2007 News Archive 

FALCONS DEFEAT BERRY COLLEGE IN SPRING MEN'S SOCCER MATCH
 

ROME, Ga. (3/9) -- Jonathan Maloney scored the game-winning goal in the 86th minute of play to lift the University of Montevallo to a 2-1 victory over Berry College, in a spring men's soccer match in Rome, Ga. on Sunday.

Otavio Tramontina had two assists on the day, also assisting on a first-half goal by Milan Pualic. Berry College tied the match later in the first half.

"We started the game playing very well, hitting the post and scoring a goal within the first 15 minutes." coach Ryan Pratt said. "Berry is a good team and we got a little complacent, allowing them to get back into the game. We made some adjustments in the second half, played with a purpose, controlled much more of the play and we were unfortunate not to have scored more than one goal."

UM will next compete on March 12 for a home match against Auburn-Montgomery at Varsity Field. The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start

FALCONS BATTLE WITH UAB TO 1-1 TIE IN SPRING MEN'S SOCCER MATCH
 

BIRMINGHAM (2/23) -- Griff Gowers scored a goal in the 85th minute of play to allow the University of Montevallo to tie with UAB, 1-1, in a spring men's soccer match in Birmingham on Saturday.

James Ward intercepted a UAB pass in the defensive third of the field. He then sent the ball to Vitor Perim in the middle of the field who in turn, delivered a through ball to Jonathan Maloney who was racing down the sideline. Maloney sent the ball across the face of the goal, to Gowers who received the ball near the back post to knock in the game tying goal.

UAB took a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute of play.

"For the first game of the spring, I thought we played extremely well, well enough to win." head coach Ryan Pratt said. "It was good to see some of our younger players step up and play as well as they did. I am looking forward to seeing how we progress the rest of the spring season."

UM will next compete on March 8 for a match in Rome, Ga. against Berry College, beginning at 3 p.m. (ET). 

FALCONS ANNOUNCE SPRING SCHEDULE
 

FALCONS RECOGNIZED IN BASKETBALL HALFTIME CEREMONY
 

MONTEVALLO (2/2) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team were formally recognized in a ceremony at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Feb. 2.

The Falcons claimed the program's first-ever NCAA Division II South Regional championship and advanced to the national semifinals in Orange Beach, Ala.

The team were presented two banners, one for winning the NCAA South Region and one for their appearance in the NCAA Division II National Semifinals. The banners will soon hang from the rafters at the SAC, along with other men's and women's soccer banners. The men's team won Gulf South Conference championships in 1999 and 2004 and appeared in their third NCAA Tournament in the past four years.

UM won a school-record 18 victories and concluded a record-breaking season at 18-4-2 overall.

MONTEVALLO AT No. 4 IN FINAL NSCAA/adidas
 NCAA DIVISION II POLL OF THE SEASON
 

MONTEVALLO (12/3) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team moved all the way up to No. 4 in the final NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division II National Rankings poll of the 2007 season, it has been announced.

The four participants in the national semifinals occupy the first four spots. National champion Franklin Pierce (NH) (17-2-4) will be No. 1. Lincoln Memorial University (TN) (20-4-1) is No. 2. Midwestern State University (TX) (18-3-2) is No. 3.

Northern Kentucky University, the previous No. 1 dropped down to No. 5. Dowling College (NY) remains at No. 6, while Lees-McRae College (NC), the team the Falcons defeated in the national quarterfinals, is at No. 7. Sonoma State University (CA), University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Cal State Dominguez Hills round out final Top 10. 

It is a record-breaking season for the Falcons. UM won the program's first-ever NCAA Division II South Region Championship, established a school single-season team record for victories (18) and will concludes the 2007 season with a record of 18-4-2 overall.

No. 18 MONTEVALLO FALLS TO No. 16 LINCOLN MEMORIAL IN DOUBLE OVERTIME IN NATIONAL SEMIFINAL -- JAMES NAMED TO ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
 

ORANGE BEACH (11/30) -- No. 18 University of Montevallo came up on the short end of a 1-0 decision in double overtime to No. 16 Lincoln Memorial University in the national semifinal of the 2007 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on Friday.

Guilherme Alves scored the "golden goal" in the 109th minute of play to lift the Railsplitters to the national championship match against No. 4 Franklin Pierce University (NH) Sunday afternoon. FPC defeated No. 7 Midwestern State University (TX) via penalty kicks. 

A shot by LMU freshman midfielder Jemal Talore was saved by Melford James Jr., however the rebound found its way to Marcello Galafassi who sent a cross to Alves for his seventh goal of the season.

UM had a chance in the second overtime period. Otavio Tramontina attempted to curl a shot towards the goal with just over three minutes remaining. The ball deflected off the head of a LMU defender and bounced in front of the goal, before it was cleared away by the defense.

The Falcons posted a 15-11 advantage in shots overall, including a 7-2 margin in the first half.

Jonathan Maloney had seven shots, three on goal. His last shot narrowly became the game winner. James Ward sent a ball in to Maloney who redirected via a header that sailed just over the top of the crossbar, seconds into the first overtime period. 

 “We have played them before and I knew their defense. It was one of those games, we had some good opportunities that could have gone it, but they didn’t." Maloney said. "My header in overtime was so close... if I strike slightly better, than we win.”

Glenn Murphy, James Ward and Milan Pualic added two shots each. Pualic took a shot and was saved by LMU goalkeeper Brent Cole in the closing seconds of regulation.

James collected seven saves in his final match as a Falcon, including a pair of saves in the first overtime period. At the conclusion of the tournament, James was named to the All-Tournament Team.

“We had three goals for this season, and we were so close, I take great pride in what we’ve done." head coach Ryan Pratt said. " We were so close to the National championship game. Today we stuck to our game plan, and tried to neutralize their midfielder. The first half we put them under a lot of pressure, and we created a lot of opportunities, but just didn’t cash in. The second half became more defensive.”

It is a record-breaking season for the Falcons. UM won the program's first-ever NCAA Division II South Region Championship, will establish a school single-season team record for victories (18) and will conclude the 2007 season with a record of 18-4-2 overall. A veteran group will return for 2008, including eight starters.
 

MALONEY AND FRAZER NAMED TO DAKTRONICS NCAA DIVISION II MEN'S SOCCER ALL-AMERICA TEAMS
MALONEY NAMED TO SECOND TEAM   
FRAZER NAMED TO THIRD TEAM
 

No. 18 MONTEVALLO DEFEATS No. 2 LEES-MC RAE COLLEGE TO ADVANCE TO MEN'S SOCCER FINAL FOUR
 

BANNER ELK, N.C. (11/17) -- One would have to figure you couldn't keep him out of the scoring picture forever.

Jonathan Maloney netted two first half goals to lead No. 18 University of Montevallo to a 2-0 victory over No. 2 Lees-Mcrae College in the national quarterfinal round of the 2007 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships, in action in Banner Elk, N.C. on Saturday.

Maloney among the national leaders in goals per game and scoring was previously kept off the scoreboard for the entire post season. The two goals gives the West Yorkshire, England 22 goals for the season to tie a school single season record that he established last season. 

