Dan Riso has played an instrumental role in Hobart's offense this season. (Photo by Kevin Colton)

October 10, 2006

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart soccer team is ranked seventh in the country according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), after improving its record to 11-1-0 overall and 5-0-0 in the Liberty League with two conference wins last weekend. The Statesmen move up one spot from No. 8 last week and hold the top spot in the Northeast Region for the second straight week. The NSCAA rankings are voted on weekly by coaches across the country.

Hobart defeated St. Lawrence 1-0 in double-overtime on Friday, before downing Clarkson 3-0 on Saturday. Sophomore Dan Riso (Red Hook Central/Red Hook, N.Y.) was responsible for two of the Statesmen’s four goals, including the game-winner in the 106th minute against the Saints. Riso was named the Liberty League Offensive Performer of the Week and the Rochester Area College Athletics Male Athlete of the Week for his efforts. He leads the team in goals (6) and points (14).

Sophomore goalkeepers Phil DaCosta (Manchester Memorial/Manchester, N.H.) and Pete Van Dellon (Webster Thomas/Webster, N.Y.) each recorded six saves and a shutout for Hobart over the weekend. DaCosta (5-1-0) registered his second shutout of the season and was named the Liberty League Co-Defensive Player of the Week for his solid play in the win over St. Lawrence, while Van Dellon (6-0-0) added his fourth shutout of the year in the win over the Golden Knights. He ranks second in the league in goals against average (0.33), and shares the top spot in shutouts with two other players.

The Statesmen, who have enjoyed six consecutive wins, will play at home today when they host Ithaca for a non-conference match on Cozzens Field at 4 p.m.