MEN’S SOCCER FALLS TO CCSU, 3-1, TO CONCLUDE 20TH ANNUAL NIKE FALL CLASSIC

DURHAM, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire fell to Central Connecticut State University, 3-1, to conclude the 20th Annual UNH Nike Fall Classic on Sunday afternoon. CCSU (2-0-0) finished as the tournament champion, while the Wildcats placed second on the weekend. Wildcats Dylan George (Bangor, Maine), Chris Banks (Westborough, Mass.) and Charlie Roche (Haverhill, Mass.) were selected to the All-Tournament Team.

In the 20th minute, Shawn Buchanan, who was named to the All-Tournament Team, got the scoring started for the Blue Devils. Eduardo Ortiz dribbled into the slot, then dished the ball to the right side, where Buchanan fired off a quick shot to beat UNH goalkeeper Chris Devine (Hampton, N.H.).

New Hampshire (1-2-0) evened the score at one with just over five minutes to play in the opening half when George drove the ball from just outside the box on the right side. The ball caromed off inside of the left post resulting in the junior's second goal of the season for the Wildcats. Sean Coleman (Stratham, N.H.), who had entered the game a minute prior, earned the assist as he pushed the ball upfield to set up the play. George was selected as the America East Player of the Game for the Wildcats.

Eddie Floyd broke the tie at 59:13 when he received a ball from Taylor Morgan, who was positioned inside the box demanding the Wildcat defenders attention. Floyd was able to deliver the shot into the net before defenders and Devine could reposition themselves. In addition to the assist, Morgan posted four shots, all of which were on net.

The Blue Devils, who posted 12 shots on goal in the game, added another goal with 15:35 to play in the game. Mershad Sahanic, who was selected to the All-Tournament Team, received a centering pass from Floyd on the left wing and beat Devine to make it a 3-1 game. Sahanic finished the game with a team-leading seven shots, including two on goal. Ortiz also had two shots on goal in the game for the Blue Devils.

Devine made nine saves in the game, while CCSU keeper Paul Armstrong recorded four and was chosen to the All-Tournament Team.

Senior Pat Gay (North Stonington, Conn.) entered the game just before the 36th-minute marker, and less than two minutes later, fired off the Wildcats' first shot on goal in the game, unfortunately for the Wildcats Armstrong made the stop. In the second half, Antti Arvola (Espoo, Finland) challenged Armstrong with a shot from the right side, but once again he was able to come up with the save. Gustav Nilsson (Pixbo, Sweden) and Brad Hilton (Merrrimack, N.H.) also posted a shot on goal during the final frame.

CCSU's Robert Cavener was selected as the tournament MVP. Vermont's T.J. Gore and Yannick Lewis along with Bucknell's Conor O'Brien and Pat Selwood round out the All-Tournament Team.

The Wildcats return to action when they travel to Burlington, Vt. to take place in the Smith Barney Classic. New Hampshire will face UMass on Friday, Sept. 11 then Portland on Sunday, Sept. 13.