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Men's Soccer Weekly Release

Braden Byler

Bulls Pass Through BIG EAST To Tourney Title

The University at Buffalo men’s soccer team opened the 2006 season on a ferocious note, taking two BIG EAST opponents to the brink en route to being named WVU Shootout Tournament Champion. The participants, Buffalo, Fairfield, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, combined to go 43-27-8 in 2005, with both Farifield and WVU earning a bid in the NCAA College Cup. In the opening round, the Bulls denied Pittsburgh of its first win of the season by a tally of 2-1. Senior Braden Byler (Erie, PA/Cathedral Prep) and sophomore Dan Gwyther (London, England/Woodcote) each netted goals in the season-opening win, which was the team’s first win over a BIG EAST opponent since 1997 as well as the first time the Bulls had won a road season-opening game since 2000. Advancing to the title game, UB took on its second consecutive BIG EAST opponent in West Virginia, that came away with a narrow 1-0 win against Fairfield Friday night. Following two extra sessions, the match ended in a 0-0 draw. After a third tie-breaker, Buffalo was named the tournament champion based on a 2-1 total goal differential.

Dan Gwyther

Last Year’s Top Newcomer Earns Top Honors

Sophomore defender Dan Gwyther was named WVU Shootout tournament Most Valuable Player for his efforts in the Bulls’ tournament championship run. He scored his first career goal, heading in the game-winner off a corner kick to solidify the 2-1 win over Pittsburgh, while providing a formidable presense on defense in the double overtime matchup with West Virginia. Gwyther was among three other Bulls who were recognized for their stellar play, as senior Erik Jaanimagi (Henrietta, NY/Rush-Henrietta), junior Dave Chojnowski (Rochester, NY/Hilton), and junior Dan Stevens (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) were named to the all-tournament team.

Daniel Bell

Saved By The Bell

Senior goalkeeper Daniel Bell (Brampton, Ontario/Notre Dame) withstood a barrage of shots to leave Morgantown, WV with a 1-0-1 record. Bell posted a 0.43 goals against average and a .889 save percentage in 210:00 minutes between the pipes. He made eight saves in Sunday’s shutout against West Virginia, which ties a career best for saves in a game.

Up Next

The Bulls (1-0-1) return home to UB Stadium Friday night, where they will kick off their home schedule against Detroit in the first game of the annual UB Fall Classic. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.