Maloney scored the game-winning goal in the 15th minute of play. It is the tenth time this season, that Maloney has scored the game-winning goal. He closed out the scoring with his 22nd goal of the season in the 27th minute of play.

"It was going to be just a matter of time before he was going to score." head coach Ryan Pratt said. "He (Maloney) stepped up and did a great job leading us tonight. The atmosphere here was great to play in and the fans were awesome.  We had a good game plan coming in and stuck to it.  Fortunately things worked out and we scored two goals off of two mistakes.”

Melford James Jr. went the distance in net, earning his eleventh shutout of the season, and 17th of his career. He was also credited with three saves.

UM (18-3-2) will advance to the national semifinals of the 2007 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships, to be contested Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 in Orange Beach, Ala. UM will meet the winner between Appalachian Region winner and No. 14 ranked Lincoln Memorial University or Great Lakes Region winner and No. 1 ranked Northern Kentucky University in the national semifinal round on Friday, November 30 at 2 p.m.
 

No. 18 MONTEVALLO DEFEATS TAMPA IN SOUTH REGION CHAMPIONSHIP -- NATIONAL QUARTERFINALS NEXT
 

PENSACOLA, Fla. (11/11) -- No. 18 University of Montevallo defeated the University of Tampa, 6-5 in a penalty kick shootout, to win the 2007 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer South Region Championship, in action in Pensacola, Fla. on Sunday.

UT scored early on a goal by Ricardo Cardoso in the 10th minute.  

Milan Pualic scored his eighth goal of the season to tie the match in the 82nd minute of play.

After two scoreless overtime periods, the teams moved to penalty kicks to determine the winner. Parker Ingle and Adam Frazer converted key shoot out goals to keep UM in the match. After a UT miss, Griff Gowers was credited with the game-winning goal.

UM had a decided advantage in shots, 27-14. Jonathan Maloney led UM with nine shots total (five on goal). Melford James Jr. collected five saves.

After the tournament, James was named the regional tournament Most Outstanding Defensive Player, while Pualic was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player. Also named to the All-Region Tournament team from UM were Adam Frazer, Jim Witherow and Otavio Tramontina.

UM (17-3-2) wins its first-ever NCAA Regional championship in men's soccer and the school's fourth NCAA regional title overall. Men's Basketball won regional championships in 2006 and 2007, while Baseball won an NCAA regional championship in 2006.  The Falcons will advance to the national quarterfinals in the 2007 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships next weekend against an opponent and a time to be determined.
 

No. 18 MONTEVALLO DEFEATS No. 3 WEST FLORIDA -- ADVANCES TO REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH ON SUNDAY
 

PENSACOLA, Fla. (11/9) -- The No. 18 Falcons scored two second half goals as the University of Montevallo defeated No. 3 University of West Florida, 2-1,  in first round action at the 2007 Division II Men's Soccer Championships - South Region at the UWF campus Friday night.

With UM trailing 1-0, Glenn Murphy converted his sixth penalty kick opportunity and 12th goal of the season in the 73rd minute . In the 80th minute,  Milan Pualic took the pass from Temo Gonzales and scored his seventh goal and second game-winning goal of the season in the 80th minute of play.

UM the No. 4 seed in the four-team South Region defeated UWF for the first time since November 4, 2000, when UM earned a 2-1 victory over the Argonauts at the semifinals of the 2000 Gulf South Conference Tournament.

UWF held a slight 15-13 advantage in shots. Jonathan Maloney had four shots to lead UM.

UM (17-3-1) will play No. 3 seed University of Tampa for the South Region Championship Sunday at 1 p.m.

MONTEVALLO QUALIFIES FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT -- No. 18 FALCONS TO PLAY No. 3 WEST FLORIDA IN FIRST ROUND MATCH ON FRIDAY
 

MONTEVALLO (11/5) -- The No. 18 University of Montevallo men's soccer team has earned one of four berths in the South Region for the 2007 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships that will begin on Friday.

UM (16-3-1) will be the No. 4 seed in the four-team region and will face No. 1 seed and No. 3 University of West Florida (18-1) in a first-round match, with kickoff slated for 5:30 p.m.

No. 2 University of Tampa (12-5) and No. 3 Lynn University (15-2-1) will meet in the other semifinal Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

The Friday winners will meet Sunday afternoon in a second round match. The winner of the match are champions of the South Region, and will meet the Southeast Region winner in the national quarterfinal round match November 17 or 18.

A total of 32 teams in eight regions compete for the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer national championship.

This will be the second consecutive and third NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships for the Falcons in the past three years. UM lost to Rollins College, 1-0 in overtime in 2004 and tied West Florida, 2-2 last season (UWF advancing on penalty kicks). 

No. 3 WEST FLORIDA DEFEATS No. 18 MONTEVALLO IN GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
 

PENSACOLA, Fla. (11/4) -- The No. 3 University of West Florida scored two second half goals to post a 2-0 victory over No. 18 University of Montevallo in the championship match of the 2007 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Championships at Brosnaham Park in Pensacola, Fla. on Sunday.

UM collected 16 shots on the afternoon. Otavio Tramontina led UM with seven shots.

Nolan Intermoia scored the game-winning goal for UWF in the 75th minute of play. Jimmy McHenry added a goal in the 83rd minute.

Melford James Jr. earned seven saves for UM.

Named to the All-Tournament team from UM were Jonathan Maloney, Otavio Tramontina, Adam Frazer and Jim Witherow.

UM (16-3-1) will await word to see if they will qualify for the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Regional Tournament to be held at a site to be determined next weekend.

No. 18 MONTEVALLO DEFEATS CHRISTIAN BROTHERS -- FALCONS TO COMPETE FOR GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ON SUNDAY
 

PENSACOLA, Fla. (11/2) -- Jim Witherow headed in the only goal of the match as No. 18 University of Montevallo posted a 1-0 victory over Christian Brothers University at the 2007 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Championships at Brosnaham Park in Pensacola, Fla. on Friday.

UM withstood a second half offensive surge by CBU (11-6-2) who outshot the Falcons 12-2 in the half and 17-12 overall for the match. Jonathan Maloney had four shots (one on goal) to lead UM.

Witherow scored his first goal of the season as he headed in a corner kick feed from Glenn Murphy in the 15th minute of play.

Melford James Jr. had four saves, including a diving stop late in the second half to earn his 10th shutout of the season.

UM (16-2-1) will advance to the championship match of the 2007 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Championships, and will meet No. 3 University of West Florida Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.  The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the match.

MURPHY NAMED TO ESPN THE MAGAZINE/CoSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT IV TEAM
 

MONTEVALLO (11/1) -- Senior defender Glenn Murphy of the University of Montevallo men's soccer team has been named to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine/CoSida Academic All-District IV (College Division) for Men's Soccer, it has been announced.  District IV represents college division schools from the states of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. 

Murphy is majoring in Business at UM.

