UMFK has built a soccer tradition of not only excellence on the field but in the classroom as well.  We are looking for players who share the same desires to succeed.

HEADLINES

UMFK men’s soccer lands three from county  5.20.09

Ashby Coach of the Year  1.09.09

Anderson NAIA All-American

Jacoby Scholar-Athlete  12.9.08

Men's Soccer Season comes to a close at Elite 8

#2 Rio Grande deals Bengals 1st loss of season  12.3.08

2008 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship

Quarterfinal Recap  12.3.08

Men's Soccer takes down Notre Dame

Advances to 1st ever Elite 8  12.3.08

2008 NAIA MSoccer Nationals Day 2 Recap

MSoccer advances  11.22.08

Bengals win 3-1 in PKs over #18 NU

Bengals back up to NAIA #10

Hoping to host National Tournament game

Nov 12, 2008

UMFK Men's & Women's Soccer SC Champs!

Nov 9, 2008

Bengals NAIA #10

1 game away from 2nd straight perfect season

Oct 28, 2008

Kansas City, MO - The University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team is #10 this week in the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for the fifth straight week released Tuesday evening by the national office in Kansas City, Missouri.  The 17-0-0 Bengals went 3-0 last week and have now won 36 consecutive regular season games.  Coach Bill Ashby’s Bengals have given up only four goals on the year which ties them for first all time with the1988 Maine-Farmington team which gave up four goals in 15 matches.  The Bengals have one game remaining this Sunday when they host Maine Machias at 12pm in Fort Kent.  The Bengals are looking for their second consecutive undefeated season and could host a NAIA National Tournament first round game November 22nd if they remain in the top 16 in the polls.

NAIA Story

Official NAIA Statistics

Bengals slide by Green Knights

Oct 26, 2008

Fort Kent, ME - The UMFK men’s soccer team defeated Vermont Technical College 5-0 on a rain soaked day in Fort Kent, Maine Sunday in Sunrise Conference action.  A steady rain caused both UMFK and Vermont Technical College problems all day with footing especially for most of the first half.  However, junior Luka Odak (Kutina, Croatia) found the back of the net in the 35th minute from 20yards out on an assist from Jarryd Phillips (Johannesburg, S. Africa) and Keith Williams II (Trinidad & Tobago).  Williams added another goal two minutes later to put UMFK up 2-0 at the half with an assist from junior Captain Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, S. Africa) and Dwayne Smith (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica).  Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) scored early in the second half in the 50th minute as he cleaned up a ball which was fumbled by VTC keeper Sean Davis (10 saves, 40 shots).  Jacoby then was set up by Anderson and Williams in the 54minute and Damion Stone (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) scored in the final minute to complete the scoring on the day for the NAIA #10 Bengals.  Giovanni Sinclair (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) was not force to make a save in earning the shut out win for UMFK who remains undefeated at 17-0-0 (13-0-0 SC).  VTC drops to 5-11 (3-11 SC) on the year.

Bengals handle CSJ

Oct 25, 2008

Fort Kent, ME - The UMFK men’s soccer team moved to 16-0-0 with a 8-0 blanking of College of Saint Joseph (VT) Saturday afternoon in Sunrise Conference action.  The NAIA #10 Bengals move to 12-0 in conference play and with two more games remaining in their regular season, UMFK is eyeing back-to-back undefeated regular seasons.  Dwayne Smith (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) opened the scoring in the 1st minute just thirty seconds into the contest on an assist from Keith Williams II (Trinidad & Tobago) and Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica).  Oniqueky Samuels (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica), Anderson, Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, S. Africa), and Andrew Gervais (Frenchville, ME) all added first half goals to put UMFK up 5-0 at the half.  Tim McDermott (Madawaska, ME) and Jacoby added second half goals for UMFK and Giovanni Sinclair got the shut out win making one save on one shot.  Fighting Saints keeper Mike Riel made eight saves on 27 UMFK shots as CSJ falls to 1-14-0 (1-12-0 SC) with the loss.

