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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Joey Walker
A Historic Season
1/18/2018 6:39:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Take a look back at a season for the history books for UNH men's soccer.
By Ashley McManus
Special to UNHWildcats.com
2017 was a historic season for the University of New Hampshire men's soccer team (13-4-5 overall, 4-2-1 America East). Starting all the way back in preseason, to the third round of the NCAA Tournament, the team was determined to leave its legacy, which the Wildcats did this fall by accomplishing goals the program has never reached before. Check out the season highlights here:
UNH MAKES NCAA TOURNAMENT FOR SECOND TIME EVER
The Wildcats went 12-3-4 in the regular season and qualified for their second ever NCAA Tournament appearance. The Wildcats held an RPI of No. 20 going into the NCAA selection show, which earned them an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Head Coach Marc Hubbard: "This year's team had really talented soccer players that collectively defended. We also had great depth which was a major factor in our success this season. We had a lot of different instances this year where guys stepped up when called upon."
PROGRAM HOSTS FIRST EVER HOME NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME
The NCAA Men's Soccer Selection Show was held on November 13th, where the Wildcats learned they would play host to the Fairfield Stags in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Wildcat Stadium. This was the first time the Wildcats hosted a tournament game in program history, and second time making the NCAA Tournament.
Wildcat Extra: Selection Show Video Coverage
WILDCATS EARN FIRST WIN IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
The Wildcats defeated the Stags 3-0, for their first ever NCAA Tournament victory. Graduate student Robin Schmidt (Cologne, Germany) led the way with two goals, while junior Kristian Piippo (Hønefoss, Norway) also scored. Graduate student Andrew Pesci (Windham, N.H.) made five saves to set the school record with his 11th shutout of the season.
Wildcat Extra: Fairfield Recap
Wildcat Extra: Postgame Press Conference
Wildcat Extra: Video Highlights
UNH WINS PENALTY KICK SHOOTOUT AT DARTMOUTH IN SECOND ROUND
The Wildcats headed to #17 Dartmouth (12-3-2) for a second-round matchup. UNH had previously defeated the Big Green by a 4-2 score on Oct. 17 in a regular season showdown at Wildcat Stadium. The game went tied 0-0 through two overtime periods which led to penalty kicks where UNH defeated Dartmouth 4-1. With the shootout victory, the Wildcats moved onto play #2 Indiana in the Round of 16.
Wildcat Extra: Dartmouth Recap
Wildcat Extra: Photo Gallery
Wildcat Extra: Video Highlights
WILDCATS TAKE ON UNDEFEATED INDIANA
In the third-round matchup, the Wildcats traveled to #2 Indiana (17-0-5) in the Round of 16. The Hoosiers scored early taking the 1-0 lead. Indiana then took the 2-0 lead in the 65th minute off of a penalty kick. In the 77th minute, freshman Jacob Gould (Exeter, N.H.) scored off a header. Gould's goal was only the fifth allowed by Indiana all season. Indiana would hold on for the victory. The Hoosiers would go onto reach the championship game and fall to Stanford, 1-0, in double overtime.
Wildcat Extra: Indiana Recap
Wildcat Extra: Final NCAA Tournament Bracket
UNDEFEATED AT WILDCAT STADIUM
The Wildcats went 10-0-3 this season on their home turf at Wildcat Stadium. UNH was just one of nine teams out of 205 to go undefeated at home. To go undefeated at Wildcat Stadium was a goal the team set right at preseason and were able to accomplish it. UNH made Wildcat Stadium one of the hardest places to play in the country for visiting teams.
Wildcat Extra: Wildcat Stadium Wins New England Best Projects Award
NATIONALLY RANKED AND 2-1-1 VS. RANKED TEAMS
The Wildcats were ranked as high as a program-best #12 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. UNH was ranked in 11 of the 14 weeks the poll was conducted. UNH also had success versus ranked teams most notably defeating #22 Boston College on the road, and also defeating #20 Dartmouth at home. The Wildcats were ranked #14 in the final poll. UNH was #17 in the final RPI.
Wildcat Extra: Final United Soccer Coaches Poll
Wildcat Extra: Final RPI
DEFENSIVE SUCCESS
The UNH defense only allowed 13 goals all season, and were a key part of this season's success. The Wildcats outscored their opposition, 32-13. UNH concluded the season with the sixth best team goals against average (0.555) in the nation. Pesci ranked fourth nationally with a school-record 12 shutouts, while his goals against average was eighth.
