2007 Men's Soccer
News

Buchan Hired to Head Soccer Program
PAINESVILLE, OH. (February 20, 2008) - Lake Erie College recently hired Jim Buchan as the head coach of the women's and men's soccer programs. Buchan, a native of Scotland, joins the Storm after a 13-year stint as head coach of the Mesa State College women's and men's teams where he was a two-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Coach of the Year as well as a two-time Division II Great Plains Coach of the Year.

Buchan has an extensive soccer resume as both a coach and a player. On the coaching side, he served as a head coach with Calgary in the Alberta Soccer Association (1989-90), the Ontario Soccer Association (1991-92), with the Chinooks Association for Women's Premier (1993-94) and with the USA University Team Gold Cup Tournament (2002-03). At the collegiate level, he was an assistant coach for the men's programs at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada (1992-94) and Pacific Lutheran University in Washington (1994-95). He also held assistant positions with the Chinooks Association for Men's Premier (1993-94) and the men's provincial team in Alberta (1994-95).

As a player, Buchan has played professionally since 1978 as a goalkeeper with clubs including the Aberdeen Soccer Club in the Scotland Premier League, the Blackpool Soccer Club in England 3rd Division, the Calgary Kickers in Alberta and Kitchener Spirit in Ontario. He was voted Athlete of the Year at Mount Royal College (1991-92) and earned most valuable player honors in the Canadian Soccer League (1991-92), the Canadian Soccer National Championships (1990-91), the Canadian Soccer College Association (1990-91) and the Alberta College Conference Association (1989-90). He also earned Player of the Year honors in the Scottish League (1986-88) and was an all-star selection multiple seasons.

Buchan earned a diploma in sports administration from Mount Royal College before earning a bachelor's degree in physical education with teaching certification from St. Francis Xavier. He earned a master's degree in sports administration from Pacific Lutheran.

He holds various licenses, including an Intermediate UEFA 'A', USSF 'A' and NSCAA Premier, in addition to a Dutch Youth Certificate. He is also a member of the Region IV Olympic Developmental Program (ODP) staff.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to build a Division II soccer program for the women and men at Lake Erie College," said Buchan. "I've been involved with the sport at many levels throughout my career and have experienced much success. I look forward to continuing that success with the Storm."

Stuckey is AMCC Newcomer of the Year; Five Earn All-Conference
PAINESVILLE, OH. (November 5, 2007) - With the conclusion of the 2007 season, the Lake Erie College men's soccer team had five players honored by the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC), including Newcomer of the Year Scott Stuckey.

Freshman forward Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) was the Storm's second leading scorer this season with seven goals and five assists. His 19-point total was second on the team. He also earned AMCC Second-Team honors and was the youngest player honored at that position.

Additional all-conference team members included first-team picks junior forward Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) and junior defender Brent Bleasdell (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida/South Plantation), second-team selection sophomore midfielder Justin Rraya (Parma, Ohio/Normandy) and honorable mention honoree senior midfielder Kevin Ankuda (Concord, Ohio/Lake Catholic).

Starvaggi led the team in goals (10), assists (8) and points (28). He is the program's all-time leader in assists with 28 and currently ranks fourth among career leaders in goals (23) after three complete seasons. He is third in career points with 74.

Bleasdell anchored the Storm defense and tallied one assist this year - the first of his career.

Rraya was tied for second on the team in goals with seven and netted three game winners. He had three assists and 17 points. Among career leaders, he is seventh in goals with 15 and ninth in points with 36 after just two seasons.

Ankuda scored the third most goals with six, including his first career hat trick in a win against Mount Aloysius. He also had four assists and 16 points. He is ninth among career leaders in goals with 12 and 11th in points with 30.

The Storm men's soccer team concluded the season with an overall record of 9-8-2 and a sixth place AMCC finish with a league record of 4-4-1. They qualified for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

Storm Can't Stop Altoona in Playoffs
PAINESVILLE, OH. (October 28, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team finished its season with a 2-0 loss to Penn-State Altoona Sunday afternoon in the first round of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) playoffs. Lake Erie, seeded sixth in the tournament, has yet to defeat the third seeded Lions in two playoff meetings in program history. Both times the Storm has been held scoreless. It was also the Storm's second 2-0 loss to Altoona this season.