Bengals retain barrel

Oct 23, 2008

Presque Isle, ME - The UMFK men’s soccer team defeated county and conference foe 7-0 in the annual Potato Barrel Classic Thursday evening at Presque Isle Middle School.  The undefeated and NAIA #10 Bengals scored five first half goals to take their eighth straight Potato Barrel over Maine Presque Isle.  Keith Williams II (Trinidad & Tobago) scored the opening goal in the 25th minute and finished the contest with a hat trick.  Jermaine West (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) followed with back to back goals in the 34th minute 10 seconds apart to set the tone for the evening.  UMFK (15-0-0) out shoot the host Owls 27-6 and dominated possession for much of the night.  Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) followed the West goals with two of his own in the 43rd minute to give UMFK a five goal lead at intermission.  Williams added two early second half goals in the 45th and 52nd minutes to complete the scoring on the night.  Giovanni Sinclair earned the shutout win in goal for UMFK making one save.  UMPI drops to 9-5-2 with the loss.

Bengals remain at #10 in NAIA poll

Oct 22, 2008

Kansas City, MO - The University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team remained at #10 this week in the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll released Tuesday evening by the national office in Kansas City, Missouri.  The 14-0-0 Bengals went 3-0 last week and have now won 33 consecutive regular season games.  They are the only team in the top 25 without a loss or tie.  Coach Bill Ashby’s Bengals defeated Maine Presque Isle at home last Tuesday 7-1 and then picked up two Sunrise Conference road victories over the weekend beating SUNY Canton 7-0 and Paul Smith’s College to improve to 10-0-0 in SC play.  The Bengals have three of their final four games at home with the exception being this Thursday in the annual “Potato Barrel” contest in Presque Isle vs. Maine Presque Isle.  They will then host Vermont Sunrise Conference schools College of Saint Joseph Saturday and Vermont Tech Sunday before closing out their regular season schedule at Thursday verse Maine Machias.

NAIA Top 25

Official NAIA Statistics

Bengals roll past PSC

Oct 19, 2008

Paul Smith’s, NY - Andre Anderson (SO Manchester, Jamaica) scored three goals and assisted on two others as the UMFK men’s soccer team rolled past Paul Smith’s College 10-1 to improve to 14-0-0 and 10-0-0 in SC play.  The #10 NAIA nationally ranked Bengals scored five goals in each half in the lopsided victory which now gives UMFK 33 straight regular season victories dating back to a 1-0 loss to UMPI on Oct. 18, 2006.  Keith Williams II (FR Trinidad & Tobago), who is #3 in the NAIA in points and #2 in goals, had two goals and an assist for UMFK while Luka Odak (SO Croatia) had two goals.  Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, S. Africa) added a goal on a penalty kick with Josh Nichols (SR Hartland, ME) and Wally Stewart (SO St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) coming off the Bench to score the final two goals of the contest.  Andrew Sorci scored for Paul Smith’s in the first half on Bengal keeper Giovanni Sinclair (SO St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) made five saves on six shots for the win.

UMFK downs Roos

Oct 18, 2008

Canton, NY - The UMFK men’s soccer team displayed great balance in dealing SUNY Canton a 7-0 loss Saturday in Sunrise Conference action in up-state New York.  Seven different players found the back of the net in the win which kept the Bengals record perfect at 13-0-0 and 9-0-0 in SC play.  Andre Anderson (SO Manchester, Jamaica) opened the scoring for UMFK in the 3rd minute on an assist from Keith Williams II (FR Trinidad & Tobago).  The NAIA #10 team in the country then followed with scores from Williams, freshmen Jarryd Phillips and Emlyn Jacoby (both from Johannesburg, S. Africa) to close out the first half up 4-0 to a solid SUNY Canton side.  The UMFK depth picked up for the starters in the second with goals from senior Andrew Gervais (Frenchville, ME), Wally Stewart (SO St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) and Henly Comrie (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica).  Stewart had two assists on the day and Jermaine West (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) added another.  Giovanni Sinclair made two saves for his sixth shut out of the season in goal for UMFK who out shoot Canton 22-5.