Willis Griffith (Amherst, N.H.): "We defended as an entire team. Some of our best defenders were actually our strikers. It really started from the front and went all the way back to Pesci in goal. It was a whole team effort as we played methodical and patient, keeping teams off the scoreboard."
STAFF OF THE YEAR
The staff of Hubbard, associate head coach Rich Weinrebe, assistant coach Simeon Steward, goalkeeper coach Dave Williams and director of soccer operations Ryan Carpenter won the United Soccer Coaches East Region Staff of the Year Award and the America East Coaching Staff of the Year Award. Hubbard has a 35-16-8 record over his first three seasons at UNH as the Wildcats have recorded 10+ win seasons each of his first three years at the helm. The last time UNH did that was from 1993-1995.
SCHMIDT NAMED ALL-AMERICAN
Robin Schmidt was only the third Wildcat to earn men's soccer All-American accolades and the first in 23 years. The previous two All-Americans were Bob Black (1976) and Mike Veneto (1993 & 1994). Schmidt, who also earned first team All-East Region accolades, led the Wildcats with eight goals, 17 points and three game-winning goals. He was also named America East Striker of the Year and earned first team All-America East honors.
PESCI STELLAR IN NET
Andrew Pesci had a record-breaking season this year with the Wildcats. He allowed only 13 goals and posted a school-record 12 shutouts. He finished the season ranked fourth in the nation in shutouts and eighth in goals against average (0.555). Pesci earned third team All -East Region accolades.
WILDCATS EARN NUMEROUS ACCOLADES
Many Wildcats were honored for their stellar performances:
Robin Schmidt: Second Team All-American, First Team All-East Region, America East Striker of the Year, First Team All-America East, America East Player of the Week (Oct. 23)
Willis Griffith: Second Team All-East Region, Second Team All-America East
Otto Sahlen: Second Team All-East Region, First Team All-America East
Linus Fallberg: Third Team All-East Region, First Team All-America East, America East Rookie Team
Andrew Pesci: Third Team All-East Region
Josh Bauer: America East All-Rookie Team, America East Rookie of the Week (Oct. 9)
Chris Arling: America East All-Academic Team
Kyle Brewster: America East All-Tournament Team
Jacob Gould: America East All-Tournament Team
UNH Staff: East Region Staff of the Year, America East Staff of the Year
NEW HAMPSHIRE CONNECTION
Nine Wildcats on this year's roster were from New Hampshire. Chris Arling (Windham), Josh Bauer (Bedford), Kyle Brewster (New Hampton), Jack Doherty (Meriden), Jacob Gould (Exeter), Willis Griffith (Amherst), Andrew Pesci (Windham), Chris Pinkham (Concord) and Dylan Thomson (Concord) are very prideful to represent New Hampshire at their flagship state university at UNH at the Division I level. Head coach Marc Hubbard is a native of Durham.
Willis Griffith: "I remember coming to games here when I was 12, so I have been around the UNH soccer culture for a while. But to come in and be a part of this breakthrough year was amazing. One of my proudest soccer moments was to be named a captain for my home state university, and play with kids I played with since I was 12."
SENIORS LEAVE THEIR LEGACY
The motto of the Wildcats starting in preseason was to "Leave Your Legacy" based on the book Legacy the team all read together. The seniors this year definitely left their legacy as they leave one of the most successful teams in program history. They hailed from three different states (N.H., Mass., and Minn.) and three different countries (United States, Germany and South Africa). There were six total seniors which include four graduate students: Nathan Spores, Will Rasid, Dante Lamb, Willis Griffith, Andrew Pesci and Robin Schmidt.
Wildcat Extra: Leaving Their Legacy
NEXT SEASON
For the 2018 season, UNH will look to continue to strive to take the next step and get to the quarterfinal final round of the NCAA Tournament and beyond as they compete for a national championship.
Head Coach Marc Hubbard: "At some point, I'll have time to reflect on the great success we had this year. But now I'm focusing on how to improve next year and how to get better, and make the players better, and put ourselves in a similar position to achieve more next year."
There are numerous ways to stay connected with the UNH men's soccer team. Follow the Wildcats on Twitter @UNHMSoccer and on Instagram @unhmenssoccer.
