October 31, 2006

CONTACT: Van Zanic

Sports Information Director

(724) 847-6886

Season Comes to an End With Disappointing Loss

Canton, OH - First year head coach Todd Beall saw his season team end its season on Tuesday afternoon with a 4-3 loss to Malone. Many of the frustrations that riddled Geneva′s men′s soccer team all season came to fruition again in the season finale. Playing its best soccer at the end of the season, Geneva started quickly and build a two-goal advantage, but three unanswered Malone goals in the final 30 minutes turned out to the difference in Geneva′s season ending loss. The Golden Tornadoes fell to 3-12-3 for their final overall record in 2006.

Geneva′s team started the season by going winless in its first 11 games, including eight shut-outs. Scoring goals was not the problem for Geneva on Tuesday, but preventing them turned out to be the big problem. After Malone scored the game′s first goal, the Golden Tornadoes came storming back with three goals of their own. Jonah Creasy opened the scoring and Neville Lebga connected for his third goal of the season to send Geneva to the half with a 2-1 advantage.

In the second half, Ryan Henretty extended Geneva′s lead to 3-1, which looked to be an insurmountable lead with the way the Golden Tornadoes were dominating play. However, defensive break downs led to Malone′s comeback as the Pioneers filled the net three times late in the match to come away with the 4-3 victory.

A new era of men′s soccer is underway with the leadership of Todd Beall and a handful of youthful ability that will serve as the core of talent that will lead Geneva in 2007. Despite a disappointing record, Geneva has clearly made positive strides in 2006 and will look forward to bigger and better results next season.