the 2006 European Division III championships, Pietras helped Hohenfels defeat American Oversees School of Rome, the three-time defending champions, for the title. Pietras earned all-tournament honors for the feat. He also received all-conference this year and has been co-captain for two years.

Pietras has not only stood out on his Hohenfels team but also on his Sport Verein Schmidmuehlen team. For the latter, he started as stopper for the last two years. His defensive efforts helped keep his team’s goal per game average to 1.4 which was the third best in the league.

Ascot, Berkshire, England
Josh Gibson comes from Ascot, Berkshire. He was a forward for Saint Anthony's College High School.

PRINCETON, W.Va.-Defender Brad Mills (Elk River, Minn.) was recently announced as Wesleyan’s male 2005-06 First Community Bank/WVIAC Senior Scholar-Athlete. Mills earned this honor not only through his efforts on the field but also from his work in the classroom as an Education major.

A male and female athlete is chosen from each WVIAC member institution. All athletes must have attained at least a 3.3 grade point average. Tennis player Ellen Brosh received the female award for Wesleyan.

For more information regarding the award and for a full list of winners, please visit the link: First Community Bank/WVIAC Senior Scholar-Athlete Award.

The West Virginia Wesleyan College men’s and women’s soccer teams are in the midst of an eight week soccer clinic. This year the clinic consists of two age groups: 8 and under and 8-10. Next year, the clinic will expand the older section to ages 9-12 while keeping the younger group 8 and under.

So far, the Bobcat college players have coached the participants on skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and tactical aspects of the game. The drills are then culminated with a scrimmage session where the participants can demonstrate what they have learned.

For more information regarding next year’s clinic, please contact the head men's coach, Gavin Donaldson, at donaldson@wvwc.edu.

Junior midfielder Bond Phittayarsi (Bowie, Md.) was named to the Men’s Soccer First Team All-WVIAC. This is his third consecutive year of receiving the award as he earned first team honors in both 2003 and 2004. This year Phittayarsi was the sole Bobcat player to be slated a spot by the league.

During the season, Phittayarsi started for all 18 of the games he played. A leader on the field, he helped control the pace of the game. Phittayarsi served as a crucial link not only between the defense and offense but also between the centerfield and the wings.

Shepherd’s Richard Smith was named the WVIAC Men’s Soccer Player of the Year, and his coach Joseph Okoh was chosen as the Coach of the Year. The league announced Jeremy Wood from Salem International as the conference’s Freshman of the Year.

For more information about the 2005 WVIAC men’s soccer selections, please visit the link 2005 All-WVIAC: Men's Soccer

Philippi, W.Va.-On Tuesday, Nov. 1 the Bobcats went up against the Battlers in round one of the WVIAC Championship Tournament. Unlike the last time the two teams met, Wesleyan fell 3-1.

The Battlers were given a penalty kick in the first half that put them up. Gil Vainshtein netted his shot for the 1-0 lead. At the 29:31 mark, Eric Belcher increased his team’s advantage to 2-0.

With only five minutes and 13 seconds left in the second half, the Battlers scored another goal. Chris Pasuqai was credited with the shot; Hans Schubert, the assist.

Wesleyan was able to score one retaliation point before the game ended. Joseph Burkland (Wheeling) blasted his shot to put the Bobcats on the board.

Despite outshooting their opponent 27 to 13, Wesleyan could not seem to find the back of the net. The game ended the season for the Bobcats with a record of 5-11-3.

The 2005 leading scorer for Wesleyan was Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) who netted in a total of four goals for the season. Mark Farrell (Edinboro, Pa.) and Chris Crews (Wheeling) tied for second with three goals apiece. With three assists each, Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.) and Andrew Meikle (Edinburgh, Scotland) topped the stats in assists. Keeper Eric Silbaugh (Buckhannon) totaled 88 saves for the season.