Bengals hold strong at #10

Oct 7, 2008

Kansas City, MO - The University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team remained at #10 this week in the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll released Tuesday evening by the national office in Kansas City, Missouri.  The 10-0-0 Bengals picked up two Sunrise Conference road shutout victories over the weekend beating College of Saint Joseph 7-0 and Vermont Technical College 8-0 to improve to 6-0-0 in SC play.  UMFK has now won 26 consecutive regular season contests and have given up only two goals this season.  The Bengals are preparing for a home stand in which they will entertain Fisher College Saturday at 11am and then in-state foe and Sunrise Conference #2, Maine Presque Isle Tuesday at 3pm.  Rio Grande (Ohio) remains at number one for the third consecutive week while UMFK and Hannibal-LaGrange College (Mo.) are the only two teams in the top 10 without out a loss or tie.

NAIA story and complete Top 25

Official NAIA Statistics

Bengals roll past VTC

Oct 5, 2008

Randolph, VT - The UMFK men's soccer team earned their 10th win Sunday beating host Vermont Technical College 8-0 in Sunrise Conference action.  Keith Williams II (Trinidad & Tobago) scored three goals, including the first two of the game, and Jarryd Phillips (Johannesburg, S.Africa) added one goal and two assists for the undefeated and #10 nationally ranked (NAIA) Bengals (10-0-0 / 6-0-0SC).  Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) and Andrew Gervais (Frenchville, ME) had a goal and an assist each for UMFK who out-shot the host Green Knights 34-1 and scored five second half goals.  Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, S.Africa) and Jermaine West (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) also scored for the Bengals while Walford Stewart, Dwayne Smith (both St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) and Josh Nichols had assists.  UMFK keeper Giovanni Sinclair (St. Eizabeth, Jamaica) earned the shut out win making one save while Will Chadwick made 26 saves for VTC (4-4-0 / 2-4-0 SC).

UMFK defeats Fighting Saints

Oct 4, 2008

Rutland, VT - Luka Odak (Croatia) and Jermaine West (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) scored two goals and had an assist each as UMFK dealt the host College of Saint Joseph a 7-0 loss Saturday in Sunrise Conference soccer.  Dwayne Smith (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) had one goal and two assists for UMFK who held CSJ without a shot on goal and scored all seven goals in the first half.  Keith Williams II (Trinidad & Tobago) scored the first UMFK goal and Jarryd Phillips (Johannesburg, S.Africa) and Walford Stewart (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) also scored for UMFK who moved to 9-0-0 (5-0-0 SC) with the win.  Andrew Gervais (Frenchville, ME), Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica), Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, S.Africa) and Tim McDermott (Madawaska, ME) had assist each for UMFK.  Jason Stone made 21 saves on 28 UMFK shots for 1-7-0 (1-6-0 SC) CSJ.  Giovanni Sinclair (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) got the shut out for UMFK in goal.

Bengals continue to climb in NAIA poll, hit #10

Sept 30, 2008

Kansas City, MO - The University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team keeps winning and climbing up the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches Poll.  The Bengals have now reached #10 in the weekly poll which was released Tuesday evening by the national office in Kansas City, Missouri.  The 8-0-0 Bengals defeated Maine Machias 7-1 this past Saturday in their only game of the week.  UMFK continues to the lead the nation in several team and individual statistical categories and have now won 26 consecutive regular season contests and have given up only two goals this season.  The Bengals will travel to Vermont this weekend for conference games vs. College of Saint Joseph (1-4-0 / 1-3-0 SC) on Saturday and Vermont Tech (3-3-0 / 1-3-0 SC) on Sunday.

NAIA story and complete Top 25

Official NAIA Statistics

Williams named Player of the Week

Sept. 29, 2008

Canton, NY - UMFK freshmen forward Keith Willams II (Trinidad & Tobago) has been named Sunrise Conference Offensive Player of the Week in a statement released Monday by the conference.  Williams had two goals and two assists in a 7-1 conference win at Machias on Saturday.

