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Twelve TU Athletes Named NAIA Scholar Athletes In 2006-07 School Year

May 31, 2007

TU Athletes are not only succeeding on the field they are getting the job done in the classroom as well. Throughout the 2006-07 school year, twelve student athletes were recognized for their achievements in the class room being named NAIA Scholar Athletes. The Athletic Department as completed the spring semester with a cumulative GPA above a 3.0.

Softball had seven players named to the list this season, seniors Kylie Berryman, Brittany Berthold, Tina Donaldson, Stacey Ward, and Revana Rainwater, were joined by juniors Stacie David and Sarah Yingling with this honor.  The seven lady Night Hawks gave TU the highest representation of any NAIA institution.

Baseball had three players recognized; senior Eric Johnson (two time honoree), juniors Mike Vitello and Ken Zarrillo. The trio were three of only ten representatives from Region 14. With the three recipients, TU tied Webber International for the most institutional representatives on the list.

Men's and women's soccer each had one honoree. Senior men's soccer player Jonathan Carroll and junior women's soccer player Mandy Ballinger were honored in February for their achievements.

 

Men's and Women's Soccer To Participate In Thomasville Landmarks' Community Preservation Program

March 29, 2007

Thomas University Men's and Women's Soccer teams will be participating in the 11th annual Thomasville Landmarks' Community Preservation Program on Friday March 30 from 11am-1pm. The program is designed to help owners of historic homes with exterior repairs to their house. Homes qualifying for this program must be owned by those who are elderly, disabled, or on a fixed or limited income. This program is a partnership between Decent, Affordable and Sustainable Housing (D.A.SH.) and Habitat for Humanity.

"We take a lot of pride in giving back to the community", said TU head soccer coach Ricky Zambrano. "Our kids have a lot to be thankful about and this is one way of showing appreciation for the great opportunity they have been given to be a student athlete".

Both teams have begun their spring training in preparation for the 2007 season. The Lady Night Hawks will kick off their 2007 season at home on August 25 as they host NCAA DII foe Georgia College & State University at 2PM and the Night Hawks will follow at 4:30PM facing the visiting NCAA DII University of Tampa Spartans.

 

Men's & Women's Soccer To Participate in Heart Walk

February 21, 2007

The Thomas University Men's & Women's Soccer team are prepared to walk for a good cause on Thursday February 22, with both teams participating as part of a TU Heart Walk Team in the Thomasville American Heart Association Heart Walk to be held at Thomasville HS from 6-8PM. Over thirteen members of the team will be walking and all have been working very hard to try and raise donation money for the AHA.

"It is a good cause", says TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Our team places a major emphasis on community service and this is just one way for us to help give back".

Team TU Shows up Big for Heart Walk

 

Carroll Named 2006 Daktroniks-NAIA All America Scholar Athlete

February 8, 2007

Senior defender Jonathan Carroll was named a 2006 Daktroniks-NAIA All America Scholar Athlete by the NAIA National Office on Thursday afternoon. The native of Navan, Ireland has been a team captain the past two seasons for the Night Hawks. Carroll is one of only seven men's soccer student athletes selected from Region 14 for the honor. This marks the second year in a row that a men's soccer player receives this honor, in 2005 Nikolai Agatanovic was recognized for his achievements.

"I am very happy for Jonathan", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "He is a first class guy and has always represented this program extremely well. These are the honors you want your team captains to receive".

The Night Hawks have begun preparations for the 2007 season with off season conditioning and training as they prepare for their season home opener on Saturday August 25 at the Wendy's Soccer Complex versus the visiting NCAA DII University of Tampa Spartans.

 

No Region 14 Tournament Bid For Night Hawks

November 5, 2006

Thomas University men's soccer(8-8-2) did not receive a bid for the 2006 NAIA Region 14 Tournament to be held Fri.-Sat. November 10-11 in West Palm Beach, FL. TU was eliminated by virtue of wins by Savannah College of Art & Design(12-5-1) in their final two regular season games and the 3-2 loss for the Night Hawks at the hands of Spring Hill College in their regular season finale.