Playing Sunday, after a one-day rain delay, Lake Erie was unable to find the back of the net in 14 shots, which included four on goal. Altoona, on-the-other-hand, managed to slip the ball past the Storm keeper on two of its five shots on goal - both in the second half.

Lake Erie finishes the season with an overall record of 9-8-2 and in sixth place in the AMCC with a record of 4-4-1.

Playoffs Set
PAINESVILLE, OH. (October 24, 2007) - Late last night the Storm men's soccer team received word they would be traveling to Penn State-Altoona for the first round of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Playoffs on Saturday. Lake Erie concluded the regular season with an overall record of 9-7-2 and a sixth place conference finish with a record of 4-4-1. Altoona finished as the AMCC's third place team with a league record of 6-2 and an overall record of 13-4.

The two teams met on September 29 of this year in Storm territory with the Lions as victors in a 2-0 shutout. This Saturday, the Storm will hope for a different outcome in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. It is the Storm's fourth consecutive trip to the AMCC Playoffs - its second meeting with Altoona in the postseason as the Storm fell victim in the semifinals 2-0 in 2004.

The winner of Saturday's match will advance to the semifinals on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m. against No. 2 seed Penn State-Behrend.

Storm Lose to Conference Champ
PAINESVILLE, OH. (October 23, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team ended the regular season with a 3-0 loss to Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) champion Medaille College Tuesday afternoon. Now the Storm must wait out the results of several other conference games tonight before they find out if they finished in fifth or sixth place in the league. Depending on the finish, Lake Erie will be headed to either Penn State-Altoona or La Roche for the first round of the playoffs this Saturday.

Against Medaille, the Storm went down 1-0 in the 19th minute on a goal scored from a Maverick corner kick. Lake Erie kept the Mavericks at bay until the 74th minute when the visitors slotted their second goal of the night, followed by a third one just six minutes later.

Lake Erie totaled seven shots on the day compared to Medaille's 15 shots. Storm keeper Mike Loparo (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) had five saves.

Lake Erie is 9-7-2 overall and 4-4-1 in the AMCC.

Storm Shutout Mount Aloysius
PAINESVILLE, OH. (October 20, 2007) - The Storm men's soccer team shutout Mount Aloysius 11-0 in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) play Saturday afternoon. Lake Erie had 25 shots on goal as eight different players recorded goals in the win.

Senior Kevin Ankuda (Concord, Ohio/Lake Catholic) had the first hat trick of his career, while junior Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) was the only other multiple goal scorer of the day with two. Freshman Alex Royko (Willoughby, Ohio/South) had three assists on the afternoon with fellow freshman Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) totaling two.

Lake Erie (9-6-2; 4-3-1) have one regular season game left - Tuesday at home against Medaille at 4 p.m.

Storm Lose to Nationally-Ranked Spartans
PAINESVILLE, OH. (October 18, 2007) - Taking a break from conference play, the Storm men's soccer team took on No. 7 ranked Case Western Reserve University on the road Thursday night and lost 3-0. The host's trio of goals were spread throughout the first half, coming in the 10th, 14th and 43rd minutes.

Lake Erie had six shots on the night, four on goal, as CWRU took nine shots, five on goal. The Storm (8-6-2) resume Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) play on Saturday at Mount Aloysius at 3 p.m.

Storm Quiet in Double Overtime Tie
PAINESVILLE, OH. (October 13, 2007) - The Lake Erie College Storm men's soccer team had a commanding shot advantage in Saturday's Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) match against Pitt-Greensburg, but was unable to put away its guests, tying 1-1 in double overtime. Lake Erie outshot its opponents 20-5, including a 17-4 mark in regulation.

LEC's Justin Rraya (Parma, Ohio/Normandy) scored on a free kick from 40 yards out in the 44th minute to put the Storm up 1-0. His shot deflected off the keeper's hands just under the cross bar before making its way into the net.

