Men's Soccer Weekly Release

Bulls Capture Season Opening Victory Over Pittsburgh

Alex Mihal

The Bulls opened the 2009 season with a 1-0 victory over the University of Pittsburgh in the first contest of the West Virginia University/Nike Classic. In the 18th minute, senior Alex Mihal ripped a 30-yard shot from the far left side putting it in the upper 90 past the Panthers’ goalie to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead and the eventual victory. Sophomore Nick Fetterman received his first nod of the season and his career, collecting his first career victory along the way. The Bulls heald the adavantage in shots on goal, 5-2.

Bulls Valiant Effort in Double Overtime Heartbreaker

Akil Howard

The University at Buffalo men’s soccer team concluded the 2009 West Virginia University/Nike Classic in a valiant effort by falling to host West Virginia, 1-0 in double overtime with only seconds remaining. The Bulls faced the Mountaineers down a man for over 35 minutes due to a red-card infraction with under seven minutes remaining in the second half. The physical style of play yielded a total of 37 fouls between the two squads including nine yellow cards and one Buffalo red card. The Bulls received stellar play from their back three of Steffen Thoresen, Akil Howard (Queens, NY/Shattuck-St. Mary’s) and Mihal.

Mihal and Howard Named to All-Tournament Team

In recognition of their strong defensive performances against Pittsburgh and West Virginia, defenders Howard and Mihal were selected to the West Virginia University/Nike Classic All-Tournament Team.

Newcomers Contributing

Nick Fetterman

Three newcomers started the Bulls’ first two contests of the seasons including their first career start versus Pittsburgh including freshmen defender Howard and junior transfers Michael Unwin (Basingstoke, England/North Iowa CC) and Casey Derkacz (Hamburg, NY/Penn State).

First Start... First Win... First Shutout

In goalkeeper Fetterman’s first start of the season, he managed to pick up his first shuout in his first win as the Bulls’ starting keeper. On Friday versus Pittsburgh, Fetterman recorded two saves in 90 minutes of action. He would collect two more saves on Sunday versus West Virginia in 119:05 of action. He currently holds a 0.43 GAA heading into this weekend’s action.

Up Next: Two New Faces

The Bulls (1-1, 0-0 MAC) will continue on the road as they travel to the Midwest for a two-game Big East roadtrip. On Friday, September 11, the Bulls face Marquette at 7 pm followed by DePaul at 12 pm on Sunday, September 13. This will mark the first time in program history the Bulls will face both teams.