MEN'S SOCCER
2007 RECORD: 5-11
2007 REGION 14 RANKING:
NR2007 NAIA NATIONAL RANKING: NR
2007 Schedule and Results: Adidas College Soccer Scoreboard
2007 News Archives
Bruno Named NSCAA All South Region Scholar Athlete
March 10, 2008
Senior forward Josh Bruno was named a All South Region Scholar Athlete by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). He was one of eleven selected for the south region, regardless of division, and the only member from the NAIA region 14 to receive this honor that is awarded to student athletes with a minimum overall GPA of 3.30 and who have started at least 50% of their games during the regular season and career. The resident of Tallahassee, FL has an overall GPA of 3.30 and finished the season with 7 goals, 3 assists for 17 points and 30 goals, five assists for 65 points during his career as a Night Hawk.
Men's soccer will open their 2008 season on Wednesday August 28, as they go on the road to face Warner Southern College.
NSCAA All South Region Scholar Athlete List
TU Picks Up Forfeit Win
October 26, 2007
TU has picked up a forfeit win for a match played earlier in the year against the Warner Southern College Royals. WSC was found to have played illegal players, forfeiting all their regular season wins. The win improves TU's record to 5-10.
"It is a shame for a fine team to be punished in that fashion", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "WSC was a very good team this year and definitely beat us on the field but I do not make the rules. I certainly hope the evidence against them was accurate".
TU will next travel to Pensacola, FL to wrap up their season against the NCAA DII #3 University of West Florida Argonauts on Sunday October 28. Kickoff is at 5PM CST.
SCAD Eliminates TU From Region Playoff Contention
October 24, 2007
The host Savannah College of Art & Design Bees (10-5) sent off their seniors on a high note defeating Thomas University (4-11) by a score of 4-0 on Wednesday evening.
After a scoreless first half SCAD scored it's first goal of the game just 1:49 into the second half. The score remained 1-0 for the next twenty five minutes with each team sharing scoring opportunities until the Bees broke down the TU defense for their second goal of the game. Just three minutes later SCAD would put the game completely out of reach with their third goal of the evening. Will two minutes left in the game the bees added their fourth goal of the game. The loss ended
"We had a solid first half but our inexperience and missing key players showed when it counted", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano.
TU will next travel to Pensacola, FL to wrap up their season against the NCAA DII #3 University of West Florida Argonauts on Sunday October 28. Kickoff is at 5PM CST.
Thomas Drops Region 14 Match To Northwood
October 20, 2007
Thomas (4-10) dropped a Region 14 match 4-1 on Saturday afternoon at the Wendy's Soccer Complex to the visiting Northwood University Sea Hawks (5-3-1), strongly endangering their chances for a region 14 tournament bid.
The Night Hawks got on the board first two minutes into the game when senior Josh Bruno redirected a free kick off the foot off senior Phil Gordon to give TU the early 1-0 lead. Northwood would tie the game with five minutes left in the first half and the teams would go into the break notched at one. In the second half the Sea Hawks took the lead fifteen minutes in on a free kick from twenty yards out. With TU now down by one and needing to push into the attack, Northwood took advantage of their counter attacks and iced the game with two more goals.
"This was a tough one to swallow", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "I felt we had a solid first half and needed to have put away more of the chances that we created when we had the lead. Not finishing those opportunities came back to hurt us. Against quality experienced teams you must be able to take advantage of the momentum. I only wish our seniors could have taken with them a better memory of their final home game at TU".
TU will next continue Region 14 play as they travel to Savannah, GA to take on NAIA #21 Savannah College of Art & Design on Wednesday October 24. Kick off is set for 7PM.
Muma's Two Goals Helps Lift TU Over GSW
October 17, 2007
Two goals from junior Abdul Muma helped lift TU (4-9) to a 4-1 victory over the NCAA DII Georgia Southwestern University Hurricanes (0-15) on Wednesday night in the YMCA/TASA Thomasville College Game Night at Remington Park.
Senior Phil Gordon opened up the scoring for the Night Hawks halfway thru the first half when he finished a first time volley off of a service from freshman Alex Fleming for a 1-0 lead. TU took the minimal margin lead into the half but came out strong in the second scoring the first of Muma's two goals in the early going to extend the lead. Senior Josh Bruno, who early had assisted Muma, received a pass at the top of the eighteen from freshman Marc Musto and beat the GSW keeper to the far post for the 3-0 lead. With the game seemingly in hand, Muma gave TU a four goal lead with his second goal of the evening when he knocked home a rebound off the Hurricane keeper for the added insurance. GSW would trim the lead with a goal in the 85th minute but it would prove to not be enough.