Wesleyan found themselves in double-overtime for the third time this year. On Friday, Oct. 28 the Bobcats ended their game against the Golden Eagles in a draw. It was the last regular season match for Wesleyan.

Brandon Chagnard (New Orleans, La.) opened up the offensive attack for the Bobcats, taking the first shot of the game. From there, Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) and Joseph Burkland (Wheeling) kept up the pressure, knocking off the next shots.

Controlling the first part of the match, the Bobcats remained on attack. Senior Brad Mills (Elk River, Minn.) led Wesleyan’s defense, and it was not until the 27:11 mark that Charleston was able to get off a clean shot.

The game remained scoreless until just before the close of the first half. Micah Crews (Wheeling) initiated the opportunity by passing the ball to Chris Crews (Wheeling). Crews (Chris) made a left side cross to put the ball into the target zone. Burkland made a header goal to put the Bobcats up 1-0.

Charleston, however, would not settle for a loss and they tied things up in the second half. At 60:18, the Golden Eagles’ Callum Jenkins passed the ball to teammate Adam Prestifilippo. Prestifilippo nailed his shot to put the score 1-1.

The match went into double-overtime, but neither team could find the back of the net for the win. Despite outshooting Charleston 24 to seven, Wesleyan had to settle for the tie.

The Bobcats ended their regular season play with a 5-10-3 record. The WVIAC tournament begins tomorrow. Wesleyan will travel to match up against Alderson-Broaddus College for Round One.

Over the weekend, the ‘Cats matched up against the Pioneers and the Eagles. After a delay to the start of the game because of lighting, Friday (Oct. 21) night’s contest began in not the best of conditions. A day’s worth of rain left the field with muddy puddles and little traction for the players.

Joseph Burkland (Wheeling) started the shooting off, taking a stab at the goal a little over six minutes into the match. His kick, however, went wide.

Tusculum grabbed an early advantage when Benyam Kefleyessus crossed the ball to teammate Tony Prisco. Prisco netted his shot with only seven minutes and 30 seconds gone from the clock.

The battle between the teams picked up, and the Pioneers got off three more shots before Wesleyan could retaliate on offense. Andrew Meikle (Edinburgh, Scotland) and Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.) pressured TC’s defense, looking for the tying goal.

Sophomore Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) also had a couple of close calls with the net but Wesleyan remained scoreless.

At the 39:11 minute mark Tusculum increased their lead to 2-0. Starting a rapid fire of shots on goal, Kefleyessus took a kick that Wesleyan keeper Eric Silbaugh (Buckhannon) knocked away. The next shot hit the crossbar, and Pioneer midfielder Matt Ross netted the rebound.

Only three minutes and 25 seconds into the second half, the Pioneers got their final goal. Dave Bailey was credited with the shot.

Defenders Brad Mills (Elk River, Minn.), Chris Crews (Wheeling), and Brian McGowan (Owings, Md.) held off any more goal opportunities from Tusculum for the rest of the game.

On Sunday, Oct. 22 Wesleyan went up against Carson-Newman College. The Bobcats and the Eagles fought hard during the first half with neither team giving up a goal.

Ten minutes into the second half, Carson-Newman saw their chance to get ahead. With a pass from Brad Cobbs, Dario Carrasco knocked the ball past Silbaugh for a 1-0 lead. Cobbs was back six minutes before the game ended, netting a free kick for the 2-0 win over the Bobcats.

Wesleyan plays their final game of the season this Wednesday, Oct. 26. The match is set for 3:00 p.m. against the University of Charleston. Due to field conditions, the game will be held on the practice field instead of Wood Street Field.

Johnstown, Pa.-Wesleyan traveled to play Pitt-Johnstown on Saturday, Oct. 15. The Bobcats left the field victorious 3-0. Setting the pace of the game, Andrew Meikle (Edinburgh, Scotland) scored at the 15:49 minute mark. He knocked the ball in off a corner kick taken by Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.).