Special to UNHWildcats.com
2017 was a historic season for the University of New Hampshire men's soccer team (13-4-5 overall, 4-2-1 America East). Starting all the way back in preseason, to the third round of the NCAA Tournament, the team was determined to leave its legacy, which the Wildcats did this fall by accomplishing goals the program has never reached before. Check out the season highlights here:
UNH MAKES NCAA TOURNAMENT FOR SECOND TIME EVER
The Wildcats went 12-3-4 in the regular season and qualified for their second ever NCAA Tournament appearance. The Wildcats held an RPI of No. 20 going into the NCAA selection show, which earned them an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Head Coach Marc Hubbard: "This year's team had really talented soccer players that collectively defended. We also had great depth which was a major factor in our success this season. We had a lot of different instances this year where guys stepped up when called upon."
PROGRAM HOSTS FIRST EVER HOME NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME
The NCAA Men's Soccer Selection Show was held on November 13th, where the Wildcats learned they would play host to the Fairfield Stags in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Wildcat Stadium. This was the first time the Wildcats hosted a tournament game in program history, and second time making the NCAA Tournament.
Wildcat Extra: Selection Show Video Coverage
WILDCATS EARN FIRST WIN IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
The Wildcats defeated the Stags 3-0, for their first ever NCAA Tournament victory. Graduate student Robin Schmidt (Cologne, Germany) led the way with two goals, while junior Kristian Piippo (Hønefoss, Norway) also scored. Graduate student Andrew Pesci (Windham, N.H.) made five saves to set the school record with his 11th shutout of the season.
Wildcat Extra: Fairfield Recap
Wildcat Extra: Postgame Press Conference
Wildcat Extra: Video Highlights
UNH WINS PENALTY KICK SHOOTOUT AT DARTMOUTH IN SECOND ROUND
The Wildcats headed to #17 Dartmouth (12-3-2) for a second-round matchup. UNH had previously defeated the Big Green by a 4-2 score on Oct. 17 in a regular season showdown at Wildcat Stadium. The game went tied 0-0 through two overtime periods which led to penalty kicks where UNH defeated Dartmouth 4-1. With the shootout victory, the Wildcats moved onto play #2 Indiana in the Round of 16.
Wildcat Extra: Dartmouth Recap
Wildcat Extra: Photo Gallery
Wildcat Extra: Video Highlights
WILDCATS TAKE ON UNDEFEATED INDIANA
In the third-round matchup, the Wildcats traveled to #2 Indiana (17-0-5) in the Round of 16. The Hoosiers scored early taking the 1-0 lead. Indiana then took the 2-0 lead in the 65th minute off of a penalty kick. In the 77th minute, freshman Jacob Gould (Exeter, N.H.) scored off a header. Gould's goal was only the fifth allowed by Indiana all season. Indiana would hold on for the victory. The Hoosiers would go onto reach the championship game and fall to Stanford, 1-0, in double overtime.
Wildcat Extra: Indiana Recap
Wildcat Extra: Final NCAA Tournament Bracket
UNDEFEATED AT WILDCAT STADIUM
The Wildcats went 10-0-3 this season on their home turf at Wildcat Stadium. UNH was just one of nine teams out of 205 to go undefeated at home. To go undefeated at Wildcat Stadium was a goal the team set right at preseason and were able to accomplish it. UNH made Wildcat Stadium one of the hardest places to play in the country for visiting teams.
Wildcat Extra: Wildcat Stadium Wins New England Best Projects Award
NATIONALLY RANKED AND 2-1-1 VS. RANKED TEAMS
The Wildcats were ranked as high as a program-best #12 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. UNH was ranked in 11 of the 14 weeks the poll was conducted. UNH also had success versus ranked teams most notably defeating #22 Boston College on the road, and also defeating #20 Dartmouth at home. The Wildcats were ranked #14 in the final poll. UNH was #17 in the final RPI.
Wildcat Extra: Final United Soccer Coaches Poll
Wildcat Extra: Final RPI
DEFENSIVE SUCCESS
The UNH defense only allowed 13 goals all season, and were a key part of this season's success. The Wildcats outscored their opposition, 32-13. UNH concluded the season with the sixth best team goals against average (0.555) in the nation. Pesci ranked fourth nationally with a school-record 12 shutouts, while his goals against average was eighth.