SCAD will join Embry Riddle University, Webber International University and the host institution Northwood University in West Palm Beach. Semi finals are on Friday November 10 with the two winners to meet on Saturday to decide who receives the the Region 14 automatic bid to the 2006 NAIA National Tournament to be held in Daytona Beach, FL.

"It is obviously disappointing to not be in the tournament", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "To be honest the teams that are there earned their way there and we did not. Our team will return a good strong core for the 2007 season and hopefully this is a very good lesson for us".

The Night Hawks will begin preparations for the 2007 season in a couple weeks as they begin their off season conditioning program.

 

Badgers Hold Off Night Hawks

November 1, 2006

The host Spring Hill College Badgers(5-10-1) held off a relentless TU men's soccer(8-8-2) attack for an upset 3-2 overtime victory in Mobile, AL.

TU fell behind at the 32:53 mark off the first half but evened the score with one minute remaining in the first half when Sophomore Abdul Muma beat two Badger defenders and struck a great left footed shot past SHC goalkeeper. With 3:09 remaining in regulation Spring Hill once again took the lead but the Night Hawks struck back only seven seconds later when senior Wylie Clarke was fouled inside the Badger 18 yard box awarding TU a penalty kick. Senior Jonathan Carroll converted the kick to notch the game at two. Thomas had some chances in overtime but could not hit the frame and with 21 seconds remaining in the first overtime a Spring Hill forward broke free and beat TU freshman keeper Jan Feldman for the game winning goal. The Night Hawks out shot SHC 27-11 and had a twelve corner kicks to four advantage. Spring Hill goalkeeper Tyler Milton was big for the Badgers making 10 saves.

"Their goalkeeper won the game for them", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "The kid did a great job today and made big saves when his team needed them. He was the difference".

The loss puts TU's regional playoff bid in jeopardy and they will now have to await further results this coming weekend in region 14 play for a possible spot at the tournament.

 

TU Edges William Carey

October 27, 2006

TU men's soccer(8-7-2) got a goal with 2:28 remaining in the game to edge the William Carey University Crusaders(8-6-1) 1-0 in hattiesburg, MS.

The game winning goal for the Night Hawks was scored by freshman Andy Powery when he received a pass at the top of the box off the foot of junior Josh Bruno and finished the shot to the right of the outstretched Crusader goalkeeper. Throughout both halves TU had plenty of opportunities to put the game away but could not finish their chances. Freshman goalkeeper Jan Feldman got the shutout in the net for TU.

"I was very happy with the way we played today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Our possession and combination play was the best we have had in the last couple of games. Carey is a good team and I felt we limited their dangerous opportunities with solid play on the defensive side off the ball".

Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL will host the Night Hawks on Wednesday  November 1 at 3PM (CST) for TU's regular season finale. Thomas will be playing for an opportunity to receive a bid to the NAIA Region 14 Tournament in West Palm Beach, FL.

 

NCAA DII Tampa Routes Night Hawks

October 22, 2006

NCAA DII University of Tampa Spartans(8-9) used three first half goals to easily handle the Thomas University Night Hawks(7-7-2) by a score of 3-0 on Sunday afternoon in Tampa, FL.

TU gave up all three goals off crosses and did not pose much danger in the first half. Their best chance came a minute after giving up the first goal, when freshman Joey Lopez took a shot from inside the 18 yard box that hit the post and was nearly knocked in by both a Spartan defender and a Night Hawk forward. In the second half a more motivated Night Hawk team came to the field ready to play and provided more of a challenge to Tampa, missing a chance to reduce the deficit when a Night Hawk player missed a penalty kick and having other near chances as well.

"Today is the worst we have defended all year", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "I do not recall a game where we have given up goals that were all nearly identical. Our lack of an ability to defend the air ball hurt us today, other than that we actually did not play all that bad."