Meikle was back in action 12 minutes later, blasting a shot from 25 yards out. This goal put the Bobcats up 2-0.

With only two minutes and 13 seconds left in the game, Wesleyan received a free kick off a foul call. Meikle hit the ball to Daniel Olinda (Fortaleza, Brazil) who netted the shot.

Bobcat keeper Eric Silbaugh (Buckhannon) recorded five saves and a shutout.

Buckhannon, W.Va-In their second game of the weekend, Wesleyan fell 2-1 to Shepherd University. The result of the contest came down to a penalty kick awarded to the Rams with 2:11 left on the clock.

From the start of the game, both teams were pushing for an advantage. At half, the match was tied 0-0. Wesleyan outshot their opponent six to four in the first part of play but was unable to hit the back of the net.

As the clock ticked down, the pressure to score mounted. Shepherd got an opportunity at 63:00 when Nathan Tobler found himself in the position to net a goal. Sweeper Brad Mills (Elk River, Minn.), however, knocked the ball away.

The battle on the field continued and at the 75:07 mark a goal was finally scored. Bernard Walters made a pass from near the half line to teammate Mikus Rubenis. Rubenis took an outside shot that put the Rams up 1-0.

Wesleyan would not walk away without retaliation. Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) crossed the ball in front of the goal where DeClerico got a foot on it. DeClerico pounded his shot past Shepherd’s keeper to tie the game.

And just as quickly as the game was tied, so was it lost. Shepherd received a penalty kick that decided the match with a little over two minutes left on the clock. Richard Smith took the shot, and the Rams won 2-1.

The Bobcats continue play on Friday, Oct. 21 as they match up against Tusculum College (Tenn.). The game will take place at Wood Street Field at 7:00 p.m.

The Bobcats hit a stalemate last night against Ohio Valley University. Despite outshooting their opponent 21 to seven, Wesleyan couldn’t net a game winning goal. Time ran out and the ‘Cats had to settle for a 1-1 tie.

Grabbing an early break, the Fighting Scots scored moments into the game. With only one minute and seven seconds gone from the clock Marwan Helal evaded Wesleyan’s defense for a 1-0 lead.

In response to their deficit, the Bobcats countered down the field and Joseph Burkland (Wheeling) pounded a shot. Ohio Valley keeper Bill Bloom made the first of his eight saves for the game. Andrew Meikle (Edinburgh, Scotland) and Marc Farrell (Edinboro, Pa.) tallied in shots but none found the back of the net.

Still down in the second half, Wesleyan pushed hard for a tying goal. Brandon Chagnard (New Orleans, La.), Kevin Christian (Antigua, West Indies), and Meikle all struck shots but missed the target. Then at the 60 minute mark, the Bobcats seized an opportunity. Burkland, returning from a first half injury, took a throw-in and propelled the ball to the offensive zone. Meikle went up for the header and knocked a pass to Craig Eggleton (Scott Depot) who headed it in to tie the game.

With a 1-1 match, both teams were looking for the lead. Wesleyan’s defense, led by senior sweeper Brad Mills (Elk River, Minn.), stayed solid and limited Ohio Valley to two shots for the remainder of the game. Right and left defenders Chris Crews (Wheeling) and Brian McGowan (Owings, Md.) helped shut down the Fighting Scots’ attack.

Unable to score, the Bobcats found themselves in double-overtime for the fourth game this year. And for the second time, they ended a conference game in a draw.

The ‘Cats hit the road one more as they play Pitt-Johnstown on Saturday, October 15.

They return home the next day (Sunday, October 16) to match up against Shepherd University at 1:00 p.m. Sunday’s game will take place at Wood Street Field.

CLINTON, S.C.-After waiting a day to play the initially scheduled October 7 game, Wesleyan went up against Presbyterian College on Saturday. The Blue Hose, however, walked away victorious as they took the Bobcats 3-1.