"It was important to put these guys away early tonight and that we did not do", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We attacked a lot in the first half but did not finish opportunities. I really felt we should have been up 3-0 at the half. It was a shame that we did not reward ourselves with the shutout. Jan (Feldman) played a fine game in goal for us tonight but the team let down a little and GSW took advantage. He (Feldman) deserved the shutout".
The Night Hawks return to region14 action this Saturday as they welcome the Northwood University Sea Hawks to the Wendy's Soccer Complex for Homecoming 2007 on Saturday October 20 at 1PM.
Bruno Lifts Night Hawks In 2 OT
October 13, 2007
Senior Josh Bruno scored the game winning goal with 24 seconds remaining in the second overtime lifting TU (3-9) to a 1-0 golden goal victory over the visiting William Carey Crusaders (7-10) on Saturday afternoon at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.
Both teams battled for over 100 minutes creating equal amounts of opportunities throughout the game. After a scoreless regulation, the teams continued to exchange scoring opportunities throughout the two overtime periods. Sophomore goalkeeper Jan Feldman earned the shutout victory in the net for the Night Hawks with two game deciding saves in OT. At the 109:36 mark Bruno received a penetrating pass from junior Abdul Muma and beat the Crusader goalkeeper to the far post for the victory. The goal was the fifth on the season for the senior team captain.
"I am proud of the guys for their effort", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Unfortunately, we could have taken care of this game in regulation. We had three clear opportunities in regulation. Some credit goes to the WCU keeper, he made a couple of game saving stops. Our team defended well as a whole but I felt our goalkeeper, Jan Feldman, and the backline did an exceptional job".
TU will look to make it two in a row as they face NCAA DII Georgia Southwestern University on Wednesday October 17 at 7:30pm in the YMCA/TASA Thomasville College Game Night at Remington Park.
Webber Blasts TU
October 10, 2007
Webber International University (5-6) blasted TU (2-9), 5-0, on Wednesday afternoon in Babson Park, FL.
TU fell behind early with two first half goals by WIU. In the second half the Night Hawks came out playing hard and ready to make a comeback. Controlling most of the play TU created some dangerous opportunities. In the 65th minute, a Thomas player was ejected from the game with a red card leaving TU with only ten players. With the team still pushing into the attack searching for a goal to cut the deficit, Webber took advantage and use their counter attacks to put the game away with three goals in the final fifteen minutes of play.
"We hurt ourselves once again with our play early in the game", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "I was proud of the way we came out in the second half but the red card hurt us. It was a major loss of discipline on the part of our player".
The Night Hawks will look to rebound with a visit from the William Carey University Crusaders at 4:30pm on Saturday October 13 at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.
Saints Outwork Night Hawks For Victory
October 6, 2007
The host NCAA DII Flagler College Saints (1-8-1) outworked the TU Night Hawks (2-8) for a 2-1 victory on Saturday night in St. Augustine, FL.
Flagler took a 2-0 lead in the first half over a unmotivated Night Hawk team. The Night Hawks came out ready to play in the second half and created many scoring opportunities but were not able to capitalize. With nine minutes left in the game senior Josh Bruno headed home a goal for TU off a service from freshman Luis Moncada to narrow the margin to one. TU would continue to push but the Saints defense shut the door to hold on to the victory.
"Flagler wanted the game more than we did", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We were outworked in every aspect of the game today and did not bring the energy necessary to be successful".
TU will return to region 14 play this coming Wednesday October 10 as they travel to Babson Park, FL to take on the Webber International University Warriors.
TU Up Ends NAIA #21 Embry Riddle
October 5, 2007
TU (2-7) took another step forward on Friday evening in Daytona Beach, FL with an upset victory over the NAIA #21 Embry Riddle University Eagles (3-5-2).
Freshman Alex Fleming continued his torrid scoring streak giving the Night Hawks the early 1-0 lead on a break away at the 15:11 mark of the game. After the Eagles tied the game at one two minutes into the second half. Freshman Luis Moncada took a pass from senior Phil Gordon and beat the Eagles goalkeeper far post for the 2-1 lead at the 54:44 mark. Senior Josh Bruno gave TU all the insurance they would need when he finished a flick on pass from Fleming for the 3-1 lead. ERU would strike one more time at the 81:25 mark reduce the deficit to one but a determined group of Night Hawks would hold off the Eagles for the upset victory.
"The boys earned this victory on the training field during this past week", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "I challenged them to grow and be mentally stronger, today their work was rewarded".
