Wolves at school: FCBers shining

Above photo of Connor Willings from bucknellbison.com

Most teams in college soccer have begun their conference schedules, and the rest will start their slates shortly, so it’s time to see how your Wolves are faring through about half their seasons.

Steady and versatile Connor Willings has played more minutes than all but one Bucknell player as coach Brendan Nash’s Bison look to go to another NCAA tournament. Connor has an assist in 704 minutes played this season. Teammate Ben Derleth missed most of the summer for FCB, but has a goal for the Bison.

UBBulls.com
Slotemaker (UBBulls.com)

There are a wealth of Wolves on the UB Bulls, and Buffalo is off to a 4-4-3 start. Fox Slotemaker is one of just three Bulls to start every game for UB, and has five shots from the back line. Goalkeeper Cameron Hogg has played in eight matches for the Bulls, with three wins and a clean sheet, while Scott Doney’s five assists are tied with FCB alum Marcus Hanson atop the team. Doney also has three goals for coach Stu Riddle, a total that puts him three behind ex-FCB winger and All-NPSL player Russell Cicerone.

Andrew Coughlin has had an expectedly-strong year for Canisius College, where the big-time shot stopper has a pair of shutouts and a 1.37 goals against average. Ex-FCB midfielder Chris Berardi leads the Griffs in scoring with three goals and two assists, while Ryan Schroen has started every game and Mitch Cancilla is picking up big minutes at right back.

Brett Larocque continues to standout for the Bryant Bulldogs, where the electric forward has four goals and two assists on a team-best 14 shots.

The Ferguson brothers, Andrew and Nanu, have joined goalkeeper Steve Casey in helping to lead young Niagara through a rebuilding season. Andrew has returned from injury and leads the Purple Eagles in shots per game, posting 12 through four contests, while Nanu has been in 7 matches for NU.

Luke Pavone and the Buff State Bengals are roaring under head coach Mark Howlett, and the FCB midfielder has five goals, two assists and an incredible 32 shots in Buff State’s 6-2-2 start.

2014 defender Liam Callahan continues his tough-as-nails play for Syracuse. The Orange are 5-2-1, and Liam has a goal and an assist in seven games.

Jabari Danzy’s SIU Cougars are also looking to go back to the Dance, and Jabari is leading the attack with 17 shots in eight games. He’s scored twice for the Cougars to start his senior year.

Julian Ekeze has started all seven games at new school Cal Baptist, scoring a goal and adding two assists. The Lancers will take on a trio of ex-Blitzers on Saturday when they head to Point Loma Nazarene, where Nico Tagaloa leads the Sea Lions in goals, while Tyler Allen has played the most minutes. Val Doppenberg has played in all five matches for PLNU.

Suitor (saintsathletics.com)
Suitor (saintsathletics.com)

St. Lawrence is one of the hottest teams in the country, as the 7-1-2 Saints have gotten a great year from Ross Suitor. Suitor has started all 10 games, with two assists, while rock solid FCB midfielder Rob Brandell has been hit hard by the injury bug. Alum Dan Hunt has two goals and an assist in four games.

Big defender Adam Lauko has celebrated his senior season at Wisconsin with a goal for the Badgers as part of his five matches on the pitch. While over at Pitt, Matt Bischoff has played in every game and has an assist for the 4-3-1 for the Panthers.

Marist won its MAAC opener this weekend, and has been buoyed by FCB standout back Kevin Kappock, who has started every game for the Red Foxes, racking up 13 shots, a goal and an assist. Dylan MacVane has appeared in seven matches for Marist, while Erik Dahl is also pitching in well for his college side.

Back in the SUNYAC, Peter DiLorenzo has been a massive part of Brockport’s 5-1-2 start. The big forward has six goals and two assists.

Anthony Rozzano and Albany are 4-3-1 heading into conference play, while Michael Shatkin’s Rochester Yellowjackets are 4-2-2.

UB’s next game at Saturday at St. Bonaventure, which is in the midst of a rebuilding season under first-year head coach Kwame Oduro. Josh Beshaw and alum Mitchell Skrabacz are helping prod the Bonnies forward.

Georgian Court forward Michael Clarke has three goals and 16 shots to lead his D-2 side.

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