Joseph Burkland (Wheeling) started the ‘Cats off with a shot 13 minutes in but PC’s defense blocked the ball. Ten minutes later, Bryan Padgett found the net to take a 1-0 lead for the Blue Hose. While Wesleyan kept fighting, Presbyterian’s defense couldn’t be broken. Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.) tried to even the score and once again PC’s defense stopped the shot.

59:19 into the match, Brandon Tucker upped his team’s lead to 2-0. Before PC’s third goal, Wesleyan’s Bond Phittayasri (Wheaton, Md.) was able to get off a shot that went wide. Minutes later the ball was on the other end of the field, and Stevenson Gravlee netted the Blue Hose’s final goal.

With 22 minutes left in the game, Marc Farrell (Edinboro, Pa.) headed the ball to the back of the net. DeClerico recorded the assist.

NEWBERRY, S.C.-Yesterday the Bobcats saw their second weekend loss as they played Newberry College. Both teams battled to double-overtime where the Indians received a penalty kick that won them the game 1-0. The contest was physical with 37 total fouls called and eight cards given out.

The Bobcats got the first shot of the match with Kevin Christian (Antigua, West Indies) putting on the pressure. His kick was saved by Newberry keeper Bryan Linn. Kerry Wilson (Grenada, West Indies) took the next shot seven seconds later but the ball went wide. Newberry College was able push the ball to their offensive end, getting off their first shot of the game at 12:03. Bobcat keeper Eric Silbaugh (Buckhannon) grabbed the save.

Despite DeClerico, Brandon Chagnard (New Orleans, La.), Phittayasri, and Andrew Lotocki's (Langhorne, Pa.) efforts toward the goal, the Bobcats remained scoreless in the first half.

With a tied game, things started to get a little more physical as seven of the eight cards came in the second half. The Indians defense remained tough, blocking a shot from Farrell 65 minutes into the match.

In the first overtime, the Bobcats stayed strong as Silbaugh made a save and his defenders blocked another of Newberry’s attempt at goal. Still stuck at 0-0, the contest went into double OT. A penalty kick was the deciding factor as the Indians were awarded the shot at the 103:04 minute mark. Jeffrey Taylor made the goal, winning the game for Newberry 1-0.

Silbaugh made a total of ten saves.

Wesleyan returns to Wood Street Field on Wednesday, October 12. The ‘Cats will go up against Ohio Valley University at 7:00 p.m.

The Bobcats earned their second conference win as they defeated Alderson-Broaddus College 3-1 in last night’s match. Although the Battlers managed to grab an early lead, it didn’t take long for Wesleyan to erase their deficit and gain the advantage.

Less than two minutes in, Alderson-Broaddus received the first corner kick of the game. John Whittaker used this opportunity to help get the Battlers on the board. He knocked the ball to teammate Gil Vainshtein who headed it in for the 1-0 lead.

Finding themselves down so quick into the game, the Bobcats picked up their offensive intensity and tried to even the score. Kerry Wilson (Grenada, West Indies) knocked a shot but it hit the crossbar. The rebound was pounded back toward the goal by Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.). To the Battlers’ relief, the shot went wide.

Wesleyan remained in attacking mode and at the six minute mark gained a corner kick. Andrew Meikle (Edinburgh, Scotland) knocked the ball into the box. A hand ball was called on Alderson-Broaddus, and the Bobcats got a penalty kick. Chris Crews (Wheeling, W.Va.) blasted the shot to the back of the net, tying the game.

Not four minutes later, Joseph Burkland (Wheeling, W.Va.) took a throw-in that propelled the ball down the field. Teammate Marc Farrell (Edinboro, Pa.) was there and sent his shot past the Battlers’ keeper.

Up 2-1, the Bobcats continued to fight for a more comfortable lead. Alderson-Broaddus was not going down easy, and put on heavy pressure looking for a goal to tie the game. Defenders Crews, Brad Mills (Elk River, Minn.), and Craig Eggleton (Scott Depot, W.Va.) held their ground and kept the Battlers from scoring again.