Lake Erie kept a one goal lead until Greensburg scored on a scuffle in front of the Storm net that took keeper Mike Loparo (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) to the ground. Several shots richocheted around later, the Bobcats snuck one in to make it 1-1 in the 81st minute. Neither team scored the reaminder of regulation, nor in either of the overtime periods.

The two teams now remain tied for fifth place in the AMCC. Lake Erie (8-5-2; 3-3-1) will need to win both of its remaining league games for the opportunity to host a playoff game.

Lake Erie Falls to an Even Record in AMCC Play
PAINESVILLE, OH. (October 3, 2007) - The Lake Erie College Storm men's soccer team fell to an even 2-2 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) with a 0-2 loss to Penn State Behrend. The Storm dominated possession for most of the game with their first shot coming within the first 2 minutes of play. But on an unlucky foul in the 33rd minute, the Penn State Behrend Lions were able to score on the free kick.

Lake Erie remained on the attack totaling 15 shots in the game, with 6 from junior Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush). But the Lions added a second goal in the 72nd minute of play.

The Storm will look to snap their AMCC losing streak on Saturday as they travel to La Roche to take on a Redhawk team that is also 2-2 in the conference.

Storm Lose Tough Battle
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 29, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team fought a physical game against Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) foe Penn State Altoona, but fell short 2-0. Both Lake Erie and Altoona were undefeated in conference play entering the game. In a game that totaled 41 fouls, the Storm had some promising chances but were unable to convert.

Altoona's first goal came in the 15th minute when Bryan Pierzga was able to slide one past goalkeeper Mike Loparo (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush). The Storm continued to fight back, only down one goal at the half. With less then ten minutes left in the game Lake Erie put on a heavy attack. But on a throw-in in the 86th minute, Altoona headed another into the back of the net.

Junior Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) led the Storm attack with five shots on the day. Loparo finished with 2 saves.

WELW Goes Live Monday with the Storm
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 27, 2007) - WELW 1330 AM and welw.com will feature the Lake Erie College men's soccer and football teams on its College Night segment Monday, October 1.

The show "Mondays with Malta" will showcase Lake Erie's most successful fall men's programs from 7-9 p.m. live from the Captain's Club in Eastlake. Host Charlie Malta and cohost Ray Milavec - who is the voice of the Storm football team - will talk with men's soccer head coach Dale Sheptak and several players from 7-7:45 p.m. and football head coach Mark McNellie and several players from 7:45-9 p.m.

Topics include the men's soccer D3Kicks Top 10 Mid-Atlantic Regional ranking, the team's first ever vote in the NSCAA Regional Voting, the football team's dream season built from the ground up and more.

Fans are invited to come early, stay late, eat and have fun with the Storm. The Captain's Club is located adjacent to Classic Park at the intersection of Vine Street and Route 91 in Eastlake.

Storm Score Four in Fourth Consecutive Win
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 25, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team won its fourth consecutive game with a 4-0 shutout of Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) foe Pitt-Bradford. Lake Erie jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first half scoring its first two goals before the 10-minute mark.

Freshman Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) netted the first on an assist from junior Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) at 8:00 and then Starvaggi followed a minute later with a goal of his own off a pass from sophomore Justin Rraya (Parma, Ohio/Normandy).

At the 15-minute mark, senior Kevin Ankuda (Concord, Ohio/Lake Catholic) scored on an assist by sophomore Nick Teriaca (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush).

In the second half, Rraya scored the final goal of the game at 52:59 after beating a defender at midfield. Storm keeper Mike Loparo (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) recorded just two saves in 80 minutes as Bradford managed only four shots the entire game.

Lake Erie is now 7-2-1 overall and 2-0 in the AMCC.

D3Kicks Picks Storm Seventh
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 25, 2007) - The D3Kicks.com Mid-Atlantic Region Men's Soccer Poll was released late Monday night and Lake Erie College was listed in the seventh spot. The Storm, who are 5-2-1 among region competition and 6-2-1overall , moved up four places from last week's No. 11 ranking. It is the highest the Storm have been so far this season.