The Night Hawks will look to continue their climb back to .500 as they continue their road trip in St. Augustine, FL against the NCAA DII Flagler College Saints.
St. Leo Smacks Night Hawks
September 28, 2007
St. Leo University (5-2-2) smacked the Night Hawks (1-7), 4-1, on Friday afternoon at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.
After an early goal by SLU, freshman Alex Fleming tied the game for TU when he found the back of the net on an assist by senior Josh Bruno and sophomore goalkeeper Jan Feldman. The Night Hawks allowed another goal before the half and would never find the net the rest of the way. SLU added two more in the second half to seal the game.
"SLU is a more disciplined and a stronger team than we are mentally", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "As a coach I take full responsibility for that. We will continue to work towards solving that deficiency".
TU returns to region 14 action with a trip to Daytona Beach, FL to face the NAIA #12 Embry Riddle University Eagles.
Night Hawks End Losing Streak
September 26, 2007
The TU (1-6) offense came to life scoring three first half goals on route to a dominating 4-0 victory over the Brewton Parker College Barons (2-7-2)on Wednesday evening at Remington Park in the 2nd Annual YMCA/TASA Thomasville College Game Night at Remington Park.
Freshman Alex Fleming scored three goals and senior Phil Gordon had two assists. Senior Josh Bruno rounded out the scoring for the Night Hawks. Sophomore Jan Feldman and freshman Coyle Self combined in the net for the shutout. TU had seven corner kicks in the game while BPC only registered two.
"We put them away early", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "It is good to end that streak but our second half needed to be a better effort".
Thomas will next welcome NCAA DII St. Leo University to the Wendy's Soccer complex on Friday September 28 at 4:30PM.
Rally Comes Up Short For TU
September 16, 2007
A two goal second half rally was not enough as TU (0-6) fell ,3-2, to the visiting Spring Hill College Badgers (2-2-1) onSunday afternoon in the final game of the TU invitational.
The Night Hawks put themselves in a hole in the first half falling behind 2-0. In the second half an inspired TU squad came out and got two goals in the first eight minutes of the half to tie game. Senior Phil Gordon converted a penalty kick to reduce the lead deficit to one, then freshman Alex Fleming found the bottom corner of the net on a lay off from senior Josh Bruno to equalize the game. Thomas continued to create chances but SHC would not bend, then at the 28:44 mark the Badgers converted a free kick to put them up once again. TU continued to push but would not be able to find the equalizer.
"Things are not bouncing our way right now", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "We battled to the final whistle but could not find that goal we needed".
TU will look to end their losing streak when they face Brewton Parker College on Wednesday September 26 at 7:30pm in the YMCA/TASA Thomasville College Game Night at Remington Park.
Royals Slam Night Hawks
September 14, 2007
Warner Southern College (5-0) got a goal at the 20:10 mark of the first half and never looked back slamming the Thomas University Night Hawks (0-5) by a final score of 4-1.
TU saw many chances wasted in the first half and went into the locker room trailing by a goal. WSC scored two more unanswered goals before junior Abdul Muma got one back for the Night Hawks after finishing a pass from freshman Alex Fleming. The goal would not be enough as Warner went on to score yet another insurance goal on a attacking minded TU team.
"Today we were out played by a team that plays the game to their strengths", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Today was our worst performance of the year but we must rebound and get ready for sunday.".
The Night Hawks will play their second game of the 2nd Annual TU Invitational on Sunday September 16 as they face the visiting Spring Hill College Badgers. Kick off is set for 4:30PM.
TU Can Not Overcome Early Miscues
September 9, 2007
Two miscues in the games first thirteen minutes gave the host NCAA DII Rollins College Tars an early 2-0 lead that TU (0-4) could not overcome.
After trailing 2-0 in the early going, the Night hawks settled down and continually pushed forward in search of the a goal to get them back in the game. Although trailing at the end of the first TU had the better of the play in the final twenty minutes and even held the shot advantage at the half. In the second Thomas continued their push but was not able to find the net in the games final forty five minutes. The was delayed by one hour at the half due to thunderstorms.
"Right now we are learning the hard way about the consequences of mistakes", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "As a team we are still making to many defensive errors in costly situations and not finishing our opportunities. That is not a good recipe for success! I must, however, give our guys a lot of credit, we went down swinging and had Rollins against the ropes for the games final fifty five minutes".
Thomas will return to home NAIA action on Friday September 14 at 4:30pm as they welcome Region 14 foe Warner Southern College for game one of the second annual TU Invitational.