The Night Hawks will next travel to Hattiesburg, MS to face William Carey College on Friday October 27 at 3:30pm (CST). TU is playing for a chance at a NAIA Region 14 Tournament bid in their last two games of the year.

 

TU Soccer Ties King College In Double OT

October 20, 2006

TU soccer(7-6-2) played to a 1-1 double over time tie against the visiting King College Tornados(11-4-1) on Friday afternoon at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.

The Night Hawks took a one goal lead with nineteen minutes remaining in regulation when junior Josh Bruno beat the King goalkeeper after a ball had been misplayed by the back line allowing Bruno to break free. With a one goal lead and minutes ticking away the Night Hawks were unable to hold the lead allowing the Tornados to tie the game with only 3:27 remaining in regulation. Both teams had opportunities in overtime but neither team was able to find the golden goal.

"It's always better to not lose", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Our team worked hard today but we did not play a good soccer game. It is disappointing to give up a goal at that time in the game."

A road trip to Tampa, FL on Sunday Oct. 22 at 2pm against NCAA DII University of Tampa awaits the Night Hawks as they look to rebound and snap a four game winless streak.

 

Red Hawks Up End Night Hawks

October 14, 2006

A goal by the visiting Martin Methodist College Red Hawks(5-6-1) with twenty one seconds remaining in golden goal double overtime sent TU men's soccer(7-6-1) to their second consecutive defeat by a score of 2-1, Saturday afternoon at the Wendy Soccer Complex during the 52nd annual Thomas University Homecoming celebration.

After falling behind early in the first half, the Night Hawks notched the game at one when sophomore Abdul Muma scored a header off of a corner kick service by freshman DP Piniella. Thomas was unable to find the net again although they created many other opportunities. For the second consecutive game the regulation time finished tied at one and golden goal overtime was required to decide the winner. With twenty one seconds a Red hawk forward was able to finish a rebound inside of the box  to send Martin Methodist on to victory.

"Today was a very disappointing performance", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We just could not find our game the whole day and could not execute the little things."

TU will next welcome King College on Friday October 20 at 2PM for the final home game in the collegiate playing career of the Night Hawks two seniors, Jonathan Carroll and Wylie Clarke.

 

NCAA DII #7 UWF Defeats TU In Double Over Time

October 10, 2006

The University of West Florida(12-1-1), ranked #7 in NCAA DII, got a goal at the 106:04 mark of the game to defeat the host Thomas University Night Hawks(7-5-1) 2-1 in double over time on Tuesday evening at Remington Park in the 1st Annual Thomasville College Soccer Game Night sponsored by Thomas Area Soccer Association (TASA) and the YMCA.

TU took the early lead in the fourth minute of the first half when freshman Joey Lopez scored on a free kick from 25 yards out. West Florida turned up the offensive pressure immediately and nearly scored on their next offensive attack down the field but the Night Hawks defense was able to clear the ball out of danger. The Argonauts had the better of play for the rest of the first half as Thomas could not quite get in rhythm. In the second half TU found their rhythm and was able to be more dangerous around the UWF goal but could not get the insurance goal it needed. West Florida got the chance they were looking for in the sixty eight minute when a rebound off of a shot was finished into the TU net, knotting the game at one.  The Night Hawks had a chance to win the game in the final ten minutes when the referee awarded a penalty kick but the shot was placed wide of the net by the TU shooter. Both teams continued to attack throughout the end of regulation and the sixteen minutes of golden goal over time but it was the Argonauts who were able to strike gold in the second over time the put the game away with only 3:56 remaining in the game.

"Everyone of our players left everything they had out there today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We were in position to beat the #7 ranked team in the country for NCAA DII. Their (UWF) experience showed tonight, they gave up an early goal on the road and kept working till they found a way to tie the game. Our young team is finding it's groove right now. We need to get back to practice and get ready for Saturday afternoon."

