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Top
Stories |
Sunshine State Conference 2008
SSC Tournament Kicks Off Today at the McCusker Sports Complex |
Up Close and Personal
Men’s Soccer Players Share Some Inside Information About Their Lives |
On the Road to True Sucess
Stuart James Hayers Star on the Soccer Field and in the Classroom |
A Look at the Season So Far
The Fighting Knights in Action Against Sunshine State Conference Opponents |
A Real Home Grown Hero
Junior Gabe Taboada Lives his Dreams Playing College Soccer |
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Sunshine State Conference 2008
SSC Tournament Kicks Off Today at the McCusker Sports Complex
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The Men’s Soccer Team takes a break from their busy practice schedule to pose for a photo. Staff Photo/ Carolina Gonzalez. |
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By Nick Hindhaugh
Staff Writer
Lynn University Men’s Soccer has won the right to host the Sunshine State Conference Tournament for 2008. The team has a conference record of 7-1 and were crowned conference champions after beating Nova Southeastern 3-2 last Saturday.
Lynn will host two semi-finals today with the two winning teams facing off at the McCusker Sports Complex at 1 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 9.
Of the two semi-finals today Lynn will kick-off at 2:30 p.m. against either Eckerd College or Barry University. Eckerd is the only team this season to have inflicted defeat on the Fighting Knights. Lynn went down 2-1 in St. Petersburg on Oct. 18. On the flip side the Knights had great success against arch rivals Barry, winning 5-1 in late Sep. In that game Jean Alexandre, senior, bagged three goals. He is the team’s leading scorer with 19 goals in 15 games.
The Fighting Knights’ season so far has been exciting to say the least. High scoring games, defeating the defending National Champions 5-0 and now the chance of hosting Regional Finals adds even more to a fantastic season.
Overall, Lynn has a great record of 15-1 and is currently ranked #1 in the South Regional Standings. If the Fighting Knights can win today and Sunday they will host Regional Finals a week from now.
The advantages of hosting Regional Finals for the Knights may prove crucial against potential opponents like Tampa, West Florida and Montevallo. Each of those teams has won 12 games or more this season and will be dangerous opposition for the Knights.
Lynn has the advantage of five experienced seniors and all have played major parts in the team’s success. Jean Alexandre, Tyrell Burgess, Nano Short, James Stuart Hayers and Justin Lee Porter have all started 15 games or more. Alexandre leads the team in goals and Burgess leads the team in assists with nine and is tied second in goals with eight. Porter, playing in defense, has totaled 21 points so far and is by far the most dangerous scoring defender in the conference. These five outstanding seniors have scored 41 of Lynn’s 59 goals this season.
With the excellent performances on the field the Fighting Knights have dominated the Sunshine State Conference player of the week awards. Five different players have been named defensive or offensive players of the week with Alexandre winning the award three times in the first four weeks. The other players include Porter, Short, defender Sam Craven and goalkeeper Adam Alcock.
“It’s great to be named Sunshine State Conference player of the week, but after this week i think all the boys deserve it,” said Sam Craven, sophomore, “especially after our performance against. Nova.”
Whatever happens in the next few weeks Lynn University Men’s Soccer has had an amazing season with memorable moments. Fighting Knight fans are hoping that the team keeps on track toward the goal of a National Championship. |
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Up Close and Personal
Men’s Soccer Players Share Some Inside Information About Their Lives
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Sam Craven, sophomore. Middle: Stuart James Hayers, senior. Right: Kyle Conrad, sophomore. Staff Photo/ Carolina Gonzalez. |
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By Carolina Gonzalez
Assistant Editor
What has been the most memorable moment this season so far?
Stuart James Hayers: Senior Day when all five of us seniors scored. That was pretty rare and I definitely won’t forget it.
Sam Craven: Beating Franklin Pierce, all the boys were buzzing after the 5-0 win and after not being ranked in pre-season we showed America we were still here and ready for anyone.
What was the toughest or most important game and why? What was the outcome of the game?
Stuart James Hayers: Probably the Christian Brothers game where we won in overtime.
Nano Short: The game against Nova. We were losing 2-0 and came back to win 3-2.
Kyle Conrad: I think that the most important game this season was beating University of Tampa because they knocked us out last year so we wanted some revenge. We won 4-1.
What was the best or most important goal of the season?
Kyle Conrad: The best goal of the season would be every goal because every game means a lot and no goal is more important than another.
Stuart James Hayers: I think the most important goal was the goal against Flagler with two seconds left in regulation, we won 2-1.
Sam Craven: Jean’s goal against Flagler was memorable, 3 seconds left on the clock and he clinched the win for us. It was my assist too.
Who do you think has been the most valuable and the most improved player of the season?
Sam Craven: We are all valuable as we work for one another. I think Joe Cundall has improved dramatically however, and is a vital and strong part of our defense.