Founded by CoSida in 1952, the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America program, recognizes collegiate student-athletes for their outstanding achievements in the classroom and on the playing field.  Over the past 50 years, the Verizon Academic All-America program has grown into one of the most recognized and prestigious collegiate scholar-athlete awards nationwide, honoring student-athletes from all NCAA championship sports. The Verizon Academic All-America Teams are selected by a vote of the 1,800-member CoSIDA.  To be eligible, an athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 on a scale of 4.00.  Sports  information directors nominate eligible athletes from their schools who are named to  district teams prior to being voted upon the national level.

No. 3 WEST FLORIDA DEFEATS No. 17 MONTEVALLO IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE
 

PENSACOLA, Fla. (10/26) -- No. 17 University of Montevallo surrendered a late second half goal and dropped a 3-2 decision to No. 3 University of West Florida, in a Gulf South Conference men's soccer match in Pensacola, Fla. Friday night.

Parker Ingle scored his first career goal, beating the UWF keeper from outside the box in the 60th minute of play that tied the match at 2-2. Dusty Fouser headed in the go-ahead goal for the Argonauts in the 82nd minute.

In the first half, UM struck first in the 37th minute. With assists from Glenn Murphy and Nathan Archard, Milan Pualic netted his sixth goal of the season. Less than a minute later, UWF tied the match on a goal by Jimmy McHenry. Rafael Segal then gave UWF a 2-1 lead in the 43rd minute.

Total shots for both sides were even at 16 each, although UM held a 10-7 advantage in the second half. Jonathan Maloney had five shots (one on goal) for UM.

The loss ended a streak of 12 consecutive victories.

Melford James Jr. went the distance in net and collected five saves.

UM (5-1 GSC, 15-2-1) next competes at the 2007 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Championship, to be contested November 2 and 4 at Brosnaham Park in Pensacola, Fla. UM will receive the No. 2 seed for the tournament and will meet No. 3 seed Christian Brothers University in a semifinal round match Friday at 4:30 p.m.
 

No. 17 FALCONS AT No. 3 IN LATEST NCAA DIVISION II SOUTH REGION POLL
 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (10/24) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team is at No. 3 in the latest NCAA Division II South region poll, it has been announced.

West Florida is the current No. 1 team in the South Region. Lynn University is No. 2. After UM, Tampa (No. 4), Saint Leo (No. 5) and Rollins (No. 6) follows.

The top four teams from eight regions established by the men's soccer committee will advance to compete in the 2007 NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Championship, beginning on Friday, November 9.  Championship selections will take place Monday, November 5.

The regional poll is released each Wednesday for the balance of the season.

No. 17 UM (5-0 GSC, 15-1-1) travels to No. 3 University of West Florida for a Gulf South Conference match Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

MONTEVALLO MOVES UP TO No. 17 (TIE)  IN LATEST NSCAA/adidas  NCAA DIVISION II POLL
 

MONTEVALLO (10/23) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team moved up two spots and is tied at No. 17 in the latest NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division II poll, it has been announced.

UM is tied with Tusculum College at No. 17. The top four spots remain the same as last week. Northern Kentucky University is No. 1, Lees-McRae College (NC) is No. 2, the University of West Florida is No. 3 and Lincoln Memorial University is at No. 4. Franklin Pierce University (NH) replaces Seattle University at No. 5. 

No. 17 UM (5-0 GSC, 15-1-1) travels to No. 3 West Florida for a Gulf South Conference match Friday night at 7:30 p.m. 

JAMES SETS RECORD FOR SHUTOUTS --
No. 19 MONTEVALLO DEFEATS BELHAVEN TO ESTABLISH TEAM RECORD FOR VICTORIES
 

MONTEVALLO (10/20) -- Melford James Jr. set a new single-season record for shutouts as No. 19 University of Montevallo posted a 5-0 victory over Belhaven College, in a non-conference men's soccer match at Varsity Field Saturday afternoon.

The Brampton, Ontario native, competing on Senior Recognition Day, earned his ninth shutout of the season to establish a new single season mark. The previous record of eight shutouts was established by Raven Keet in 2004 and 2005. James now has 15 shutouts in his career.

Glenn Murphy, another of three Falcons seniors recognized at halftime scored two second-half goals, which included his fifth successful conversion of a penalty kick this season. Griff Gowers, James Ward and Kevin Ratigan also scored goals.

The victory was the Falcons 12th consecutive and established a new single-season record. UM set a record of 14 victories last season.

Seniors James, Murphy, Adam Frazer and Parker Ingle were recognized at halftime.

Gowers scored (his fifth goal of season) the game-winning goal with assists from Ward and Milan Pualic in the 20th minute of play. Less than two minutes later, Ward netted his sixth goal of the season with assists from Murphy and Pualic. Murphy recorded his 12th assist of the season. Ratigan scored his first goal of the season and second in his career with an assist from Chris Castell in the 40th minute for a 3-0 lead.

Murphy converted his penalty kick in the 55th minute. Murphy then redirected a rebound off a Griff Gowers shot attempt for his 11th goal of the season in the 58th minute.

James also earned three saves in net.

UM held a 24-3 advantage in shots. Gowers had four shots (all on goal) as 12 different players attempted at least one shot.

UM (5-0 GSC, 15-1-1) will travel to No. 3 University of West Florida for a Gulf South Conference match Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

MONTEVALLO SWEEPS GSC PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS
 

BIRMINGHAM (10/16) -- For the second time this season, the University of Montevallo men's soccer program has swept the Gulf South Conference Player and Defender of the Week awards, it has been announced.

Senior goalkeeper Melford James Jr. earned his third GSC Defender of the Week award. James has claimed seven Defender of the Week awards in his career, to tie a Gulf South Conference record. Former Falcon goalkeeper Raven Keet (2002-05) earned seven GSC Defender of the Week awards in his career.

Senior forward Glenn Murphy earned his first-ever GSC Player of the Week award.

James and Jonathan Maloney teamed up to sweep the GSC Player and Defender of the Week awards on Sept. 11. UM has won eight of the 16 Player and Defender of the Week awards given out by the GSC this season. Maloney was named Player of the Week on Sept. 4, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9. James previously was named GSC Defender of the Week on Aug. 28 and Sep. 11. Robert Mueller was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 18.

James stopped three shots in a 4-1 win against No. 20 Clayton State Tuesday and earned his eighth shutout of the season and 14th career shutout victory with five stops at Delta State  Friday as the Falcons prevailed, 1-0. In Sunday's GSC Tournament-clinching match, the Brampton, Ontario native turned away two more shots as UM edged UAH, 3-1.

Murphy netted four goals, an assist and two multi-score efforts in three matches this week. The Chelmsford, England native scored twice against No. 20 Clayton State Tuesday as UM upset the Lakers, 4-1. The school's all-time leader in assists, led the Falcons to their GSC-leading 11th Conference Tournament with two goals in a 3-1 victory over UAH on Sunday.

UM (5-0 GSC, 14-1-1) will host Belhaven College for a non-conference match, and final home match of the 2007 season, Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. It will also be Senior Recognition Day, as UM seniors Adam Frazer, Parker Ingle, Melford James Jr. and Glenn Murphy will be recognized.

MONTEVALLO MOVES UP TO No. 19 IN LATEST NSCAA/adidas
 NCAA DIVISION II POLL
 

MONTEVALLO (10/16) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team moved up six spots and is No. 19 in the latest NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division II poll, it has been announced.