The Night Hawks will now get ready to host Martin Methodist College at the Wendy's Soccer Complex on Saturday October 14 at 2pm for the 2006 homecoming game.

 

Night Hawks Men's & Women's Soccer To Host UWF in 1st Annual Thomasville College Soccer Game Night

October 9, 2006

The Thomas University men's & women's soccer teams will host NCAA DII University of West Florida on Tuesday October 10 at Remington Park in the 1st Annual Thomasville College Soccer Game Night hosted Thomas Area Soccer Association (TASA) and the YMCA.

A year ago during a conversation about soccer in the Thomasville area, TU head men's & women's soccer coach Ricky Zambrano and TASA president Harry Vann both agreed that more could be done to showcase soccer to more people in the area, that was when the Thomasville College Game Night was born. With most TU men's & women's soccer games played during the weekday or weekend afternoons, the two felt that having a showcase game at night would allow more families to come out and enjoy the game together. They also felt that it would allow soccer players and families to enjoy some great college soccer action.

"We are very appreciative of the cooperation by TASA and the YMCA to make this happen", says  Zambrano. "Harry and I spoke about it and felt it made all the sense in the world. Families get to come out and watch great soccer action together, while our players get the opportunity to hopefully showcase themselves in front of a larger crowd then usual. The kids are excited and looking forward to the opportunity to face two nationally ranked opponents."

UWF comes to Thomasville with both their men's(#11) and their women's(#10) teams highly ranked in the latest NCAA DII National Ranking. The women will kick off at 5pm followed by a 7pm kick off for the men. Admission is free.

 

Night Hawks and Royals Battle To Over Time Tie

October 8, 2006

The Thomas University Night Hawks(7-4-1) had their six game win streak snapped on a pleasant Sunday afternoon in Thomasville after tying 2-2 with the visiting Warner Southern College Royals(3-8-1) in NAIA region 14 action.

Thomas took the early lead 19 minutes into the game when junior Josh Bruno scored his team leading 13th goal off of a rebound from a shot by junior Chris Chilcott. With 13:38 remaining in the first half the Night Hawks struck again to extend their lead to 2-0 on a header by Chilcott off a service from junior Phil Gordon. The Royals got one back to reduce the deficit with 4:50 remaining in the half. In the second half both teams shared possession of the ball and scoring opportunities but it was TU that paid the price for not finishing their opportunities. Warner Southern found the back off the net with sixteen minutes remaining to even up the game at two. The teams battled for an additional twenty minutes of golden goal over time but neither team was extremely dangerous and could not find the game winning goal.

"I felt we got off to a great start", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "It is extremely disappointing that we did not put them away and then broke the #1 rule of the game by allowing a team to come back from a two goal deficit. Warner is a good team, they have been unlucky with their results".

TU looks to extend it's unbeaten streak to eight when they face NCAA DII #11 University of West Florida(11-1-1) at 7PM in the 1st annual Thomasville College Soccer Game Night hosted by Thomas Area Soccer Association (TASA) and the YMCA at Remington Park.

 

TU Routes Brewton Parker For Sixth Win In A Row

October 3, 2006

TU men's soccer(7-4) scored early and often to win in a 5-0 route over the host Brewton Parker College Barons(1-10) on Tuesday afternoon in Mt. Vernon, GA.

Junior Josh Bruno and sophomore Abdul Muma each had two goals for the Night Hawks, junior Phil Gordon added another. Freshman Jan Feldman recorded the shutout in the net for TU. The win extended the Night Hawks win streak to six, during that period TU has outscored their opponents 25-3 and have posted four shutouts. Bruno's goals give him a team high twelve on the season.

"We played a very solid first half, our ball possession was very good in those forty five minutes", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "I was a bit disappointed with the numerous opportunities we missed during the ninety minutes. The boys are in the middle of a great run and we must look to continue our development as a team".

Thomas is back at home on Sunday October 8 at 4:30pm as they host the Warner Southern College Royals in a NAIA Region 14 match up.

