Men’s Soccer Crowned ECC Champions

Powered by a four-goal first half, the top-seeded Pioneers routed fourth-seeded University of Bridgeport 6-2 in the East Coast Conference Semifinal on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Less than a minute into the game, the Pioneers began their assault when freshman forward Charlie Ledula notched a goal. After a quick response from Bridgeport a few minutes later, the Pioneers took it to another level.

After an own goal by Bridgeport, sophomore centerback David Arvidsson fired a volley from nearly 30 yards out and it hit the back of the net, making it 3-1 in favor of the Pioneers. Nearing half- time, senior midfielder Per Forgaard made it 4-1. After the intermission, Ledula netted his second goal while fellow freshman forward Toby Ilomuanya added a goal in the 74th minute, making it 6-1.

The Pioneers looked to build on this win when they welcomed NYIT to the Pioneer Soccer Park on Friday, Nov. 5. Led by a solid defense and great play from junior keeper Jesper Malmstrom, the Pioneers shutout NYIT 3-0 and won the East Coast Conference. After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers got on the board in the 57th minute when Forgaard sent a header passed the keeper. After another header found the back of the net by the Pioneers, Forgaard was back at it again when he received a pass from junior forward Jason Lampkin into the mesh.