The men's soccer team will complete its regular season this Saturday at 11 a.m. at UCAA rival Skidmore. The Dutchmen need a victory over the Thoroughbreds and a loss by Vassar to homestanding Rensselaer in order to have a chance at qualifying for the UCAA's four-team postseason tournament. Last year Skidmore upset the Dutchmen, 1-0, in the regular-season finale that allowed Hobart to qualify as the fourth team.
Union goes into this Saturday's game with a league record of 2-4, including a 2-0 victory over Vassar. Each victory is worth three points with ties earning one point. Vassar, which is 2-3-1, has seven league points while 2-2-2 Skidmore has eight points. St. Lawrence ended its league season with a 6-1 record and will host the tournament.
The Dutchmen's 2-1 overtime victory over Utica on Wednesday ensured that the team will finish the campaign with their third consecutive winning season for the first time since the 1991-92-and 93 campaigns. Head Coach Jeff Guinn, who is finishing his eighth season, has guided the Dutchmen to an overall record of 28-20-3 over the last three years, including the 9-6-1 mark so far this year. He gives his seniors much of the credit for the program's foundation.
“Our senior class is a small, but has been a very important group in developing our program to where it is today,” said Guinn. “After a very difficult first year, where season-ending injuries seemed to happen twice a week, these players continued to believe in the program and in our ability to rebuild into a team that is competitive with anyone in the region.
“Peter Devine has been a great offensive weapon for us,” Guinn continued. “He is as skilled a player as you will find at this level and he was recognized last season as a UCAA All-Conference selection. Injuries have set him back this season, but he has played very well down the stretch scoring against both Vassar and Hobart.
“Kevin Dolan is a coach's player,” said Guinn. “He has been a starter for the majority of the games in his career at left midfield or outside back. Kevin is steady and predictable and always puts in his best effort. As a captain this season he has lead by example and has become more vocal. Peter scored a couple big goals this season against Southern Maine and New Paltz.
“Chris Johnson has been a great program player. He has been a backup goalie for much of his career, which is difficult. Chris has handled the role very well and has always supported his teammates and has given his best efforts in training and on the field.”
The seniors and the rest of the Dutchmen are hoping to extend their season for at least one more week.