 

Bruno Leads Night Hawks To Fifth Straight Win

October 1, 2006

Junior Josh Bruno scored four goals to help lead the Thomas University Night Hawks(6-4) to a 6-2 victory over the host NCAA DII Georgia Southwestern University Hurricanes(2-8) in Americus, GA. The win is the fifth straight for TU.

TU got things going early in the first half,  at the 6:53 mark Bruno finished a header off a double assist from freshman Matt Spencer and senior Jonathan Carroll. The Night Hawks extended their lead with a goal by junior Chris Chilcott at the 20:08 mark, then Bruno struck again in the 24th minute to give Thomas a 3-0 lead. GSW then capitalized on defensive miscues by TU, scoring back to back goals in a four minute span to edge to within one. In the second half Thomas came back out ready to play and opened their lead once again with three unanswered goals, including two more by Bruno to give him four on the afternoon and another by sophomore Abdul Muma. Bruno now leads the Night Hawks with 10 goals on the year.

"Our forwards are playing with a lot of confidence right now and putting chances away", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "They have scored 14 of our last 16 goals. It was disappointing that we allowed GSW back in the game with sloppy play but we did a better job in the second to come out and put the game away".

The Night Hawks will try to extend their winning streak to six on Tuesday October 3 at 3PM, as they travel to Mount Vernon, GA to face Brewton Parker College.

 

Student Athletes Ready To Give Back To Community

September 29, 2006

Over 40 Thomas University student athletes are ready to give back to the Thomasville community while participating in the Hands on Thomas County Day on Saturday September 30. Members of TU's baseball, men's soccer and softball teams will roll up their sleeves and join a large contingent of faculty and staff led by Thomas University's President, Dr. Gary Bonvillian. Men's golf, women's golf and women's soccer teams will be unavailable to participate due to match schedules. However, men's golf was able to pitch in by taking on some preparation projects before their departure for a road trip.

"We believe in our student athletes giving back to the community", says TU athletic director Mike Lee. "What we are doing in this project is a valuable lesson for our kids to learn and appreciate the opportunities they are given on a daily basis. This is what being a student athlete at the college level is all about".

 

Night Hawks Extend Winning Streak

September 28, 2006

The Thomas University Night Hawks(5-4) extended their winning streak to four as they defeated Trinity Baptist College 6-0 at the Wendy's Soccer Complex on a beautiful Thursday afternoon.

Junior Josh Bruno and sophomore Abdul Muma each tallied two goals for the Night Hawks. Goalkeepers Andrew Madero and Jan Feldman each played one shutout half to combine for the clean sheet in the Thomas net. Another solid outing by the TU defensive unit limited Trinity to only two shots on goal.

"We did a good job putting away our chances in the first half", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "I wish I could say the same about the second. Our play was very lackadaisical in the second. We need to put those chances away that we create. Throughout the game I felt we did a good job of maintaining possession of the ball but our speed of play was not good enough".

TU returns to action on Sunday October 1 at 4PM, as they travel to Americus, GA to face NCAA DII Georgia Southwestern University.

 

TU Wins Third Straight

September 24, 2006

In an extremely physical game TU men's soccer(4-4) was able to over come fouls and a lightning delay to outlast the Reinhardt College Eagles(4-6) by a 2-1 score.

After a half hour lightning delay before kick off, the Night Hawks had firm control of the game from the start but missed many early opportunities. At the 31:18 mark of the first half, sophomore Abdul Muma got TU on the board when he knocked home a rebound off of the Eagles goalkeeper after a terrific strike by sophomore Jonathan Williams. Thomas had many more opportunities but was unable to find the net again to extend their lead. With 12 minutes remaining in the first and down one man, due to a red card ejection, Reinhardt broke free and equalized the game on an error by the TU defensive line. With the game even in the second half, TU continued it's offensive push but to no avail as the Eagles keeper made the necessary saves to keep the score even. Finally junior Josh Bruno gave the Night Hawks the lead for good at the 29:42 mark of the second when he was able to convert a rebound after a shot by senior Wylie Clarke. Thomas out shot Reinhardt 20-9 and had 10 corner kicks to 4 four by the Eagles. The physical game included 39 fouls(23 by Reinhardt), 4 yellow cards( all for Reinhardt), and two red cards. TU junior Chris Chilcott received a controversial red card late in second half making both teams finish the game with ten players.