The top two spots remain the same as last week. Northern Kentucky University is No. 1, while Lees-McRae College (NC) is No. 2. The University of West Florida movedup two spots to No. 3. Lincoln Memorial University is at No. 4 and Seattle University is No. 5. 

UM (5-0 GSC, 14-1-1) will host Belhaven College for a non-conference match Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. 

No. 25 MONTEVALLO CLINCHES GSC TOURNAMENT BERTH
 VICTORY AT UAH BOOSTS WIN STREAK TO ELEVEN
UM TIES SINGLE-SEASON RECORD FOR VICTORIES
 

HUNTSVILLE (10/14) -- The No. 25 Falcons scored three second-half goals, two by Glenn Murphy,  to post a 3-1 victory over the University of Alabama-Huntsville, in a Gulf South Conference men's soccer match in Huntsville Sunday afternoon.

The victory is the 11th consecutive win for UM, who also tied a school record for single-season victories. UM was 14-5-1 overall in 2006. The victory also clinched a berth in the 2007 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Tournament, to be contested November 2 and 4 in Pensacola, Fla.

UAH scored their goal in the 35th minute.

In the second half, Glenn Murphy converted his fourth penalty kick opportunity of the season to tie the match in the 57th minute. Temo Gonzales then scored the game-winning goal in the 69th minute. Murphy closed out the scoring in the 87th minute, stealing the ball from the UAH defense and scoring his ninth goal of the season.

Melford James Jr. collected two saves in net.

The teams were tied 13-13 in total shots. Murphy had five shots (three on goal) to lead UM.

UM (5-0 GSC, 14-1-1) will host Belhaven College for a non-conference match Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

No. 25 MONTEVALLO CLINCHES GSC TOURNAMENT BERTH
 VICTORY AT UAH BOOSTS WIN STREAK TO ELEVEN
UM TIES SINGLE-SEASON RECORD FOR VICTORIES
 

HUNTSVILLE (10/14) -- The No. 25 Falcons scored three second-half goals, two by Glenn Murphy,  to post a 3-1 victory over the University of Alabama-Huntsville, in a Gulf South Conference men's soccer match in Huntsville Sunday afternoon.

The victory is the 11th consecutive win for UM, who also tied a school record for single-season victories. UM was 14-5-1 overall in 2006. The victory also clinched a berth in the 2007 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Tournament, to be contested November 2 and 4 in Pensacola, Fla.

UAH scored their goal in the 35th minute.

In the second half, Glenn Murphy converted his fourth penalty kick opportunity of the season to tie the match in the 57th minute. Temo Gonzales then scored the game-winning goal in the 69th minute. Murphy closed out the scoring in the 87th minute, stealing the ball from the UAH defense and scoring his ninth goal of the season.

Melford James Jr. collected two saves in net.

The teams were tied 13-13 in total shots. Murphy had five shots (three on goal) to lead UM.

UM (5-0 GSC, 14-1-1) will host Belhaven College for a non-conference match Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

No. 25 MONTEVALLO BLANKS DELTA STATE FOR 10TH STRAIGHT VICTORY
 

CLEVELAND, Miss. (10/12) -- Jonathan Maloney recorded his eighth game-winning goal of the season, while Melford James Jr. tied a school record for shutouts, as No. 25 University of Montevallo earned a 1-0 victory at Delta State University, in a Gulf South Conference men's soccer match in Cleveland, Miss. Friday afternoon.

Maloney netted the only goal of the match with an assist from Adam Frazer in the 16th minute of play.

James had five saves in net, going the distance to collect his eighth shutout victory of the season to tie the school single-season record. The Brampton, Ontario native ties the mark  twice set by Raven Keet in 2004 and again in 2005. James now has 14 career shutouts.

UM held a 14-11 advantage on shots. Parker Ingle had four shots (one on goal) to lead UM.

UM (4-0 GSC, 13-1-1) has now won 10 consecutive matches. The Falcons travel to the University of Alabama-Huntsville for a Gulf South Conference match Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. 

MALONEY NAMED GSC PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR THIRD TIME THIS SEASON
 

BIRMINGHAM (10/9) -- Junior forward Jonathan Maloney has been named the Gulf South Conference  Player of the Week, for the week ending Oct. 7, it has been announced.

It is the third time this season that the West Yorkshire, England native has been named GSC Player of the Week. Maloney also collects his sixth career Player of the Week award.

Maloney scored both goals, including the game-winning "golden-goal" in overtime in a conference victory at home against Christian Brothers. He later added the game-winning goal in a shutout victory at Shorter College.

Maloney now has scored 19 goals for the season, and 49 goals total in his career. The game-winning goal against Shorter College was his eighth in his career.

UM has now collected six Player or Defensive Player of the Week awards this season. Maloney was named Player of the Week on Sept. 4 and 11. Melford James Jr. was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week on Aug. 26 and Sep. 11. Robert Mueller was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 18.

UM (12-1-1) winners of nine straight, will travel to Delta State University for a Gulf South Conference match Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.  

MURPHY SCORES TWO AND ADDS ASSIST -- No. 25 MONTEVALLO DEFEATS No. 20 CLAYTON STATE TO BOOST WIN STREAK TO NINE
 

MONTEVALLO (10/9) -- Glenn Murphy scored two first half goals and added an assist as No. 25 University of Montevallo posted a 4-1 victory over No. 20 Clayton State University, in a non-conference men's soccer match at Varsity Field on Tuesday.

Milan Pualic and James Ward also scored goals for UM.

Murphy blasted in a free kick in the 7th minute of play. In the 16th minute, CSU was called for a foul in the box. Murphy converted his third penalty kick of the season for a 2-0 lead.

In the second half, Pualic scored his fifth goal of the season with assists from Murphy and Otavio Tramontina in the 54th minute. Ward then scored his fifth goal of the season with an assists from Tramontina and Jonathan Maloney in the 70th minute.

CSU closed out the scoring with a goal in the 76th minute.

Melford James Jr. went the distance in net and collected three saves.

UM (3-0 GSC, 12-1-1) winners of nine straight, will travel to Delta State University for a Gulf South Conference match Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

MONTEVALLO RETURNS TO NATIONAL POLL -- FALCONS AT No. 25 IN LATEST POLL
 

MONTEVALLO (10/9) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team has made a return to the national rankings, as the Falcons are No. 25 in the latest NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division II poll, it has been announced.

Northern Kentucky University is No. 1, while Lees-McRae College (NC) is No. 2. Midwestern State University (TX) is No. 3. Lincoln Memorial University (TN) is No. 4 and GSC member University of West Florida round out the Top five.

UM was last in the national poll (No. 18) at the beginning of the 2006 season.

UM (3-0 GSC, 12-1-1) travels to Delta State University for a Gulf South Conference match Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

MONTEVALLO WIN STREAK AT EIGHT
FALCONS DEFEAT SHORTER COLLEGE
 

ROME, Ga. (10/5) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team earned their eighth consecutive victory, a 2-0 decision over Shorter College, in a non-conference match in Rome, Ga. on Friday.

