June 15, 2010

2010 Schedule

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Games against three 2009 NCAA Tournament participants as well as eight home contests at LaValle Stadium highlight the 2010 Stony Brook University women's soccer schedule as announced by head coach Sue Ryan. Coming off its third straight appearance in the America East semifinals, the Seawolves will play four opponents ranked in last season's RPI Top 100 including two in the Top 40.

"We are extremely excited about our strength of schedule for the 2010 season," Ryan said. "We feel that the rigorous non-conference schedule can prepare us to meet the demands of an increasingly difficult America East conference."

Stony Brook begins its 2010 season on Aug. 20 at Rutgers, who advanced to the NCAA Second Round and finished the season ranked No. 16. The Seawolves tied the No. 23 Scarlet Knights last season, which was its best ever result against a ranked opponent.

SBU opens up its home schedule on Friday, Aug. 27 at LaValle Stadium against Siena. The Seawolves will then take on Iona (Aug. 29) before returning home to take on Marist on Sept. 3.

Following the contest against Marist, Stony Brook will embark on a three-game road trip beginning with ACC power Maryland (Sept. 5). Maryland finished last season ranked No. 11 after winning 14 games and advancing to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.

The Seawolves will take then take on Sacred Heart (9/10) before completing the road swing against Columbia (9/12). SBU then returns home for its next three games, starting with match-up against Fairfield on Sept. 16. Manhattan visits LaValle Stadium on Sept. 19 before Stony Brook opens up America East play against Hartford (9/26).

Stony Brook then travels to take on Albany (9/30) before heading to Boston to take on defending conference champion Boston University (10/3). The Seawolves defeated BU, 2-1, at LaValle Stadium last season, which was the Terriers first loss against an America East opponent in 22 games.

SBU will then play host to Vermont before returning to the road for games against Vermont (10/7) and UMBC (10/10). The Seawolves close the regular season at home against Maine (10/21) and Binghamton (10/24).

The Seawolves return nine of 11 starters from last years squad, including junior Colleen McKenna (Manorville, N.Y.), the 2008 America East Rookie of the Year, and sophomores Sa'sha Kershaw (Baltimore, Md.) and Taryn Schoenbeck (Newark, Del.), who each earned a spot on the 2009 All-America East Rookie team. Kershaw led the team in points (14) and tied for the team lead in goals (six).