Stuart Hayers: The most valuable player is tough, as every player has done his job well, but how can you argue with 19 goals so I’ll say Jean Alexandre closely followed by Justin Porter who has been a rock and a go to guy. The most improved players are Joe Cundall and Adam Alcock, both of these sophomores have cemented starting positions, filled big shoes from last year, and proved their worth over and over again.
Kyle Conrad: I would say that the most valuable player this season would be Jean Alexandre because he has been scoring goals left and right. The most improved would be Joe Cundall because he has locked down the opponent’s offense.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
Stuart James Hayers: “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch.”
Robert Winstanley: “Old School.”
Christian Dohnert: “The Gladiator.”
Sam Craven: “Love Actually” because it reminds me of a few people I love and miss.
Nano Short: “Ace Ventura Pet Detective.” Jim Carrey is a legend.
Who is your role model or hero and why?
Stuart James Hayers: My dad and grand dad and of course Beckham. My family has given me every opportunity and never made me feel that I couldn’t have the world when it was never in their ability to give it to me.
Sam Craven: My role models are my parents, especially my dad. I hope to be as much of a man as he is when I am older so that my children have the same opportunities and love as I did.
Kyle Conrad: My role model and hero is my dad because I have always looked up to him.
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On the Road to True Success
Stuart James Hayers Star on the Soccer Field and in the Classroom
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Stuart James Hayers, senior, throws a ball into play. Staff Photo/ Carolina Gonzalez. |
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By Megan Mangone
Staff Writer
Stuart James Hayers, graduate student, is not only a stand out soccer player, but also a dedicated student in the classroom. He is working toward his master’s degree while finishing out his soccer career at Lynn.
The Watford, England native has been playing soccer since the age of 9. Introduced to the game by his father and grand dad, it soon became the ticket to his education.
Hayers first attended the Welsh Sports Institute in Cardiff, Wales. Here he studied sports coaching until an opportunity presented itself to come to America and play competitively for Lynn University.
Hayers finished his bachelor’s degree in business last spring. He is now continuing his education to obtain his master’s in business with a specialization in financial management.
“I still had one year of eligibility left to play soccer and this year we have such a strong team and a really great group of people,” said Hayers. “We also have a new coach this year who has given me the opportunity to be an assistant coach next year while I finish out my master’s degree.”
Hayers has tremendous expectations for his future.
“I would like to play soccer at the highest level possible and make some money doing it,” said Hayers. “After I’ve achieved this I would like to establish myself in the business world and become an executive to a global entity.”
Hayers has been an integral part of the Fighting Knights defense that has allowed only 12 goals in 16 games this season. He has also contributed on offense with one goal and six assists. He is one of five players to have started every game this year.
Hayers has a bright future ahead of him and with the dedication and effort he puts forth, it is no question that he will succeed in whatever he chooses.
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A Look at the Season So Far
The Fighting Knights in Action Against Sunshine State Conference Opponents
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Jean Alexandre, senior, takes on a St. Leo defender. Tyrell Burgess, senior, looks to start an attack. Justin Lee Porter, senior, looks to take the ball forward. Staff Photo/ Carolina Gonzalez. |
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A Real Home Grown Hero
Junior Gabe Taboada Lives his Dreams Playing College Soccer |
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Gabe Taboada, juinior. Staff Photo/ Carolina Gonzalez. |
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ByMegan Mangone
Staff Writer
Gabe Taboada, junior, has high hopes of making it to the National Championship this year with the Lynn soccer team.
Taboada was born in Caracas, Venezuela and then moved with his family to Argentina. He learned to play and love the sport of soccer. After watching several years of his older brother, Diego, compete, he realized his love for the game.
“I was born into the sport as it is a part of the Argentinian culture.” Taboada explained. “I would play with my brother and all the older kids when I was young and realized how much fun I had doing it.”
When Taboada was 12 years old, he and his family moved to Boca Raton, FL. He attended American Heritage High School and played on the soccer team. When it came time to pick a college, Taboada already knew where he wanted to be.
“I always loved the soccer program at Lynn because they’ve had a great record for being one of the best. I was recruited by other schools, but I wanted to stay close to home and near my family,” said Taboada.
When Taboada was a freshman, he tore his ACL and meniscus eight games into the season.
“When I got hurt I never really thought I would be able to play the same again.” Taboada said. “It’s really difficult to come back from something like that, but I had so many people pushing me through the whole thing. My parents and teammates were so supportive as well as my girlfriend, Devon. Without them I don’t think I would have been able to bounce back as soon as I did.”
With a new coach at the helm, Taboada feels confident for the remainder of the season.
“Our new coach is great and he has really developed a form of team unity,” said Taboada. “We are all like brothers out there and we have the tools to make it to the National Championship.”
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