Jonathan Maloney recorded his eighth game-winning goal and 19th goal of the season in the 30th minute with an assist from Otavio Tramontina. The score held until the the 88th minute when Griff Gowers collected his fourth goal of the season with an assist from Milan Pualic.

Melford James Jr. went the distance in net, collected three saves and earned his seventh shutout victory of the season and 13th career shutout.

UM (3-0 GSC, 11-1-1) will host No. 20 Clayton State University for a non-conference match Tuesday night at 7 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.
 

MALONEY SCORES TWO -- FALCONS DEFEAT CHRISTIAN BROTHERS IN OVERTIME
 

MONTEVALLO (10/3) -- Jonathan Maloney scored both UM goals, including the game-winning goal in the fifth minute of overtime to lift the University of Montevallo to a 2-1 victory over Christian Brothers University, in a Gulf South Conference men's soccer match at Varsity Field on Wednesday.

The two goals give the West Yorkshire, England native 18 goals for the season, and the seventh time this season that he has netted the game-winning goal.

Maloney teamed up with Glenn Murphy and Otavio Tramontina for the first goal of the match in the 48th minute of play. 

CBU tied the match in the 73rd minute. Ryan Peel sent in a corner kick cross that UM goalkeeper Melford James Jr. pushed out of the way. However, the ball was sent to Robert Mingo who redirected the ball past James to tie the match to end James scoreless streak at 514 minutes.

Maloney collected a loose ball and sent the ball past the CBU goalkeeper for the "golden goal". and his second career "golden goal". Maloney scored the game-winning overtime goal against Florida Southern in 2006.

Due a red card, UM was forced to play a man down for 36 minutes of the second half and the overtime.

UM held a slight advantage in shots, 13-12. Maloney led UM with five shots (three on goal).

The winning streak has reached seven consecutive matches and ten of the last 11 matches.

UM (3-0 GSC, 10-1-1) travels to Shorter College for a non-conference match Friday night at 7 p.m. (ET).

JAMES EARNS SIXTH SHUTOUT OF SEASON -- WARD HAS GOAL AND ASSIST -- FALCONS BLANK OUACHITA BAPTIST
 

MONTEVALLO (9/30) -- Melford James Jr. earned his second consecutive and sixth shutout victory of the season, while James Ward scored a goal and added an assist for the University of Montevallo in a 2-0 victory over Ouachita Baptist University in a Gulf South Conference men's soccer match at Varsity Field on Sunday.

James also etched his name into the UM record book on Sunday. The Brampton, Ontario native established a new single-season scoreless streak. James has a current streak of 442 minutes, dating back to a match against Saint Leo University on Sept. 7. During the streak, he has earned shutout victories against Eckerd College, Georgia Southwestern State University, Harding and OBU. James eclipses the record previously held by Raven Keet, who had a streak of 406 minutes during the 2004 season.

After a scoreless first half, Ward blasted in a free kick for his fourth goal of the season in the 59th minute of play. Ward along with Otavio Tramontina then provided the assists on a goal by Jonathan Maloney (16th goal of season) in the 64th minute of play.

UM had a 25-7 advantage in shots. Maloney led UM with six shots (three on goal).

The winning streak has reached six consecutive matches, and nine of the last ten matches.

UM (2-0 GSC, 9-1-1) will host Christian Brothers University for a key Gulf South Conference match Wednesday night at 5 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.
 

MURPHY SCORES TWO -- FALCONS DEFEAT HARDING IN GSC OPENER
 

MONTEVALLO (9/28) -- Glenn Murphy scored both goals as the University of Montevallo posted a 2-0 victory over Harding University in a Gulf South Conference men's soccer match at Varsity Field on Friday.

Murphy converted a penalty kick opportunity in the second minute of play. He closed out the scoring with his second goal of the night and fifth goal of the season, via an assist from Jonathan Maloney in the 81st minute of play.

Melford James Jr. earned his fifth shutout of the season and 11th shutout victory of his career.

UM held a 21-6 advantage in shots. Maloney led UM with nine shots (two on goal). Murphy added five shots on goal.

UM has now won five consecutive matches, and eight of their last nine matches.

UM (1-0 GSC, 8-1-1) will host Ouachita Baptist University for a Gulf South Conference match Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

FALCONS DEFEAT SPRING HILL COLLEGE
 

MOBILE (9/22) -- Milan Pualic scored two goals and had two assists to lead the University of Montevallo to a 6-1 victory over Spring Hill College, in a non-conference men's soccer match in Mobile on Saturday.

Jonathan Maloney scored a first half goal to record his second consecutive game-winning goal, and 13th game-winning goal of his career.

Griff Gowers scored a goal and added two assists, while Glenn Murphy and Joe Gross also netted goals for UM. Melford James Jr. and Robert Mueller divided the goalkeeping duties. James managed to collect a save.

Murphy scored the first goal of the match with an assist from Lucas Manzoli in the 19th minute of play. Maloney then scored the game-winning goal off assists from Manzoli and Parker Ingle in the 29th minute. Just before halftime, Pualic scored his first goal of the day with assists from Gowers and Jim Witherow for a 3-0 lead at halftime.

Gross scored his first goal (unassisted) in the 62nd minute. Pualic scored his second goal of the day and fourth goal of the season with assists from Gowers and Alex Ghoja in the 74th minute. Gowers, with assists from Pualic and Chris Stanfield made it a 6-0 game in the 76th minute.

Cameron Poklemba closed out the game scoring, converting a penalty kick.

UM held a 30-4 advantage in shots, with Pualic collecting ten shots to lead UM.

UM (7-1-1) will host Harding University for a Gulf South Conference match Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

MALONEY SCORES FOUR GOALS -- JAMES EARNS 10TH CAREER SHUTOUT -- FALCONS BLANK GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN STATE
 

AMERICUS, Ga. (9/20) -- Jonathan Maloney scored four goals, including the game-winning goal in the 31st minute of play, as the University of Montevallo went on to defeat Georgia Southwestern State University, 6-0, in a non-conference men's soccer match in Americus, Ga. on Thursday.

Maloney records his fifth game-winning goal of the season, and his 12th game-winning goal of his career. Vitor Perim and Griff Gowers also scored second half goals for UM.

Melford James Jr. collected two saves, earned his fourth shutout of the season and his10th career shutout victory.

Maloney netted the game-winning goal on an assist from James Ward as UM took a 1-0 lead in the first half. Maloney then scored the next three goals 10 minutes apart. Otavio Tramontina provided the assist on Maloney's second goal in the 48th minute. Maloney then converted his second penalty kick of the season in the 58th minute. 15 seconds after the penalty kick, Milan Pualic assisted on Maloney's fourth goal of the afternoon. Pualic along with Glenn Murphy were credited with assists on Perim's goal in the 66th minute. Chris Castell and Parker Ingle provided the assists on Gower's goal in the 85th minute.

UM (6-1-1) travels to Spring Hill College for a non-conference match Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The match will be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

MUELLER NAMED GSC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
 

BIRMINGHAM (9/18) -- Sophomore goalkeeper Robert Mueller has been named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week, for the week ending Sept. 16, it has been announced.

