Nov. 10, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - After a five-game unbeaten streak and a bye in the quarterfinals, #2 Stony Brook will host #3 Hartford in an America East men's soccer semifinal on Wednesday evening at 7 pm. The Hawks, who defeated #6 Boston University, 2-1, on Saturday, travel to face the Seawolves for the second time in 12 days.

Stony Brook, which enters the 2009 playoffs playing its best soccer of the season, is in the postseason for the first time since 2006. With a 4-2-1 record in America East play, its 13 points are the most recorded since 2005 when it went 6-1-1 on its way to an America East title and the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Freshman Leonardo Fernandes (North Babylon, N.Y.), the 2009 America East Rookie of the Year, leads Stony Brook in goals (6) and points (14). A second team all-conference selection, Fernandes is tops among all America East freshmen in scoring. Another bright spot has been the play of freshman Berian Gobeil (Montreal, Quebec). An all-rookie team as well as a second team all-conference selection, Gobeil has recorded five goals and two assists.

Between the posts, redshirt freshman Anthony Rogic (Boonton, N.J.) has been as good as any keeper during conference play. An all-rookie team selection, Rogic has posted a 0.60 goals against average and a .862 save percentage. His three shutouts are tied for first with New Hampshire's Colin O'Donnell.

Hartford scored two second-half goals to defeat Boston University last Saturday. Junior forward Carlos Villa has eight goals this season to lead a Hawks team that has lost just twice in the last month. Senior Nenad Cudic has been the team's primary keeper, recording a 1.05 goals against average and a .746 save percentage.

Tickets are $8 for ages 15 & up and $5 for those 14 & under. Tickets are $2 for students from an America East institution with a valid institutional ID. Stony Brook students will be admitted free with a Stony Brook ID courtesy of the Stony Brook athletic department. Fans can call 631-632-WOLF to order tickets.

Fans may not buy tickets by phone on Wednesday but can purchase tickets at the LaValle Stadium ticket booth beginning at 6 p.m. by Gate 2.