Linking the defense to the offense, Bond Phittayasri (Wheaton, Md.) and Burkland fed the ball up the field. Brandon Chagnard (New Orleans, La.) and Kevin Christian (Antigua, West Indies) took little time in getting shots off in the second half. Despite Wesleyan’s efforts, they were unable to increase their lead.

And just when the clock was ticking down the final seconds in the game, Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) made a last minute goal to give the Bobcats a 3-1 win. The ball was knocked forward and Tolbert used his speed to outrun his opponents. Evading the keeper, Tolbert made his shot with four seconds to go.

This weekend Wesleyan hits the road to South Carolina as they play Presbyterian College on Friday, October 7 and Newberry College on Sunday, October 9.

Five minutes and eleven seconds is all the Bobcats needed to put themselves ahead during last night’s contest against Wheeling Jesuit University. Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.) netted a shot to give Wesleyan the early advantage.

The Bobcats’ next goal sparked from a corner kick. Brandon Chagnard (New Orleans, La.) headed the ball in, putting the ‘Cats up 2-0. No assist was recorded.

In the second half, Wesleyan continued to pressure the Cardinals. A few seconds after the 60 minute mark, Kerri Wilson (Grenada, West Indies) knocked in a header off a rebound.

Down 3-0, Wheeling finally got on the scoreboard with a minute ten left in the game. Sean Regan nabbed the goal for the Cardinals.

‘Cats keeper Eric Silbaugh (Buckhannon) made eight saves during the match.

The Bobcats return to home ground on October 4. They go up against WVIAC team Alderson-Broaddus College at 7:00 p.m. on Wood Street Field.

It was another hard loss for the Bobcats as they were defeated in double-overtime by Mars Hill College on Saturday, September 24.

In the first half, Wesleyan out shot the Lions eight to six. Despite this offensive pressure, the Bobcats were unable to get ahead. The game continued scoreless until the 82 minute. Senior Chris Crews (Wheeling, W.Va.) got his foot on a rebound and gave the Bobcats the lead with less than eight minutes to go.

Both teams continued to put on heavy pressure as the clock ticked down. Daniel Olinda (Fortaleza, Brazil), Bond Phittayasri (Wheaton, Md.), and Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) all took shots in the final minutes of the game, trying to increase Wesleyan’s lead. With only 21 seconds left, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick. Daniel Waymont took the shot, tying things up and sending the game into overtime.

The first period of OT remained scoreless despite shot attempts by Andrew Lotocki (Langhorne, Pa.), Tolbert, and Joseph Burkland (Wheeling, W.Va.). It was not until the 108:08 mark of the game that Waymont once again found the back of the net for the Lions, ending the match 2-1 MHC.

Wesleyan is set to play their third conference match on September 28 against Wheeling Jesuit University. The game will take place in Wheeling at 7:00 p.m.

In the Bobcats’ second conference game of the season, they dropped to Salem International 4-1. The Tigers had an early opportunity to take the lead as they received a free kick ten minutes into the match. Jernej Kamensek took the kick, and Gustavo Irazusta went in for the header putting his team up 1-0.

A penalty kick was awarded to Salem with 15 minutes left in the half. Milan Rakic netted the shot for a 2-0 advantage over the Bobcats.

Shortly after the second half began, the Tigers received another free kick which Milos Mijuskovic took. Irazusta snagged the volley for his second goal of the game.

59 minutes in, Andrew Meikle (Edinburgh, Scotland) took a corner kick. Marc Farrell (Edinboro, Pa.) was there, heading the ball to get Wesleyan on the board. Salem, however, quickly countered by scoring four minutes later off another free kick. Rakic was credited with his second goal of the game.

