Oct. 14, 2001

Today's Matchup: Stony Brook (4-4-1, 1-3 America East) faces a crucial conference game today as the Seawolves play Delaware for the first time in school history. The Seawolves hope to get back on track after dropping four of their last five games, while Delaware (5-7, 2-2 America East) just handed Albany its first America East setback on Friday.

Series History: The two teams meet for the first time today.

Last Time Out: The Towson Tigers used a 2-0 halftime advantage to propel them to a 5-2 victory over Stony Brook on Friday afternoon at University Field.

It was the Seawolves who came out controlling the pace but Towson struck first. Steve Fell's cross found Machel Millwood on the right side, and Millwood's shot to the far post got by SBU goalkeeper Dan Ferrin for the early 1-0 lead 11 minutes into the match. Stony Brook set the tempo for the remainder of the half and put forth arguably its best offensive attack of the season, but unlucky chances and detrimental calls prevented the Seawolves from netting the equalizer. Instead, the Tigers added to their lead with a penalty kick with just eight seconds left in the first half.

The Seawolves countered early in the second stanza, when Mike Salvador's free kick from 25 yards out got by Tigers keeper Chris Hurley after two minutes of play. However, the Fell-Millwood duo struck again with Millwood's second goal of the game in the 64th minute, and Towson increased their advantage to 4-1 just 2:35 later on an Alfonso DeMares goal.

The Seawolves cut into the lead in the 71st minute, when Everett Watts fought off the Towson defense and got off a shot from 10 yards out that sailed by Hurley.

But the Tigers increased their lead to 5-2 when Shawn Conley scored with just six minutes to go.

Ferrin finished the game with seven saves for the Seawolves.

Scouting the Hens: A 2-1 overtime loss to Navy on Wednesday gave Delaware its fourth loss in five outings, but the Hens picked up a big win on Friday with a 2-0 victory over Albany. It was the first setback in four conference games for the Great Danes. Dan Keane leads the Hens with four goals and three assists. Freshman keeper Kyle Haynes has recorded a goals-against average of 1.64 in 985:12, making 43 saves and posting two shutouts.

Struggling Offense: Stony Brook's offensive attack has suffered in recent games, as the Seawolves have scored just four goals in their last five games, including two shutout losses.

The two goals against Towson on Friday marked the first time SBU has tallied multiple goals in a match since a 3-2 overtime victory over Sacred Heart on Sept. 26. Two of Stony Brook's four victories have come by way of 1-0 wins.

Jamie Gaither leads SBU with three goals, while Jude Osei Bonsu and Mike Salvador have each tallied twice.

One reason for SBU's troubles is the loss of returning leading scorer Shane Arikian, who went down in the second game of the year with a dislocated foot. As a freshman, Arikian led Stony Brook with seven goals and six assists.

In his absence, the Seawolves have tried multiple lineups, including moving Jamie Gaither and Everett Watts up front at times and starting freshman Jude Osei Bonsu at forward.

Mike's Freebies: Having freshman back Mike Salvador take free kicks has served the Seawolves well this season, as both of his goals have come by way of free kicks. Salvador got his first start and scored his first collegiate goal in only his second game with the team, the Sacred Heart contest. His 15-yard incirect kick served as the equalizer against the Pioneers before SBU went on to win in overtime.

On Friday, Salvador set up from 25 yards out and his perfectly placed kick got by Towson keeper Chris Hurley to give the Seawolves life in the eventual loss.

Salvador has been a key player in a young and inexperienced Stony Brook defense. Two newcomers--Salvador and junior transfer Randy Cyrus--start in the back, while senior Kenyatta Montgomery just rejoined the team six games ago and senior Johan Thomsson has been in and out of the lineup due to injuries.

News and Notes: After nine games, Stony Brook's opponents have outscored the Seawolves 21-11 . . . SBU gave up just 16 goals in all of 2000 . . . Stony Brook hits the road for dates against Northeastern and Boston University next weekend.