Lake Erie has two games this week - Tuesday against Pitt-Bradford and Saturday against Penn State-Altoona. Wins in both home matches would not only keep the Storm at the top of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, but could also bump LEC up in next week's poll.

Loparo Named AMCC Keeper of the Week
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 24, 2007) - Lake Erie College men's soccer goal keeper Mike Loparo was named Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Keeper of the Week. The sophomore from Lyndhurst, Ohio earned the honor after a recent 3-1 win against AMCC foe Frostburg State University (Md.) in which he gave up just one goal, while recording eight saves in 90 minutes.

The accolade is the first of the season for Loparo and the second of his career. He received it on October 16, 2006 during his freshman season with the Storm.

Storm Receives First NSCAA Region Vote in History
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 24, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team made program history this week, receiving its first ever vote in NSCAA regional voting. The Storm, now 6-2-1 overall, was recognized in the others receiving votes category in the Mid-Atlantic Region, just below the top 10 ranked teams in the region. Never before has the Storm been recognized by the NSCAA.

The vote comes after Lake Erie's third consecutive win in which the team defeated Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) opponent Frostburg State University (Md.) 3-1 on Saturday.

Lake Erie ranks 11th in the Mid-Atlantic Region in the D3Kicks Poll.

Storm Wins Conference Opener
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 23, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team traveled to Frostburg State University for the first Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) game of the season. The Storm defeated the FSU Bobcats 3-1. Lake Erie opened the first half looking for revenge after losing twice to FSU last year. The Storm struck first on a breakaway goal from freshman Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake). The team continued to played tough and took the 1-0 lead into half time.

Eight minutes into the second half, Frostburg was able to tie the game on a goal from 20 yards out. Then in the 64th minute the Storm had a great opportunity when the Bobcats committed a foul inside their own box. Junior Justin Rraya (Parma, Ohio/Normandy) took the penalty kick and placed in the back of the net. Leading by one goal, Lake Erie added an insurance goal on a free kick from 50 yards out by sophomore Nick Teriaca (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) that went over the head of the FSU goalkeeper.

Sophomore goalkeeper Mike Loparo (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) played solid in the net, facing 17 shots on the day and recording 8 saves.

Starvaggi Hat Trick Highlights Lake Erie Win
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 18, 2007) - In Lake Erie College's 7-1 win over D'Youville College Starvaggi lead the scoring with three goals. The Storm scoring started in the 2nd minute on a goal by senior Kevin Ankuda (Concord, Ohio/Lake Catholic) on a cross from sophomore Nick Teriaca (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush). Then, junior Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) got the first of his goals on an assist from junior Alex Goreta (Parma, Ohio/Normandy). Ankuda also assisted on one of Starvaggi's goals with the other assisted by freshman Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake).

Sophomore David Traffis (Parma, Ohio/Parma) also put one in the back of the net right before the end of the first half in the 44th minute. The Storm scoring ended with two goals by freshman Justin Mihaley (Lowellsville, Ohio/Ursuline). The first assisted by freshman Phil Fisher (Hartville, Ohio/Field) and the second by senior Ryan Scull (Kirtland, Ohio/Kirtland).

This win pushes Lake Erie's winning streak to two as they head into their first Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) game of the season this Saturday at Frostburg State.

Storm Spoils Streaks in OT
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 15, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team spoiled two of Grove City's current streaks with a 3-2 overtime victory Saturday afternoon. Going into the nonconference game, the Wolverines had never lost to the Storm in 10 meetings, nor had they lost a game in overtime in 14 matches.

As the game began, it looked like the Storm would come up short once again with Grove City holding a 1-0 advantage at the midway mark. It wasn't until the 52nd minute that Lake Erie evened the score on a goal by junior forward Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) from a cross by sophomore midfielder Nick Teriaca (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush). A goal for Grove City four minutes later put LEC at a disadvantage that remained for almost 20 minutes of play.

Then in the 75th minute freshman midfielder Phil Fisher (Hartville, Ohio/Field) scored the first goal of his collegiate career on an unassisted shot from the top of the 18. With no further scoring in regulation, the match went into overtime.

