Showcasing a mix of talented newcomers and veterans, the 2009 New York University men's soccer team finished with a 7-8-2 overall record under the guidance of 13-year head coach Joe Behan. The season was capped with University Athletic Association (UAA) victories over Washington University and Brandeis University.
NYU couldn't find a rhythm early in the season, starting the year 4-6 through the first 10 contests. Two of those losses came at the hands of nationally-ranked opponents Stevens Institute of Technology and Richard Stockton College. However, the Violets rallied near the end of the season by going 3-2-2 down the stretch.
“The 2009 season ended on a positive note,” Behan said. “However, we must not allow a third losing season in a row. This is our first and foremost goal to achieve as we also push on to go back to the Big Dance (NCAA Tournament).”
Individually, senior Brandon Hintz capped off an impressive career at NYU by leading the Violets with six goals, including two game-winners.
It was also a season for new faces to step up and play significant minutes for the Violets. Freshman Kyle Green played a pivotal role in NYU's offensive attack, leading the team in shots (39) and tying for the team high with three assists. He also found the back of the net often with five goals, second most on the squad. For his outstanding rookie campaign, Green was named Second Team All-UAA.
Also contributing mightily for NYU in 2009 was the trio of junior Nick Coulson, freshman Ronny Scardino and senior co-captain Christopher Wolf. All three garnered Honorable Mention All-UAA status.
Coulson, a defender, started 15 of the Violets' 17 games and helped hold five opponents scoreless and four UAA opponents to one goal or less. Scardino, a midfielder, blasted three goals for the season, including a game-winner against John Jay College. Wolf played a pivotal role as center back for NYU, starting all seven UAA contests as the Violets finished tied for fifth in the final standings (2-3-2).
In the net, senior Marek Urbanski compiled a record of 5-6-2 with four shutouts and was second in the UAA with 3.87 saves per game.
The Violets also fared well in the classroom, as seven student-athletes earned UAA Fall Sport All-Academic recognition.
