Men's Soccer to Host New England College in 2011 Season Opener

The Matchup: Elms College Blazers (0-0 overall) vs. New England College Pilgrims (0-1 overall)
Date: Saturday, September 3
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Site: Leary Field (Chicopee, Mass.)
Click here for directions to Elms College

All-Time Series: New England College leads the all-time series with Elms College, 2-0 dating back to the start of the series in 2009.

Last Meeting: NEC edged Elms 1-0 on Sept. 4 in Hennicker, N.H. in the 2010 season opener.  

Setting The Scene: Saturday afternoon's contest marks the opening game of the season for Elms, while NEC comes to town following a narrow 1-0 loss to Nichols College on Thursday, Sept. 1 in its 2011 season opener.



Scouting The Pilgrims: New England College goalkeeper Robert Millard (Barrington, R.I.) turned away nine shots but suffered the loss as the Pilgrims trek to Chicopee 0-1 to start their season. NEC finished its 2010 campaign with an overall record of 7-10-1 and a Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) record of 4-8-1, just missing the TCCC post-season tournament. The Pilgrims are looking to bounce back into the playoffs as they begin play in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) this season.

Scouting The Blazers: In 2011, the Elms College men's soccer team will field a squad that boasts nine returners and nine newcomers who will provide a tremendous balance of experience and athleticism as the Blazers look to climb to new heights. Third-year head coach Chris Streeter guides a team that is anchored by three seniors – goalkeeper Ryan Sullivan (Agawam, Mass.), midfielder Adam Schnopp (Pittsfield, Mass.) and forward Jonathan Coyne (East Longmeadow, Mass.) – who are returning to the pitch for their senior campaigns. Junior midfielder Tavish Leland (Bridgton, Maine) and classmate Michael Peloquin (Chicopee, Mass.), who will see action in goal and on the pitch, round out the Blazers' upperclassmen and will provide valuable experience and leadership to Elms' contingent of new players.

Tracking Sully's Saves: Sullivan has amassed 274 saves between the pipes through the first three seasons of his career and is just 17 shy of setting the program's all-time saves record. Former Blazers standout Nick Pellegrini '09, who defended the goal from 2005-07 and 2009, is currently in the top spot on the all-time saves list with 291.

Season Snapshot: Each season, Elms' slate features contests against local rivals such as Westfield State University and Springfield College in addition to competing against New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) member institutions. In 2011, Regis College joins the fray as the ninth team in the league.  

The Blazers will play five of their nine home contests at Leary Field during the month of September, including new conference member Regis College on Sept. 27.

Keeping Track Of Blazers' Athletics: For the latest news, notes and statistics visit athletics.elms.edu or call the office of sports information at (413) 265-2440. Fans can now follow the Blazers on Facebook and on live stats!