Bengals spoil Clippers Homecoming

Sept. 27, 2008

Machias, ME - UMFK men’s soccer scored five first half goals including four in the first 13minutes in a 7-1 win over Maine Machias Saturday in Machias as part of Homecoming weekend.  Keith Williams II (FR, Trinidad & Tobago) opened the scoring two minutes into the contest and then Jarryd Phillips (FR, Johannesburg, S. Africa) scored back to back goals in a two minute span (8th and 9th minute).  Andre Anderson struck again for NAIA #12 UMFK in the 13minute to give the Bengals a huge 4-0 cushion less than 15minutes into the contest.  UMFK reserve Jermaine West (FR, New Baaldec, Jamaica) added two goals, one to close the first half in the 44th minute and one to complete the Bengals’ scoring in the 82nd minute.  Williams II added another goal in the second half to go along with two assists on the day while Anderson, Phillips and sophomore Luka Odak (Kutina, Croatia) also contributed two helpers a piece.  Additional assists were credited to Emlyn Jacoby (JR, Johannesburg, S. Africa), Henley Comrie (SO, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica), and Andrew Gervais (SR, Frenchville, ME) while sophomore keeper Giovanni Sinclair (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) earned the win for UMFK (8-0-0 / 4-0-0 SC) making one save on seven UMM shots.  Patt Corliss scored for UMM in the second half while keeper Adam Mauro kept busy for most of the day making 12 saves on 32 total UMFK shots (17 on goal).

UMFK up one to #12

Sept 23, 2008

Kansas City, MO - The University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team climbed up another spot to #12 in the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches Poll released Tuesday evening by the national office in Kansas City, Missouri.  The 7-0 Bengals recorded two shutouts at home over the weekend vs. conference schools SUNY Canton (2-0) and Paul Smith’s (11-0).  Coach Ashby’s Bengals play only once this week when they travel to in-state conference foe Maine Machias Saturday for an 11am match-up.  UMFK currently leads the nation in goals (35), assists (32), shots on goal (107) and overall shots (194).

Click here to view the NAIA story and complete Top 25

Bengals blank Roos

Sept 20, 2008

Fort Kent, ME - The NAIA #13 ranked University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team defeated State University of New York at Canton 2-0 on Saturday in Sunrise Conference action at Alumni Memorial Field in Fort Kent, Maine.  Forwards Andre Anderson (So, Manchester, Jamaica) and Keith Williams II scored a goal and had an assist each to lead UMFK past Canton.  Anderson opened the scoring in the 15th minute with Spencer Jacoby (Fr, Johannesburg, S. Africa) also receiving an assist on the goal on long with Williams.  The Bengals scored the second goal of the game early in the second half with Williams getting the goal on an assist from Anderson and Dwayne Smith (Jr, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica).  The Bengals out shot Canton 20-4 on the day and Giovanni Sinclair (So, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) earned the shutout making three saves behind a rock solid UMFK defensive half.  Homero Flores made nine saves on the day for the 2-4-1 (2-1SC) Bobcats.  UMFK remains undefeated at 6-0 (2-0SC).

Bengals overwhelm Bobcats

Sept 21, 2008

Fort Kent, ME - The Bengal offense exploded as the host NAIA #13 UMFK men's soccer team defeated Paul Smith’s College 11-0 Sunday in Sunrise Conference action.  Keith Williams II (Fr, Trinidad & Tobago) and Andre Anderson (Jr, Manchester, Jamaica) completed an impressive weekend up front for UMFK as they combined to score five of the first six UMFK first half goals to give the host a 6-0 lead at intermission.  Williams scored three and Anderson two while Emlyn Jacoby (Jr, Johannesburg, S. Africa) added a penalty kick.  Josh Nichols (Sr, Hartland, ME) opened the scoring early in the second for UMFK as they struck five more times in the second for the convincing win.  The Bengals scored an own goal and then received scores from Oniqueky Samuels (So, St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica), Jermaine West (Fr, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) and Jarryd Phillips (Fr, Johannesburg, S. Africa) for the final margin.  UMFK (7-0 / 3-0SC) keeper Giovanni Sinclair (So, St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica) earned his second shutout of the weekend and fifth overall making one save on one shot while PSC (1-4 / 1-3SC keepers Beau Marshall and Seth Branch stayed busy all day combining to make 10 saves on 35 UMFK shots.

Bengals up to #13, Coach Wulf Koch’s Senators #1

Sept 16, 2008

Kansas City, MO - The University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team climbed up to #13 in the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches Poll released Tuesday by the national office in Kansas City, Missouri.  The 5-0 Bengals set a new school record with their ranking and with two shutouts this past weekend have now only given up 1 goal on the year (SCAD Sept 10).  2008 UMFK Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee Wulf Koch’s Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) Senators are this weeks’ new number one team.  They have opened their season 5-0-0.