"I am very disappointed with our performance today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We did not put this team away early, before the game we spoke about putting away early chances and they were there but we did not capatilize. It was important that we found a way to win without playing our best".

The Night Hawks next welcome Trinity Baptist College to the Wendy's Soccer Complex on Thursday September 28 for a 4:30pm kick off. With the win TU finished the weekend at 2 wins and no losses to capture first place in the 1st Annual Thomas University Invitational.

 

Lopez Leads Night Hawks Over SCAD

September 23, 2006

Freshman Joey Lopez had a goal and an assist to help lead the Thomas University Night Hawks(3-4) to a 2-0 victory over the visiting Savannah College of Art & Design Bees(4-4-1) in day one of the 1st Annual Thomas University Invitational. The game marked a rematch of the 2005 Region 14 Tournament semi final in which SCAD defeated TU 2-1 in golden goal over time in Thomasville, GA.

After a scoreless first half, in which both teams exchanged opportunities, Lopez was able to find junior Chris Chilcott on a dangerous penetrating service off a free kick in the Bees half of the field. At the 23:17 mark Chilcott received the ball that threaded the middle of the SCAD defense and placed the ball past the Bees goalkeeper. SCAD's back line hesitated awaiting a possible off sides on the play but the call never came. Just one minute and three seconds later  Lopez gave TU all the insurance they would need as he hit a first time volley, off a Bees clearance, from 30 yards out that found the upper right corner off the SCAD net. The Night Hawks were then able to hold off a relentless Bees attack to hold on for the shutout victory. Freshman Jan Feldman led the Night Hawks solid defense picking up the shutout in the net.

"This a very good victory today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "It was important for the confidence of our young team, SCAD eliminated us last year and are once again a serious contender for the region 14 championship. We did not play this game thinking about last year, it was all about playing a great team who had just beat the NAIA #1 team (Embry Riddle University) in the country. The guys will enjoy this one for a little and then we will need to refocus for another very difficult opponent (Reinhardt College) tomorrow".

TU is back in action tomorrow at 4:30pm against Reinhardt College(4-5) at the Wendy's Soccer Complex, in day two of the 1st Annual Thomas University Invitational. The game will be preceded by a match up between SCAD and Spring Hill College(3-4-1) at 2:00pm.

 

Night Hawks Defeat NGCS&U

September 14, 2006

TU men's soccer(2-4) scored four goals in the second half to defeat the visiting NCAA DII North Georgia College & State University Saints(1-6), 4-0.

After a scoreless first half, the Night Hawks found their attack midway thru the second half when freshman Andy Powery got on the back end of a pass off the foot of fellow  freshman Mike Marx. A relentless TU attack put the game away with goals from sophomore Josh Bruno (2) and junior Chris Chilcott. Freshman Andrew Madero earned the shutout in the Night Hawks goal.

"I felt like we were pretty much in control the whole game, we just did not finish opportunities in the first half", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We need to continue and develop our attack, especially our ability to finish inside the 18. I also felt our back line did a great job of anticipating and winning balls, that is something we had not been doing extremely well".

Thomas will next take the field on Saturday September 23 at 4:30pm as they host NAIA Region XIV opponent Savannah College of Art & Design in the 1st Annual Thomas University Tournament. Spring Hill College and Reinhardt College will face off in game one of the tourney at 2pm. Action will continue on Sunday September 24 with SCAD facing Spring hill at 2pm and TU taking on Reinhardt at 4:30pm.

