2008 Woodie Awards
Duddy and mates are out to salvage soccer season
Mickey Bell '08
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Sports
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The Saint Joseph's University men's soccer team is showing they know what it means to step up when it really counts. After two huge wins over conference rivals George Washington and Richmond on Friday and Sunday, the Hawks stand alone at first place with a 3-0 record in the Atlantic 10.
Indeed, the sudden success for the Hawks comes as a pleasant surprise. In non-conference matchups, the team compiled a lowly 1-7-1 record. But the team is aware that all that matters now are the remaining six games on their schedule, all against A-10 competition.
"We weren't playing well early on, but if we keep playing like we're playing and keep winning, then we will make the playoffs," said captain Patrick Duddy, '08.
A large part of the team's recent success can be traced to Duddy's performance. He tallied his first career goal, the game-winner against the rival Temple Owls, in a 1-0 victory on Oct. 13 at Finnesey Field. Duddy stole the ball deep in Temple territory and put one past the Owls' goalie on a breakaway in the 81st minute.
His performance earned him the Philadelphia Soccer Seven Player of the Week on Oct. 15.
Duddy must have enjoyed the feel of scoring because he went on to score goals in the next two games as well, including an important header that hit the back of the net against George Washington at home on Friday, Oct. 19. The Hawks ended up winning that key contest 2-1 in double overtime on a goal by captain and midfielder Ian Kane, '08.
"I may have scored a few, but our whole team is playing really well," Duddy said. "Everyone is putting it on the line, everyone is playing hard, and that is the way you have to play to win these games."
In defeating Richmond University at Finnesey Field on Sunday, Oct. 21, the Hawks men's soccer team accomplished a program first. The win was the first all-time against the Spiders after five previous failed attempts.
The team continued their streak of clutch performances including fearless defense, outstanding goaltending from Bryan Benedict, '09, and timely goals. Forward Colin Baker, '11, was the hero on Sunday with a header in 85th minute that allowed the Hawks to tally yet another 1-0 win. Baker leads the team this season with four goals already, an impressive feat for the freshman.
Indeed, the sudden success for the Hawks comes as a pleasant surprise. In non-conference matchups, the team compiled a lowly 1-7-1 record. But the team is aware that all that matters now are the remaining six games on their schedule, all against A-10 competition.
"We weren't playing well early on, but if we keep playing like we're playing and keep winning, then we will make the playoffs," said captain Patrick Duddy, '08.
A large part of the team's recent success can be traced to Duddy's performance. He tallied his first career goal, the game-winner against the rival Temple Owls, in a 1-0 victory on Oct. 13 at Finnesey Field. Duddy stole the ball deep in Temple territory and put one past the Owls' goalie on a breakaway in the 81st minute.
His performance earned him the Philadelphia Soccer Seven Player of the Week on Oct. 15.
Duddy must have enjoyed the feel of scoring because he went on to score goals in the next two games as well, including an important header that hit the back of the net against George Washington at home on Friday, Oct. 19. The Hawks ended up winning that key contest 2-1 in double overtime on a goal by captain and midfielder Ian Kane, '08.
"I may have scored a few, but our whole team is playing really well," Duddy said. "Everyone is putting it on the line, everyone is playing hard, and that is the way you have to play to win these games."
In defeating Richmond University at Finnesey Field on Sunday, Oct. 21, the Hawks men's soccer team accomplished a program first. The win was the first all-time against the Spiders after five previous failed attempts.
The team continued their streak of clutch performances including fearless defense, outstanding goaltending from Bryan Benedict, '09, and timely goals. Forward Colin Baker, '11, was the hero on Sunday with a header in 85th minute that allowed the Hawks to tally yet another 1-0 win. Baker leads the team this season with four goals already, an impressive feat for the freshman.
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