In the extra period, Storm junior Alex Goreta (Parma, Ohio/Normandy) did his famous flip throw in to senior Kevin Ankuda (Concord, Ohio/Lake Catholic) who flicked it to sophomore midfielder Justin Rraya (Parma, Ohio/Normandy). Rraya vollied the ball into the net in the 97th minute for LEC's first overtime win of the season.

Lake Erie keeper Mike Loparo (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) recorded nine saves in the win as LEC improved to 4-2-1 overall.

Hard Loss in Double Overtime
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 12, 2007) - In a hard fought game the Lake Erie College men's soccer team came up just short falling 2-1 in double overtime against the Westminster College Titans. In the first half the Storm seemed to be in control. In the 37th minute junior Alex Goreta (Parma, Ohio/Normandy), assisted by freshman Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) scored on a shot over the head of the goalkeeper. Lake Erie went into half time with the 1-0 lead.

In a game that totaled 30 fouls, the Storm continued to fight in the second half, but with only five minutes left in regulation Westminster senior Andrew Saporito scored to tie the game. Both teams played hard in the first overtime but neither could find the back of the net. In the second overtime, the Storm had many promising shots but were unable to convert. Then with two minutes left in double overtime, Saporito finished again to win the game for the Titans.

Storm goalkeeper Mike Loparo (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) made some key saves for a total of nine on the day. Lake Erie (3-2-1) travels to Grove City on Saturday.

Starvaggi Makes Two for LEC AMCC Player of the Week Honorees
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 11, 2007) - In only the second week of voting for the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Player of the Week, Lake Erie had its second team member honored, this week with junior forward Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush).

The starter received the honor based on a three-game performance in which Lake Erie defeated Bluffton, 2-1, Lebanon Valley, 1-0 and lost to Bethany, 3-0. Starvaggi was involved in all three of the Storm's scores for the week, assisting on both goals against Bluffton and then netting the lone goal in the Lebanon Valley victory.

For the season, he leads the team in assists (4) and points (8). Last week, LEC freshman Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) was the AMCC Player of the Week.

LEC Dealt Its First Loss
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 9, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team was dealt its first loss of the season in a 3-0 decision against Bethany Sunday afternoon. The Bison, ranked sixth in the Mid-Atlantic Region, shutout the Storm in day two of the Bethany Tournament. Lake Erie won 1-0 against Lebanon Valley the day before on a goal by junior Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush).

Against the host team today, Lake Erie trailed at the break 1-0 before Bethany added two insurance goals in the second half. Lake Erie (3-1-1) will look to rebound Wednesday when they host Westminster at 5 p.m. in their first home game of the season.

LEC Wins at Bluffton
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 3, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team defeated Bluffton 2-1 on the road Tuesday night. Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Player of the Week freshman forward Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) netted LEC's first goal of the game. The score came off a double assist on a quick cross from junior forward Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) to junior forward Alex Goreta (Parma, Ohio/Normandy) who passed to Stuckey to put Lake Erie up 1-0 in the first half.

The team's next goal came in the second half on a Starvaggi cross to the back post that allowed sophomore forward Jacob Drake (Streetsboro, Ohio/Crestwood) to tap in the ball for a 2-0 lead in the 62nd minute. Bluffton would score a goal of its own just two minutes later but finished out the game behind their guests as Lake Erie improved to 2-0-1 overall.

Storm keeper sophomore Mike Loparo (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) tallied five saves in the win.

Stuckey's Collegiate Debut Earns Him AMCC Player of the Week
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 3, 2007) - Two games into his collegiate career and already freshman forward Scott Stuckey is making a name for himself. With two stellar performances in two games, the Avon Lake High School graduate was named Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Player of the Week for the first voting session.

In a 3-1 win against Wooster, Stuckey slid in two goals in his collegiate debut, then assisted the Storm's lone goal in a 1-1 double overtime tie against Oberlin. He leads the team in goals (2) and points (5).

