October 17, 2006

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart soccer team slipped one spot this week to No. 8 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) weekly rankings, but held on to the top spot in the Northeast Region for the third straight week. The NSCAA rankings are voted on weekly by coaches across the country.

The Statesmen own a 12-2-0 overall record after splitting two non-league games last week. Hobart dropped a game to Ithaca 2-0, before defeating Nazareth 2-1.

Two rookies led the Statesmen past the Golden Flyers. Tom Moulton (Providence Country Day/Coventry, R.I.) recorded his first collegiate goal, while Sam Wisner (Wayland/Wayland, Mass.) netted the game-winner in the 88th minute off an assist from sophomore Dan Riso (Red Hook Central/Red Hook, N.Y.). Wisner was named the Liberty League Rookie of the Week for his efforts, while Riso leads the team in goals (6) and points (15).

Sophomore goalkeeper Pete Van Dellon (Webster Thomas/Webster, N.Y.) (7-0-0) led the Hobart defense, stopping a season-high nine shots against Nazareth. The Liberty League Co-Defensive Performer of the Week currently leads the league in shutouts per game (0.57) and goals against average (0.43), and is second in saves per game (5.29).

Hobart will return to action on Oct. 20 when it hosts Skidmore for a league match at 4 p.m. The Statesmen can clinch their first Liberty League regular season title with a win over the Thoroughbreds (13-2-0, 4-1-0).