 

NCAA DII #7 Rollins College Blasts TU

September 10, 2006

The visiting NCAA DII #7 Rollins College Tars(5-1) used a four goal second half to knock off the TU Night Hawks(1-4) by a score of 5-0.

Rollins took the lead early and both teams battled thru the first half for a 1-0 half time score. In the second Thomas had some early chances but fell apart and the Tars scored four unanswered to easily knock off the Night Hawks.

"We had no business being on the field today against Rollins", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "They beat us all over the field, even worse, they played with more pride and passion than us".

TU will be back in action on Thursday September 14 at 4:30pm as they host NCAA DII North Georgia College & State University at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.

 

TU Men's Soccer Knocks Off Florida Southern

September 8, 2006

Sophomore Jonathan Williams scored the game winning goal, on a powerful strike from 20 yards out, at the 87:42 mark of the game to help lead the Night Hawks(1-3) to a 1-0 victory over the visiting NCAA DII Florida Southern Moccasins(1-2-1).

For 87 minutes both teams battled and exchanged opportunities with neither team able to find the back of the net. The Moccasins had three great opportunities in the second half but were turned away by freshman goalkeeper Jan Feldman. In the first half TU nearly found the back off the net junior Chris Chilcott's shot sailed wide off the goal. A very good team defensive performance was rewarded when Williams found the back off the net in the final minutes with the game winner. Freshman goalkeeper's Andrew Madero and Feldman combined for the shutout in the TU net.

"I felt we battled extremely hard today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We found a way to win even though our play was very inconsistent. Now we must learn from this game and come out on Sunday and improve upon our performance today against the NCAA DII #7 team (Rollins College) in the nation".

The Night Hawks will next take the field on Sunday September 10 at 2:30pm as they host NCAA DII #7 Rollins College at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.

 

Night Hawks Drop Heart Breaker

September 3, 2006

The Thomas University Night Hawks(0-3) dropped a 1-0 heartbreaker on Sunday afternoon to NAIA Region XIV foe Northwood University Sea Hawks.                              

 

Both teams battled to a scoreless half time tie but a costly mistake across the TU backline allowed the Sea Hawks a dangerous opportunity which they were able to finish at the 72:55 mark of the game for the lead. The Night Hawks pushed and pushed but were unable to find the back of the net with numerous dangerous opportunities in the game's final minutes.
"We played well enough to win today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "One mistake and not capitalizing on our own opportunities was the difference".

TU returns to  action on Friday September 8 as they host NCAA DII Florida Southern College at 4:30pm in their regular season home opener.

 

NSU To Much For TU

September 1, 2006

TU(0-2) fell behind mid way thru the first and could never catch up, as they dropped a tough battle to  NCAA DII Nova Southeastern University Sharks(1-1) by a score of 3-1.

 

After taking a 1-0 deficit into the half, the Night Hawks, came out with a massive offense surge in the second half. TU missed many opportunities and then allowed NSU to spread the lead to two on a counter attack goal. Down by two, TU continued to push  forward and then fell behind further when the Sharks capitalized on another defensive mis cue by the Night Hawks, spread the NSU lead to three. Down by three the Night Hawks once again continued to push and with under five minutes left on the clock were able to get one back on a rebound knocked in by junior Josh Bruno. The NSU defense then held on the rest of the way for the victory.
"Right now we are not playing consistent enough", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Our inexperience is really showing, our game comes and goes sporadically. We must make an added effort to step up our game early".

The Night Hawks return to  action on Sunday September 3 as they travel to West Palm Beach, FL to face NAIA Region XIV foe Northwood University at 3:30PM.

 

Night Hawks Fall To NCAA DII #10 Monarchs

August 27, 2006

Saint Leo University(2-1) scored two first half goals and was able to hold off a second half surge to hand the Night Hawks(0-1) a season opening 2-1 defeat at Saint Leo, FL.
 