Storm Scoring Tandem Not Enough
PAINESVILLE, OH. (September 2, 2007) - Just two games into the season and an emerging trend is apparent in the Storm's statistical line. With four goals to the team's credit in 2007, junior Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) and freshman Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) have been involved in three of the scores. Sunday afternoon, however, the tandem's abilities fell short against tournament host Oberlin as the match ended in a 1-1 tie after two overtime periods.

Oberlin scored the first goal of the game and looked to continue it's second consecutive season of undefeated play on home turf and until the 32nd minute, looked like it might be a possibility. Then Stuckey beat two of the Yeomen on a counter attack and slid a thru ball to Starvaggi, who on just one touch slipped the ball into the back of the net to equalize.

Both teams remained scoreless the rest of the way, and were unable to determine a winner after two overtime periods.

The Storm (1-0-1) have a day off of competition before traveling to Bluffton Tuesday for a 5 p.m. nonconference match.

Storm's Success Starts with Stuckey and Starvaggi
PAINESVILLE, OH. (August 31, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team began the season with a 3-1 win against Wooster Friday evening in the Oberlin Tournament. The Storm's first goal of the season came in the 67th minute when freshman Scott Stuckey (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake) landed a corner kick from junior Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) to break open the scoreless session.

Sophomore Justin Rraya (Parma, Ohio/Normandy) then put LEC up two after finding the back of the net in the 76th minute on a pass from freshman Justin Mihaley (Lowellsville, Ohio/Ursuline). Wooster answered just a few minutes later with a goal of their own to make it 2-1. The Stuckey Starvaggi show gave an encore performance to secure the victory, this time with Stuckey scoring off a cross from Starvaggi in the 88th minute.

Storm keeper sophomore Mike Loparo logged three saves in 90 minutes. Lake Erie (1-0) will take on tournament host Oberlin on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Lake Erie Takes Fourth in Preseason AMCC Poll
PAINESVILLE, OH. (August 14, 2007) - The Lake Erie College men's soccer team took fourth place in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Preseason Coaches' Poll that was recently released. The Storm was behind last year's league runners-up Penn State-Altoona who were voted in the top spot, followed by 2006 champion Medaille in the No. 2 spot and Penn State-Behrend at No. 3.

In 2006, Lake Erie finished tied for third place with an AMCC record of 5-3-1. Overall, the Storm went 10-8-1 for the best record in program history under fifth-year head coach Dale Sheptak.

Players to watch this year include junior midfielder/forward Joe Starvaggi (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Brush) who was selected to the AMCC Second-Team last season, as well as the D3Kicks Great Lakes All-Region Second-Team. He was the Storm's leading scorer with eight goals, 13 assists and 29 points.

Junior midfielder Justin Rraya (Parma, Ohio/Normandy) earned all-conference honorable mention in 2006 after scoring four goals for the Storm.

The team kicks off the season at the Oberlin Tournament on August 31 when they play Wooster at 5:30 p.m. For the complete AMCC Preseason Poll rankings, click on the following link:

2007 AMCC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll

Athletes Commit to Lake Erie College
PAINESVILLE, OH. (May 10, 2007) - Lake Erie College and men's soccer head coach Dale Sheptak announces the recent commitments of 12 student-athletes to play for the Storm beginning with the 2007-08 academic year:

Levi Ball - Midfield - Belleville, Michigan
Anthony Belviso - Midfield - Euclid - Euclid, Ohio
Clay Bolton - Midfield - Poland Seminary - Poland, Ohio
Thomas Doell - Defender - Middlesex School - Townsend, Massachusetts
Tate Drennen - Midfield - West Branch - Salem, Ohio
Phil Fisher - Midfield - Lake - Hartville, Ohio
Brett Ford - Goalkeeper - Mathews - Fowler, Ohio
Cory Holzhiemer - Midfield - Willoughby South - Eastlake, Ohio
David Jereb - Defender - Normandy - Parma, Ohio
Justin Mihaly - Midfield - Ursuline - Lowellville
Alex Royko - Forward - Willoughby South - Willoughby, Ohio
Scott Stuckey - Forward - Avon Lake - Avon Lake, Ohio

 

 

 

Back to Athletics Home