Mueller, a 5-11 native of Kileen, Texas filled in for goalkeeper Melford James Jr. on Sunday against North Georgia College and State University. Mueller collected nine saves on the day, including two saves on diving stops in the first half. Mueller earned his first career shutout (6-0 over NGCSU) and his first career Player of the Week award.

UM has won three of the four GSC Defensive Player of the Week awards this season. James was named GSC Defensive Player of the Week on Aug. 26 and Sep. 11. Additionally, Jonathan Maloney was named GSC Player of the Week on two occasions this season (Sept. 4 and Sept. 11).

UM (5-1-1) travels to Georgia Southwestern State University for a non-conference match Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. (ET). 

AN AFTERNOON OF RECORDS AND FIRSTS -- MONTEVALLO POSTS SHUTOUT OVER NORTH GEORGIA
 

MONTEVALLO (9/16) -- Glenn Murphy scored two goals and added two assists, while Jonathan Maloney scored two goals, including the game-winning goal in the 12th minute of play, as the University of Montevallo posted a 6-0 victory over North Georgia College and State University, in a non-conference men's soccer match at Varsity Field on Sunday.

With the two goals, Maloney now has 10 for the season, and 40 for his career to become the all-time leader in goals scored at UM. The West Yorkshire, England native eclipsed the career record of 39, set by Eddie Mukahanana, who played from 1998-2000. Maloney already owns the single-season school record of 22 goals, established last season.

Already the school's all-time assist leader, Murphy now has eight assists for the 2007 season and 51 assists (0.82 apg) for his career.

Three Falcon newcomers posted firsts on Sunday. Freshman midfielder Otavio Tramontina collected his first three assists of his career, while freshman forward Griff Gowers netted his first career goal and sophomore goalkeeper Robert Mueller earned his first career shutout victory. Mueller also made nine saves on the day, which included a couple of diving stops in the first half.

UM held a 15-9 advantage in shots. Maloney led UM with five shots (three on goal).

After he assisted on the game-winning goal, James Ward scored his third goal of the season with a Murphy assist in the 26th minute. Murphy then converted a penalty kick in the 31st minute to give the Falcons a 3-0 lead at halftime.

Maloney scored the record setting goal 45 seconds into the second half. Tramontina and Murphy were involved in the next goal, Murphy's second of the season with assists from Tramontina and Milan Pualic in the 49th minute. Gowers closed out the scoring with assists from Chris Stanfield and Daniel Pellitier in the 89th minute.

UM (5-1-1) travels to Georgia Southwestern State University for a non-conference match Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. (ET).

MONTEVALLO SWEEPS GSC PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS
MALONEY NAMED GSC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JAMES NAMED DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
 

BIRMINGHAM (9/11) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer program swept the Gulf South Conference Player of the Week Awards for this past week. Junior forward Jonathan Maloney has been named Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Week, while Melford James Jr. has been tabbed the GSC Defensive Player of the Week.

Maloney, a 6-0 native of West Yorkshire, England, collects his second consecutive and sixth overall Player of the Week honor. He scored four goals over the weekend in key in-region matches at Saint Leo University on Friday and at Eckerd College on Sunday. Maloney scored all three UM goals as the teams battled to a 3-3 tie. Maloney then netted his tenth career game-winning goal, as he scored the only goal of the match in a 1-0 victory over EC.

James, a 6-1 native of Brampton, Ontario, collects his second GSC Defensive Player of the Week award this season, and sixth career award. He made eight saves against Saint Leo on Friday and stopped five shots against Eckerd on Sunday.

UM (4-1-1) will host North Georgia College and State University for a non-conference match Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

JAMES EARNS NINTH CAREER SHUTOUT -- MALONEY RECORDS TENTH GAME-WINNING GOAL OF CAREER -- FALCONS POST SHUTOUT OVER ECKERD
 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (9/9) -- Melford James Jr. earned his ninth career shutout, while Jonathan Maloney recorded his tenth career game-winning goal, in a 1-0 victory over Eckerd College, in non-conference men's soccer action in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Sunday.

Maloney netted an unassisted goal in the 84th minute of play. Maloney had a chance to score two minutes earlier, however his penalty kick conversion was denied, on a save by EC reserve goalkeeper Chris Howe.

James collected five saves on the day, including a key stop late in the second half. UM held a 13-11 advantage in shots. Maloney led UM with six, five on goal.

UM (4-1-1) will host North Georgia College and State University for a non-conference match Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

MALONEY SCORES ALL THREE FALCON GOALS IN 3-3 TIE WITH SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
 

SAINT LEO, Fla. (9/7) -- Jonathan Maloney scored all three Falcon goals as the University of Montevallo and Saint Leo University battled to a 3-3 tie, in a non-conference men's soccer match in Saint Leo, Fla. Friday night.

Maloney collected his fourth hat trick of his career. Maloney managed to score three goals in a game on three occasions last season.

UM trailed 2-0 when Maloney scored his first goal with assists from Milan Pualic and Glenn Murphy just before halftime. Maloney then tied the match in the 52nd minute via an assist from James Ward.

UM took a 3-2 lead with Maloney's third goal of the night and seventh of the season in the 56th minute of play. Murphy was credited with his second assist for the game and sixth assist for the season.

The score held until the 88th minute when SLU tied the match.

SLU held a 22-12 advantage in shots and a 4-2 shot advantage in the overtime periods. Neither team had a shot on goal in overtime. Maloney led UM with eight shots, five on goal.

Melford James Jr. collected eight saves in net.

UM (3-1-1) travels to Eckerd College for a non-conference match Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast by Eckerd College on Stretch Internet. 

MALONEY NAMED GSC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
 

BIRMINGHAM (9/5) -- Junior forward Jonathan Maloney has been named Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Week, for the week ending Sept. 2, it has been announced.

The 6-0 native of West Yorkshire, England collects his fifth career Player of the Week honor. He scored two goals and added two assists in a victory over then No. 9 Rollins College, before netting his ninth career game-winning goal and adding an assist in a 3-0 victory over Florida Southern College.

 Maloney was named to the First Team NSCAA/adidas All-South Region, First Team Daktronics All-South Region and First Team All-Gulf South Conference teams, in addition to being named Gulf South Conference Player of the Year last season.

UM (3-1) travels to Saint Leo University for a key in-region match, Friday night at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

The match is scheduled to be broadcast on internet radio by Saint Leo University

MALONEY WITH GOAL AND ASSIST -- MURPHY WITH TWO ASSISTS
JAMES POSTS EIGHTH CAREER SHUTOUT
FALCONS BLANK FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE
 

MONTEVALLO (9/2) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team completed a weekend sweep of in-region matches with a 3-0 shutout victory over Florida Southern College, in a non-conference action at Varsity Field on Sunday.

After a scoreless first half, Jonathan Maloney netted his ninth game-winning goal of his career in the 48th minute of play. Glenn Murphy earned two assists on the day, setting up Maloney, then earning a solo assist on a goal by Chris Castell in the 64th minute. Pualic also assisted on Maloney's goal, while Maloney earned an assist on a goal by James Ward (68th minute) that closed out the scoring.

Melford James Jr.  picked up four saves and earned his eighth career shutout victory.