Wesleyan players who got shots off during the match were Bond Phittayasri (Wheaton, MD), Brandon Chagnard (New Orleans, La.), Meikle, Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.), Farrell, and Ignacio Vial (Plano, Texas). Freshman keeper Eric Silbaugh (Buckhannon, W.Va.) made three saves.

The Bobcats play at Mars Hill College tonight, September 24 at 7:00 pm.

Last night’s game against St. Vincent College began with great promise as the Bobcats scored three minutes and 24 seconds after the starting whistle. Wesleyan received a direct kick, and Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.) nailed the ball into the box. Chris Crews (Wheeling, W.Va.) jumped up for the header, scoring his first goal of the season and putting his team in the lead.

The Bearcats didn’t waste any time with a counterattack. 57 seconds after finding themselves down, St. Vincent tied the game. Shea Simpson dribbled through the right side and crossed the ball to the center. With a header, Bradd Picone drove the ball into the left side of the net.

Both teams fought for possession, looking for the shot that would put them up. Sweeper Brad Mills (Elk River, Minn.) led his defenders Brian McGowan (Owings, Md.) and Craig Eggleton (Scott Depot, W.Va.) as they tried to shut down St. Vincent’s offense.

In the second half, the Bearcats saw their chance to take the lead. Mike Schreck knocked a cross from the left side to teammate Dave Suski who headed the ball to the back of the net.

With 20 minutes left in the game, Wesleyan found themselves behind. In the midfield, Bond Phittayasri (Wheaton, Md.) worked with stopper Joey Burkland (Wheeling, W.Va.) to outlet the ball and get it into scoring position. A moment of hope came when Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) took a shot from the left side with an open goal, but the Bearcat defense was there for the block.

Wesleyan’s next game is away as they play Salem International University on September 22 at 4:00 p.m. It will be their second conference match.

Under the lights, the Bobcats fell to Catawba College 2-0 on Friday, September 9. Despite starting things off right as Andrew Meikle (Edinburgh, Scotland) took the first shots of the game, the Indians countered minutes later and forced two saves out of keeper Eric Silbaugh (Buckhannon, W.Va.). The two teams battled for possession as the game continued scoreless until the 43 minute.

A foul was called on the Bobcats, giving CC a direct kick. As the defense tried to clear the ball, Catawba midfielder Jamie Robinson stepped up and netted a long ball past Silbaugh. The first half ended with the Bobcats down by one.

Catawba put even more pressure on Wesleyan getting eight shots off during the second half. It was almost a repeat of the first half as CC scored again with less than five minutes before the ending whistle. Tyler Kulp hit a far left outside shot that put the Indians up 2-0.

The Bobcats are back in action tonight (September 13), playing St. Vincent College (Pa.) at 7:00 p.m. This home game takes place at Wood Street Field.

A full 90 minutes wasn’t enough to determine a winner in yesterday’s contest between Wesleyan and Davis & Elkins College. The two teams, tied 0-0 at regular play’s end, went into double overtime searching for a goal that would give them the win. Despite the extended time, neither squad was able to score.

Brandon Chagnard (New Orleans, La.), Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.), and Micah Crews (Wheeling, W.Va.) all put pressure on D&E goalie Ben Royce and forced him to make eight saves. ‘Cats players Bond Phittayasri (Wheaton, Md.), Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.), Chris Crews (Wheeling, W.Va.), and Brian McGowan (Owings, Md.) were also able to elude the defense and gets shots off during the game.

Wesleyan’s freshman keeper Eric Silbaugh (Buckhannon, W.Va.) recorded 13 saves for the day.

For both the Bobcats and the Senators, the game was their first WVIAC match. Their conference records are each credited with a tie.

Wesleyan returns home, playing Catawba College (N.C.) this Friday, September 9 at Wood Street Field. The game starts at 7:00 p.m.

For the second week in row, a Bobcat is named WVIAC Player of the Week. Forward Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) received the honor this week (August 29-September 4) because of his role in Wesleyan’s 3-2 win over Wingate University (N.C.).

