NYACK, N.Y. – The Caldwell College men's soccer team opened its 2009 season with a 2-1 loss to Bloomsburg University Thursday afternoon at the Nyack Tournament. The defeat marks the first season-opening loss since 2006 for the Cougars, who were 11-7-1 last season. The game also marked the first contest of the year for the Huskies (1-0).
Caldwell jumped out to a quick start with a goal just three minutes and forty seconds into the game. Freshman midfielder Nick Bibbs (Ardmore, PA/Lower Merion) blasted a shot from 25 yards out that clanged off the post. Fellow freshman Chris Skarbelis (N. Andover, MA/Leonardtown) knocked home the rebound for his first collegiate goal and a 1-0 Cougar lead. The Huskies pulled even in the 36th minute, when Tyler Phillips scored off an assist from Paul Lamb. A little over four minutes later, Bloomsburg's Tom Kovak headed home a rebound to put the Huskies on top 2-1.
Goalkeeper David Leiendecker kept the Cougars off the scoreboard the rest of the way, making three second-half saves to preserve the lead. He finished with five saves, while Caldwell sophomore John Londono (West New York, NJ/Memorial) also recorded five saves.
The Cougars wrap up play at the Nyack Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 29, with a non-conference game against American International. The kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m.
CC - 1 0 - 1
BU - 2 0 - 2
Scoring Summary: 1. CC - Chris Skarbelis 1 (Nick Bibbs), 3:40. 2. BU - Tyler Phillips 1 (Paul Lamb), 35:33. 3. BU - Tom Kovak 1 (unassisted), 39:52.
Shots: CC - 12; BU - 19
Saves: CC – John Londono 5, Team 1; BU – David Leiendecker 5
Corners: CC - 5; BU - 7
Fouls: CC - 8; BU - 21
Offsides: CC - 2; BU - 1
Cautions: CC - Zalazar (78:03); BU - McGee (20:40), Phillips (77:48)