UM had a 17-8 advantage in shots. Maloney had eight shots (three on goal) to lead UM.

UM (3-1) travels to Saint Leo University for a non-conference match Friday night at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

MALONEY NETS TWO GOALS AND ADDS TWO ASSISTS
FALCONS DEFEAT No. 9 ROLLINS COLLEGE
 

MONTEVALLO (8/31) -- Jonathan Maloney scored two goals and added two assists, to lead the University of Montevallo to a 5-2 victory over No. 9 Rollins College in a non-conference men's soccer match at Varsity Field on Friday.

Milan Pualic also scored two goals for UM, including the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute of play. Glenn Murphy added two assists.

Melford James Jr. picked up a pair of saves in goal.

The Falcons picked a pair of goals on opposite ends of the first half. James Ward, with assists from Maloney and Murphy got UM on the board in the first minute, while Maloney's first goal of the night, via a penalty kick opportunity, came at the 43rd minute.

A flurry of goal scoring on both sides occurred in the final three minutes of the match before weather forced an early end to the night. Pualic scored the first goal, with assists from Maloney and Murphy for a 3-0 UM lead. The Tars (2-1) netted two goals over the next minute to make it a 3-2 game. 16 seconds after the Tars final goal, Pualic scored his second goal of the night with an assist from Ward. Maloney closed out the scoring a minute later. The teams combined for five goals in a span of 2:44.

UM held a 10-8 advantage in shots, with Maloney, Ward and Murphy collecting three shots each.

UM (2-1) will host Florida Southern College for a key in-region match Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

JAMES NAMED GSC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
 

BIRMINGHAM (8/29) -- Senior goalkeeper Melford James Jr. has been named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the week ending Aug. 26, it has been announced.

The 6-1 native of Brampton, Ontario collects his fifth career Player of the Week honor. He stopped five of seven shots against then No. 10 (now No. 2) Lynn University, before posting six saves, including a key stop in the closing minutes to preserve a 1-0 victory at Tusculum College on Sunday. James earned his seventh career shutout victory.

James was named to the First Team NSCAA/adidas All-South Region, Second Team Daktronics All-South Region and First Team All-Gulf South Conference teams last season.

UM (1-1) will host Rollins College for a key in-region match, and first home match of the 2007 season, Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
 

FALCONS DEFEAT TUSCULUM COLLEGE
 

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (8/26) -- Jonathan Maloney converted a penalty kick in the 40th minute of play for the only goal of the match in a 1-0 victory at Tusculum College, in non-conference men's soccer action on Sunday.

Melford James Jr. earned his first shutout of the season and seventh in his UM career. He collected six saves on the night, including a key save late in the second half.

UM held an 20-13 advantage in shots. Maloney had six shots (three on goal), while Griff Gowers added four shots (two on goal).

UM (1-1) will host Rollins College for a key in-region match, and first home match of the 2007 season, Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
 

FALCONS DROP SEASON OPENER TO No. 10 LYNN
 

BOCA RATON, Fla. (8/23) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team team dropped a 2-0 decision to No. 10 Lynn University in a non-conference match, and opening match of the 2007 season in Boca Raton, Fla. on Thursday.

The game remained scoreless until the 76th minute of play. Lee Porter converted a penalty kick opportunity for the game-winning goal. LU added a goal in the 80th minute.

UM collected four shots on the day. Melford James Jr. earned five saves in net.

UM (0-1) travels to Tusculum College for a non-conference match Sunday night at 6 p.m. (ET).
 

2007 SEASON PREVIEW
 

The University of Montevallo men’s soccer team has enjoyed a run of post-season success and are primed for yet another. Last season, the Falcons appeared in their second NCAA South Regional Tournament in the past three seasons, while posting a school-record 14 victories. Montevallo also qualified for their eighth consecutive (tenth overall) Gulf South Conference Tournament, while appearing in their third straight GSC Tournament championship match.

Although UM has always been a perennial favorite to participate in the post-season, seventh year head coach Ryan Pratt does not want the Falcons of 2007 to rest on their past laurels.

“Two NCAA appearances (2004 and 2006) have been great for this program however we haven’t yet won a game in the NCAA Tournament. We are now past being satisfied to just make the NCAA’s…now its time to win some games and make some noise in the tournament.”

“We have continued to bring in the talented student-athletes, the type we need to be successful and improve on our success each and every year.”

A veteran group returns for 2007 and looks once again to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II South Region. Of the 14 returning letter-winners, three seniors received national post-season honors.

Glenn Murphy returns for his fourth and final season at UM. The Chelmsford, England native led all of NCAA Division II in assists per game (1.0 apg) serving as the setup man for junior Jonathan Maloney, who was named to the First Team NSCAA/adidas All-South Region and is the defending Gulf South Conference Player of the Year. The West Yorkshire, England was fourth in the nation in scoring (2.7 ppg) and sixth in goals per game (1.10). Murphy and Maloney provided a solid one-two punch in scoring, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the Falcons scoring offense. Murphy eclipsed the school career assists record (43 and counting) and also established two GSC records for assists in a season and career.

“You have to have one person that does most of the scoring, and one person to set him up (and everyone else), not worrying too much about scoring themselves. Pratt said. “It was great what Jonathan did last season, but it was last season. We will rely on Jonathan heavily to continue scoring goals day in and day out, however we have others that are very capable of stepping in and helping with the scoring. Glenn enjoys his role (as the set up man), and hopefully he can continue to help his teammates. He will set the assist record very high (potentially untouchable) before he leaves UM.”

Also returning as a forward will be junior Joe Gross, who collected three goal and two assists last season. James Steer netted four goals and added two assists in 2006, however will redshirt this season, due to injury. Two talented newcomers to compete for time as midfielder/forwards will be freshmen Milan Pualic (6-0, Subotica, Serbia) and Griff Gowers (5-8, Birmingham). Pualic’s club team earned a first place finish at their regional cup while Gowers was an All-State and All-Metro selection, leading Spain Park High School in scoring his senior season.

            Seniors Adam Frazer and Parker Ingle, along with junior Jim Witherow are three veteran starters returning on defense. Frazer, a three-year starter, earned his second NSCAA/adidas All-South Region and third consecutive All-GSC awards last season and will serve as the vocal leader. Witherow collected a goal and an assist, while Ingle picked up four assists. Also returning are juniors Chris Castell and Kevin Ratigan. Castell had an assist last season. Ratigan moves from midfield to defense this season and picked up two assists. Two talented newcomers will join the mix, sophomore Cruyff Dos Remedios (6-1 Mississagua, Ontario) and freshman Nathan Archard (5-9, Huntsville). Dos Remedios transfers to UM from Tusculum College, while Archard was a two-time All-State selection at Grissom High School.

Senior goalkeeper Melford “Junior” James Jr. joined Frazer as a First Team All-Region and All-GSC selection, posting a 1.26 goals against average with six shutouts. Redshirt freshman Brandon Land and sophomore newcomer Robert Mueller (5-11, Kileen, Tex.) will push for playing time. Land did not compete in 2006, while Mueller transfers to UM from the University of Memphis.