The Night Hawks fell behind early at the 12:40 mark of the first half. SLU extended its lead at the 22:44 mark when they converted a penalty kick to give the Monarchs a 2-0 lead. In the second half TU regrouped and was able to maintain better possession off the ball, while creating better scoring opportunities. Both battled with end to end action and at the 88:49 mark of the second half the Night Hawks were awarded a penalty kick which was converted by senior Wylie Clarke. With the deficit down to one, TU continued to push forward but was unable to find the net for the game tying goal.
"This game was a great learning experience for our young team", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We started five freshman today and had a very bad first half against one of the top teams in the country at the NCAA DII level, they are a legitimate top 10 team in the country. I felt our young players responded well, we went down early and could have given in but the team showed a lot of maturity by bouncing back to play a very solid second half".

TU will next be in action on Friday September 1 as they travel to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to face NCAA DII foe Nova Southeastern University at 7PM.

 

TU Soccer Set For Season Opener

August 24, 2006

Thomas University men's soccer team completed their pre season training with two practice matches and now awaits their regular season opener in Saint Leo, FL against NCAA DII #10 Saint Leo University on Sunday August 27 at 5:00pm.
The Night Hawks went 1-0-1 in their two pre season matches, beating the U-19 AFU by a score of 4-0 and then playing to a 2-2 draw with South Georgia College. "We accomplished what we were looking to accomplish in the two games", said head coach Ricky Zambrano. "These games helped us raise our game fitness and more importantly helped us identify major areas of our game where improvement is needed".
A strong schedule once again awaits the Night Hawks in 2006 with matches versus eight NCAA Division II teams and  three teams ranked nationally in pre season polls. "I believe in playing the strongest schedule possible", said Zambrano. " Our intention is to be challenged day in and day out with the hopes that it will pay off for us in post season play. Last year our strength of schedule was ranked #6 by soccerratings.com and I believe this schedule is just as challenging".

TU will open up their home schedule on Friday September 8 as they host NCAA DII Florida Southern College at 4:30pm

 

Night Hawks Report to Pre Season Camp, Welcome 13 New Players

August 10, 2006

Second-year TU head coach  Ricky Zambrano and his coaching staff welcomed 20 student athletes to campus on Thursday for the beginning of training camp in preparation for the Fall 2006 season.
 
Among those reporting, were 13 new players who will join forces with seven returning players to form the 2006 edition of Night Hawk Soccer. The new faces include 5 transfers and 8 freshman. "We are looking forward to mesh this talented group of newcomers to our strong nucleus of returning players", Zambrano said. "It really was a goal of ours to bring in some transfers among our group of new players, we are happy that we were able to accomplish that. They will be the balance between our returning players and the true freshman."
TU opened training with fitness testing at 7am and a 50 minute inter squad in the evening. On Friday the Night Hawks will complete their second round of fitness testing and once again participate in a 50 minute inter squad in the evening.

2006 Recruiting Class:

Tony Barekat - FR - Midfielder - Tampa, FL (Hillsborough C.C.)

Chris Chillcott - JR - Forward - Shalimar, FL (Andrew College)

Jan Feldman - FR - Goalkeeper - Enebyberg, Sweden (Dandery's H.S.)

Ricky Jones - JR - Defender - Bangor, PA (Indiana Institute of Technology)

Patrick Jones - FR - Forward - Kingston, Jamaica (Excelsior H.S.)

Matt Kallusingh - FR - Midfielder - Miami, FL (Archbishop Carroll)

Joey Lopez - FR - Midfielder - Tampa, FL (Gaither H.S.)

Andrew Madero - RFR - Goalkeeper - Tampa, FL (Northeastern University)

Mike Marx - FR - Midfielder - Coral Springs, FL (Douglas H.S.)

Abdul Muma - FR - Forward - Lanham, MD (Prince Georges C.C.)

DP Piniella - FR - Defender - Tampa, FL (Gaither H.S.)

Andy Powery - FR - Midfielder - Ft. Lauderdale, FL (American Heritage H.S.)

Luke Walden - FR - Defender - Cairo, GA (Cairo H.S.)