Willis Griffith (Amherst, N.H.): "We defended as an entire team. Some of our best defenders were actually our strikers. It really started from the front and went all the way back to Pesci in goal. It was a whole team effort as we played methodical and patient, keeping teams off the scoreboard."
STAFF OF THE YEAR
The staff of Hubbard, associate head coach Rich Weinrebe, assistant coach Simeon Steward, goalkeeper coach Dave Williams and director of soccer operations Ryan Carpenter won the United Soccer Coaches East Region Staff of the Year Award and the America East Coaching Staff of the Year Award. Hubbard has a 35-16-8 record over his first three seasons at UNH as the Wildcats have recorded 10+ win seasons each of his first three years at the helm. The last time UNH did that was from 1993-1995.
SCHMIDT NAMED ALL-AMERICAN
Robin Schmidt was only the third Wildcat to earn men's soccer All-American accolades and the first in 23 years. The previous two All-Americans were Bob Black (1976) and Mike Veneto (1993 & 1994). Schmidt, who also earned first team All-East Region accolades, led the Wildcats with eight goals, 17 points and three game-winning goals. He was also named America East Striker of the Year and earned first team All-America East honors.
PESCI STELLAR IN NET
Andrew Pesci had a record-breaking season this year with the Wildcats. He allowed only 13 goals and posted a school-record 12 shutouts. He finished the season ranked fourth in the nation in shutouts and eighth in goals against average (0.555). Pesci earned third team All -East Region accolades.
WILDCATS EARN NUMEROUS ACCOLADES
Many Wildcats were honored for their stellar performances:
Robin Schmidt: Second Team All-American, First Team All-East Region, America East Striker of the Year, First Team All-America East, America East Player of the Week (Oct. 23)
Willis Griffith: Second Team All-East Region, Second Team All-America East
Otto Sahlen: Second Team All-East Region, First Team All-America East
Linus Fallberg: Third Team All-East Region, First Team All-America East, America East Rookie Team
Andrew Pesci: Third Team All-East Region
Josh Bauer: America East All-Rookie Team, America East Rookie of the Week (Oct. 9)
Chris Arling: America East All-Academic Team
Kyle Brewster: America East All-Tournament Team
Jacob Gould: America East All-Tournament Team
UNH Staff: East Region Staff of the Year, America East Staff of the Year
NEW HAMPSHIRE CONNECTION
Nine Wildcats on this year's roster were from New Hampshire. Chris Arling (Windham), Josh Bauer (Bedford), Kyle Brewster (New Hampton), Jack Doherty (Meriden), Jacob Gould (Exeter), Willis Griffith (Amherst), Andrew Pesci (Windham), Chris Pinkham (Concord) and Dylan Thomson (Concord) are very prideful to represent New Hampshire at their flagship state university at UNH at the Division I level. Head coach Marc Hubbard is a native of Durham.
Willis Griffith: "I remember coming to games here when I was 12, so I have been around the UNH soccer culture for a while. But to come in and be a part of this breakthrough year was amazing. One of my proudest soccer moments was to be named a captain for my home state university, and play with kids I played with since I was 12."
SENIORS LEAVE THEIR LEGACY
The motto of the Wildcats starting in preseason was to "Leave Your Legacy" based on the book Legacy the team all read together. The seniors this year definitely left their legacy as they leave one of the most successful teams in program history. They hailed from three different states (N.H., Mass., and Minn.) and three different countries (United States, Germany and South Africa). There were six total seniors which include four graduate students: Nathan Spores, Will Rasid, Dante Lamb, Willis Griffith, Andrew Pesci and Robin Schmidt.
Wildcat Extra: Leaving Their Legacy
NEXT SEASON
For the 2018 season, UNH will look to continue to strive to take the next step and get to the quarterfinal final round of the NCAA Tournament and beyond as they compete for a national championship.
Head Coach Marc Hubbard: "At some point, I'll have time to reflect on the great success we had this year. But now I'm focusing on how to improve next year and how to get better, and make the players better, and put ourselves in a similar position to achieve more next year."
There are numerous ways to stay connected with the UNH men's soccer team. Follow the Wildcats on Twitter @UNHMSoccer and on Instagram @unhmenssoccer.
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