In the midfield, junior James Ward along with sophomores Lucas Manzoli and Chris Stanfield provide a veteran presence with postseason experience. Ward collected five goals and seven assists. Manzoli (four assists) and Stanfield (one goal and one assist) earned more playing time in their first year. Joining the team this season is junior Cuauhtemoc “Temo” Gonzalez (5-10, Lafayette, Colo.), along with freshmen Daniel Pellitier (5-11, Crestwood, Ky.), Hunter Ingle (6-0, Tupelo, Miss.) and Vitor Perim (6-1, The Woodlands, Tex.). Gonzalez last played at Western Nebraska CC, competing with former Falcon Noce Nayigihugu. Pellitier comes to UM from Bellarmine University. Ingle, younger brother of current Falcon Parker, was a two-time All-Area selection and competed on a state championship team at Tupelo High School. Perim competed for The Woodland’s High School, where the team was Bi-District Champions his senior season.

“When we went to the NCAA’s back in 2004, we had players experiencing the atmosphere and pressures of the Gulf South conference final and the national tournament for the first time. Now we have several players (eight) that went through that experience last year, and two (Murphy and Frazer) that have played in both. This experience under that type of pressure will help us through the season and hopefully into the post-season as well.”

            Competition for the top spot in the Gulf South Conference will be challenging. Defending GSC champion West Florida, and UM will be joined by Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, Delta State, Harding and Ouachita Baptist in the hunt for one of four berths at the GSC Tournament, to be played in Pensacola, Fla. in November..

            Top-25 and in-region games will also test the Falcons in the pre-conference, including Lynn University, Saint Leo University, Clayton State University, along with perennial favorites Eckerd College, Florida Southern College and Rollins College.

            Montevallo has shown a steady, consistent level of success. It is hoped that the Falcons of 2007 will not settle for an appearance in the post-season, but will take small steps toward an eventual goal – an opportunity to perennially compete for a national championship.

UM begins the 2007 regular season in Boca Raton, Fla. on Thursday, August 23 as they travel to Lynn University for a non-conference match beginning at 3:00 p.m. (ET). 

FALCONS PICKED TO FINISH SECOND IN GSC PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL -- FOUR NAMED TO PRE-SEASON ALL-GSC TEAM
 

BIRMINGHAM (8/1) -- The University of Montevallo men's soccer team team was picked to finish second in the 2007 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Coaches Poll it has been announced.

The University of West Florida was picked first, collecting 36 points. UM was picked second, earning one first place vote, with 31 points. Christian Brothers University (25) was picked third. The University of Alabama-Huntsville (22) was picked fourth. Ouachita Baptist (12), Harding (12) and Delta State (9) round out the poll.

Four Falcons were selected to the Pre-Season All-GSC Team. Junior forward Jonathan Maloney, senior forward Glenn Murphy, senior defender Adam Frazer and junior midfielder James Ward were named. Maloney was named Gulf South Conference Player of the Year and was a First Team NSCAA/adidas All-South Region selection. Murphy, named to his second consecutive Pre-Season All-GSC Team is a three-time Second Team All-GSC pick. Frazer joined Maloney as a First Team NSCAA/adidas All-South Region and First Team All-GSC selection last season. Ward was a Second Team All-GSC selection in 2005, and named to the GSC All-Tournament Team last season.

UM begins the 2007 regular season in Boca Raton, Fla. on Thursday, August 23 as they travel to Lynn University for a non-conference match beginning at 3:00 p.m. (ET). 

2006 GSC MEN'S SOCCER PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL

FALCONS SIGN ELEVEN FOR 2007
 

MONTEVALLO (4/23) -- The University of Montevallo Men’s Soccer Team has signed 11 players to the 2007 recruiting class, it has been announced.  

Robert Mueller, a 5-11 goalkeeper, will transfer to UM from the University of Memphis. He earned Most Valuable Defensive Award honors all four years at Killeen High School. He was also a member of the South Texas ODP state team and attended regional camp in 2000, 2002, and 2004.

Cuauhtemoc "Temo" Gonzalez, a 5-10 midfielder from Lafayette, Colorado will transfer to UM from Western Nebraska Community College and Tusculum University. While at WNCC “Temo” was a First Team NJCAA All-Region midfielder.

Griff Gowers, a 5-8 forward from Birmingham was a member of the Birmingham News Super All- State team, Birmingham News 6-A All-State and Birmingham News All-Metro team while a junior at Spain Park High school in 2006. He was also a member of the Alabama Olympic Development Program (ODP).  Griff was a member of the Vestavia Steamers club and was MVP of the Region III league in 2004, 2005 and 2006. 

Vitor Perim, a 6-1 midfielder from The Woodlands, Texas helped lead Cypress Bay High (Miami, FL) school team to a State Championship game in 2003. He also led them to Regional and District Championships in each of his first three years before moving to Texas.

Nathan Archard, a 5-9 defender from Huntsville was a standout defender for Grissom High School and a member of the Alabama state ODP team. He earned 2006 All-City team honors, 2006 State team honors, 2006 State All-Star team, and was voted as the 2006 Best defensive player while at Grissom.

Alex Ghoja, a 5-9 midfielder from Madison has been a two-time MVP while attending Bob Jones High School and was also voted as the Most Offensive player last season.

Daniel Pelletier, a 5-11 midfielder/defender from Crestwood, Kentucky will transfer to UM from Bellarmine University where he red shirted last season. He earned All-State honors as senior at South Oldham High school scoring 11 goals. He played for the prestigious Javanon United Soccer Association under Coach Carlos Gonera finishing third in the State Cup in 2005.

Milan Pualic, a 6-0 midfielder from Subotica, Serbia helped led his club SC Spartak to three first place finishes in the last four years of regional play. Milan was also a top student while attending Ekonomska Skola High School.

Otavio Tramontina, a 5-8 midfielder from Sao Paulo, Brazil was an All State Midfielder and 2 a time State Champion at Nossa Senhora (High School). He helped lead his club team (Paineiras) to 4 consecutive “State Inter-Club Championships” from 2002-2005 and won the “Sao Paulo Cup” two straight years 2003-2004.

Hunter Ingle, a 6-0 midfielder from Tupelo, Mississippi led his Tupelo High School team to a 5A State Championship in both his freshman and senior seasons. He was voted All-Area team his junior and senior seasons. His also led his club team (Tupelo FC) to three straight State Championships (2003-2005) and three straight Region Premier league Champions (2004-2006).

Cruyff Dos Remedios, a 6-2 defender from Mississauga, Ontario will transfer to UM from Tusculum College. He was voted team MVP while attending Cardinal Newman High School and also lead the team to its first ever qualification for the OFSAA. He played his club soccer for Bob Graham at Erin Mills SC leading them to the U-21 Ontario Cup Championship in 2006.

“From top to bottom, this may be the best recruiting class I’ve had here at Montevallo,” head coach Ryan Pratt said. “Each one of these players will fill an important role on next year’s team allowing us to compete at any even higher level than before. I am very excited to have each of these players joining our program as these players will be the core of UM soccer for years to come.”

UM concluded the 2006 season at the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Tournament, and finished with a 14-5-1 record overall.  

   
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