Kean athletics had victorious Homecoming

By Craig Epstein | Published Oct. 21, 2017

October 7 was a day to remember for Kean athletics. With four of the five teams that played claiming victory, there was a lot to remember for the alumni that returned to their alma mater.

Perhaps the most impressive win came from the football team. Coming in at 1-3, the Cougars trounced William Paterson by a final score of 56-0. It was the program’s first shutout since November 7, 2009, also against William Paterson. In addition, it was their most points scored in a game since 2012.

Another quality win for Kean came from the women’s soccer team. Rallying from a one-goal deficit, the Cougars defeated William Paterson by a final score of 2-1. The win propelled the team to a 9-4 record overall (3-2 NJAC).

“It was the biggest win of the season to this point,” said Head Coach Brian Doherty. “It gave us sole possession of fourth place as we started the day in a three-way tie for fourth; the team really stepped up, played hard, and executed well.”

The field hockey team proved themselves once again when they defeated SUNY New Paltz by a final score of 2-1. Kean not only outshot the Hawks 23-7, but also held a 12-10 advantage in penalty corners. With the win, the Cougars improved to a 13-0 record overall, one win shy of a program record that was set just last year.

“As the season progresses, it becomes increasingly more difficult to maintain our undefeated streak because everyone is scouting online and this allows coaches and players the opportunity to make adjustments prior to game day,” said Head Coach Leslie LaFronz. “New Paltz has always been a difficult opponent for us and it was their senior day which makes their players even more motivated to win.”

For LaFronz, it was through “Cougar perseverance” that Kean was able to come out of the game with a hard-fought victory.

The final team to pick up a big win was the men’s soccer team. Kean was able to get on the board early with a seventh minute goal by senior back fielder Eder Solano. It wasn’t until the 52nd minute that the Pioneers were able to tie the game with a booming shot from JP Gonzales.

Behind four saves from Derek Phells, junior forward Vinceroy Nelson was able to seal the deal for the Cougars with a goal in 71st minute. With the thrilling 2-1 victory over rival William Paterson, the Cougars improved to a 5-5-1 record overall (1-4-0 NJAC).

Homecoming weekend is not only a special time for the returning alumni, but for the current batch of Kean students as well. So, to have most of the athletic teams that played claim victory made the weekend even more memorable.

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