Second Half Surge By FSC To Much For TU
September 7, 2007
After outplaying the host NCAA DII Florida Southern College Moccasins (3-1) for the first fifty five minutes and leading 1-0, TU (0-3) had no answer for the three goal second half surge by the Moc's in the final thirty three minutes of the game, dropping the game 3-1.
TU kept FSC against the ropes for most of the first half but could not find the net until 3:40 into the second when senior forward Josh Bruno found the back of the net, beating the Moc's keeper one on one, after receiving a through ball from freshman midfielder Jonathan Rivera. Not putting their chances away in the first came back to haunt Thomas as FSC pushed relentlessly forward for the game tying goal. Eight minutes later the Moc's tied the game and went on to score the game winner with twenty one minutes left in the game. FSC iced the game with seven minutes left with their third goal of the half.
"We have no to blame but ourselves", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "You can not keep a quality team in a game when you have the opportunity to put them away. In the first we had the chance to do that but did not."
The Night Hawks will look to find their winning ways as they continue their road trip in Winter Park, FL, facing NCAA DII Rollins College on Sunday September 9 at 2:30PM.
Night Hawks Stung In Overtime Again
August 26, 2007
Freshman forward Aly Hassan scored the game winner for the visiting Nova Southeastern University Sharks (2-0) three minutes into the first overtime for the 1-0 victory over the host Thomas University Night Hawks (0-2).
The Night Hawks entered the game depleted by injuries and suspensions after having battled for 107 minutes on Saturday afternoon in their season opener. A shorthanded TU squad battled for over ninety minutes but could not find the back off the net and dropped their second heartbreaking overtime loss in a row. The backline anchored by goalkeeper Jan Feldman did a great job over keeping the door shut on the NSU attack. Both teams had opportunities throughout the game for the game winner but neither could find the game winner until Hassan knocked home the golden goal off a deflection of a TU defender from inside the Night Hawk eighteen yard box.
"These young men left everything they had on the field today", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Today I am as proud as I have ever been for the battle that they put together. To play back to back overtime games to open the year and deal with the limited depth that we had talks volumes about the character and desire of this group of young men. A handful of guys logged over 200 minutes of play in hot August conditions in back to back days. This weekend will have many long term benefits for us".
TU will have an extended lay off before traveling to Lakeland, FL to face NCAA DII Florida Southern College on Friday September 7 at 7:30PM.
Tampa Out Duels TU In Overtime
August 25, 2007
Midfielder Kevin Sierra scored the game winner for the visiting NCAA DII University of Tampa Spartans (1-0) with 6:31 left to play in the second overtime, as UT came from behind to defeat Thomas University (0-1) 2-1 in the season opener for both teams.
TU took the lead at the 31:16 mark of the first half when freshman midfielder Luciano Lorca headed home a cross from sophomore midfielder Jonathan Williams. Tampa had a chance to tie the game in the first when they were awarded a penalty kick but Night Hawk goalkeeper Jan Feldman stoped the shot to conserve the lead. The Night Hawks took the lead in to the half but lost possession of the ball for most of the second half. A relentless UT attack finally found a hole in the Thomas backline when Spartan forward Ricardo Cardoso got in behind the Night Hawk defense and beat Feldman, off a pass from midfielder Ryan Maxwell. Tampa continued their push but Feldman made five great saves in the last thirty minutes of the game to keep TU in the game. An errant red card to TU senior midfielder Phil Gordon found the Night Hawks down a man in the second half. in the first half Gordon was mistakenly shown a yellow card for a foul that he was not involved in, then in the second Gordon received his second yellow resulting in his departure from the game. An altercation between a Spartan player and a Night Hawk resulted in two more red cards forcing both teams to play down, with TU now being down two players. With the score 1-1 at the end of regulation both teams battled through the first overtime notched at one. Shortly into the second overtime a third TU player was sent off forcing the Night Hawks to play down three players. At the 6:31 mark Maxwell struck again finding Sierra with another penetrating ball to put the game away for UT.
"I am disappointed with the loss of discipline from a couple of our players", said TU head coach Ricky Zambrano. "They put themselves ahead of the team with their inexcusable actions, we have to be more disciplined. It's was disappointing to lose a player due to a large error by the officials but we have to overcome that situation".
The Night Hawks will be looking for their first win of the season tomorrow afternoon at 3PM when they host the visiting NCAA DII Nova Southeastern University Sharks at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.
Men's Soccer To Host Tampa In Season Opener
August 24, 2007
The 2007 Night Hawks soccer team looks to build upon the foundation set by their 8-8-2 2006 season, under the guidance of third year head coach Ricky Zambrano. Thomas will be looking to quickly gel a roster that includes 14 freshman, 1 transfer and 7 returning players.