On September 4, the sophomore recorded a hat trick as his team beat the Bulldogs. With less than 20 minutes left to play, Tolbert tied the score 1-1. When Wingate scored eight minutes later, Tolbert again tied things up. He attacked once more, bringing the Bobcats to their first road victory.

Tolbert currently leads his team in stats for shots (7) and goals (3).

The Bobcats traveled to North Carolina for a pair of games and came back with a win and a loss. On September 2, the men’s team went up against Lenoir-Rhyne College (N.C.). The Bears put on heavy offensive pressure, and LRC players Rocky Gifford, Dave Morgan, Alex Maric, and A.J. Mack all notched goals during the contest for a win of 4-0 over the Bobcats.

In their second game of the weekend, Wesleyan improved their record to 2-1, beating Wingate University (N.C.). Down for the majority of the game, the Bobcats gained a 3-2 advantage in the second half to take the win over the Bulldogs.

Wingate’s Benj Bostic scored the first goal and was assisted by Robert Dawson. It was not until 16 minutes were left on the clock that Bobcats’ Kofi Tolbert (Hollywood, Calif.) netted a shot to tie things up. Wingate retaliated, and Jordan Bowen scored off an assist by Kerrin Sheldon. With only seven minutes to go, Tolbert found the net again with another wrap-shot around the post. Tied 2-2, the Bobcats didn’t let up, and Tolbert completed his hat trick off an assist from Kevin Christian (Antigua, West Indies).

The men’s team next travels to play Davis and Elkins College on September 7 at 4:00 p.m.

Transfer student Kevin Christian (Antigua, West Indies) took no time in making himself a force on the Bobcat squad. Christian was honored as the WVIAC Co-Player of the Week along with Shepherd’s Emmanuel Elombor for the week ending August 28th.

A midfielder for the ‘Cats, Christian helped lead the men’s team to a 5-1 victory against Shawnee State University on Saturday, August 27.

The player of the week honor comes to Christian for his two-goal, one-assist performance on Saturday. Christian’s first goal tied the game and gave the Bobcats momentum to take the lead over Shawnee State. He also racked up an assist in the second half along with another goal off a penalty kick. Not too shabby of a start for this sophomore from Antigua, West Indies.

The Bobcats remained down for the majority of the half, despite efforts by Brad Mills (Elk River, Minn.), Bond Phittayasri (Wheaton, Md.), and Adam DeClerico (Sarasota, Fla.) to find the back of the net. At 34:50 in, Kevin Christian (Antigua, West Indies) found himself in a swarm of SSU defenders. Not to be defeated, Christian cleared a shot path for himself and pounded the ball past SSU’s keeper Jonathon Venters to tie the game. This goal sparked the Bobcats’ scoring momentum as Andrew Lotocki (Langhorne, Pa.) wasted little time in gaining the lead. Lotocki’s high loft shot over the Bears’ keeper came less than a minute after Christian’s goal.

In the second half, solid efforts by Brian McGowan (Ownings, Md.), Joey Burkland (Wheeling, W.Va.), and Craig Eggleton (Scott Depot, W.Va.) allowed little play on the Bobcats’ defensive end. With the ball on the offensive half, the Bobcats kept the Bears’ keeper on his toes. Christian hit a shot from the right side that Venters attempted to get his hands on. Brandon Chagnard (New Orleans, La.) came from the left, getting the rebound into the net. Not ten minutes later, the Bobcats were again lighting up the scoreboard. Chagnard headed the ball to teammate Ian Moremen (Athens, Ga.), who knocked it in, raising the ‘Cats’ lead to 4-1. And to complete the scoring spree, Christian made his second goal of the game on a penalty kick.

Soaked and muddy, the Bobcats departed the game with a 5-1 victory. They will be on the road for their next three games starting at Lenoir-Rhyne College (NC) on September, 2 at 5:00 p.m.