“Our main goal this season is to establish a mentality of pursuing excellence. We expect our players to develop this mentality and apply it to everything we do on and off the field, “stated Zambrano. “ Our success this season will rely upon our success in developing this mentality and our ability to build the team chemistry early”. Some of this responsibility will fall to the leadership of Co-Captains, seniors Josh Bruno (Tallahassee, FL) and Phil Gordon (St. Abbs, Scotland).
Goalkeepers: Sophomore Jan Feldman (Enebyberg, Sweden) will be counted upon to man the Night Hawk net after a solid freshman year. “Jan has the ability to be one of the top goalkeepers in the region”, said Zambrano. Feldman posted a 1.27 GAA while making 84 saves last season. Freshman Coyle Self (Tallahassee, FL) provides TU with great depth in the goal and will be expected to develop his ability throughout the season.
Defenders: The TU back line took the biggest hit after the 06 season losing co-captains Wylie Clarke and Jonathan Carroll along with two year starter Brendan Mooney and sweeper Sheldon Gordon. “Losing the whole backline from the 06 team hurts but we feel we have been able to replace the losses”, said Zambrano. Junior transfer Cormac Finn (Dublin, Ireland) will anchor a defense that combines athleticism, technical and tactical ability. Sophomore Matt Spencer (Miami, FL) will solidify the outside along with freshman Anthony Terrou (Miramar, FL). Fellow freshman Jason Whale (Darlington, England) and Jacob Ohlsson (Malmo, Sweden) will battle for a spot along side of Finn. Junior Roger Ketchum (Monticello, FL) along with freshman Joshua Ganz (San Salvador, El Salvador) and Hunter Taylor (Thomasville, GA) give TU many options and insurance.
Midfielders: Gordon and junior Jonathan Williams (Tallahassee, FL) will bring experience and leadership to the Night Hawks midfield. Williams started all eighteen games he played in while Gordon finished tied for the team lead in assists. Freshman Luciano Lorca (Stockholm, Sweden) will come in and provide the midfield with a dangerous playmaker. TU will look for many players to step up and fill the remaining holes in the midfield, among them are freshman David Gourgues (Mandeville, LA), Jonathan Rivera (Tampa, FL), Luis Moncada (Miramar, FL), Marc Musto (Land O’Lakes, FL) and David Franco (Miami, FL). “I really feel like our midfield could be the strongest area on the field for us”, said Zambrano. “We have a lot of talent and potential. What I am really excited about is the versatility, we even have defenders that can step up and fill roles in the middle for us”.
Forwards: Bruno returns as the teams leading goal scorer from 06, with 14 goals and 1 assist good for 29 points. He will be joined in the front line by the teams’ second leading goal scorer from last season, junior Abdul Muma (Lanham, MD). Muma finished last season with 8 goals on 19 shots. TU will also welcome in a talented freshman, Alex Fleming (Birmingham, England), who is expected to heavily contribute right away. “The front line gives us varied weapons to use in each game”, said Zambrano. “Each player gives us different attributes that will help this team greatly”.
Schedule and Outlook: An extremely challenging schedule awaits the 2007 Night Hawks, featuring five pre season nationally ranked opponents. The TU men will go on the road to face NAIA #5 Webber International (2006 NAIA National Semi Finalist), #11 Embry Riddle University, #20 Savannah College of Art & Design, and NCAA DII #3 University of West Florida. In October the Night Hawks will welcome defending NAIA Region 14 champions #25 Northwood University (2006 NAIA National Tournament Quarter Finalist). In addition to West Florida, TU will also face seven other NCAA Division II opponents, University of Tampa, Nova Southeastern University, Florida Sothern College, Rollins College, St. Leo University, Flagler College and Georgia Southwestern University.
The Night Hawks will be looking for a return appearance to the Region 14 tourney in Savannah, GA November 2-3, after failing to qualify in 2006. Entering the season with a pre season #5 regional ranking TU will look to work their way up the rankings in the hopes of securing a bid to the tourney. Region 14 has grown into one of the strongest regions in the country, sending three teams to the 2006 NAIA National Tournament, with two of them qualifying for the quarterfinals. With four regional opponents ranked in the pre season national top 25 the road to Savannah will not be an easy one but the Night Hawks are to ready to soar to the challenge! TU will host the visiting NCAA DII University of Tampa Spartans in their 2007 home opener at 4:30pm on Saturday August 25 at the Wendy's Soccer Complex.