NAIA Full Story & Complete Top 25

Bengals stay unbeaten

Sept 13, 2008

Bangor, ME - Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) had two goals to lead the visiting Bengals past Husson 3-0 Sunday in Bangor, ME.  Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, S. Africa) assisted on both Anderson goals while Keith Williams II added an unassisted goal off his own rebound.  Miguel Dominquez made five saves on 17 UMFK shots while Giovanni Sinclair (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica) earned the shut out for the Bengals (5-0) making four saves on 14 shots for Husson who dropped to 1-4 with the loss.

UMFK takes conference opener

Sept 12, 2008

East Boston, MA - Freshmen Keith Williams II (Trinidad & Tobago) scored three times and Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) added two goals as the Bengals offense ignited in their conference opener vs. Fisher in East Boston, MA.  Dwayne Smith (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica), Andrew Gervais (Frenchville, ME) and Henley Comrie each added a goal a piece while Jermaine West (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica) had three assists.  The Bengals out shoot Fisher 45-0 with Derick Plourde (Fort Kent, ME) getting the shut out win.  Fisher keeper Lang Jarrison made 33 saves in the loss.

Bengals tame Bees

Sept 10, 2008

Fort Kent, ME - UMFK Sophomore Walford Stewart (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica) scored in the 81st minute to lead NAIA #18 UMFK past visiting Savannah College of Art & Design in a non-conference NAIA showdown in Fort Kent, Maine Wednesday.  Stewart gathered a ball outside of the 18 and tucked a ball into the low corner past the sprawling hands of SCAD keeper Robbie Wright to give UMFK the eventual game winner.  SCAD forward Dan Fadida scored an equalizer in the 51st minute on a penalty kick as a result of a foul in the box by UMFK keeper Giovanni Sinclair (3 saves).  Bengal midfielder Dwayne Smith (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica) opened the scoring for UMFK in the 39th minute on an assist from junior captain Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, South Africa).  Sinclair had 3 saves on 3 shots for UMFK while SCAD goalie Wright made 3 saves on 13 UMFK shots.  The Bengals improve to 3-0 while SCAD drops to 1-3-1 on the season.

UMFK Men's Soccer #18 in first NAIA National Top 25 Poll

Sept 10, 2008

Kansas City, MO - The UMFK men’s soccer team was ranked number 18 in the first NAIA Men’s Soccer Top 25 Poll released Tuesday evening by the NAIA national office in Kansas City, Missouri.  The 3-0 Bengals were ranked #22 in the preseason polls August 19 and have opened their season with three solid wins at the UMPI Kickoff Classic this past weekend 6-0 over Thomas and 3-0 over Lyndon State.  Wednesday's win over pre-season #25 SCAD could also help UMFK climb in the polls depending on their results this weekend at Fisher College Saturday and Husson Sunday.  Coach Bill Ashby’s Bengals reached the NAIA Top 25 and won a first round National Tournament match for the first time in school history in 2007 where they finished the season at 21-1-0 in the Sweet 16.  UMFK Men’s Soccer is on a 19 game regular season winning streak dating back to a 1-0 loss to Maine Presque Isle on October 18 of the 2006 season.  The men’s Sunrise Conference win streak stands at 24 games dating back to a conference finals loss to Lyndon State 2-1 back on November 5, 2005.

Anderson and Blake Garner Men's Soccer Players of the Week

Bengals start season with two solid wins

September 8, 2008

Presque Isle, ME - The Bengal men grinded out a tough 3-0 shutout win over Lyndon State on Saturday.  UMFK outshoot LSC 17-2 in the contest and got goals from Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) Jarryd Phillips (Johannesburg, S. Africa) and Keith Williams II (Trinidad & Tobago) while Williams added an assist.  Freshmen Spencer Jacoby (Johannesburg, S. Africa) had an assist for 2-0 UMFK amd Giovanni Sinclair (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica) made two saves for his second consecutive shutout.  Jeff Giroux made 14 saves for 0-1 LSC.

On Friday the Bengals, ranked #22 in the NAIA preseason polls, opened their season with a 6-0 shutout of Thomas.  Freshmen Jarryd Phillips (Johannesburg, S. Africa) scored twice in his college debut while 2007 NAIA scoring leader Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) had one goal and three assists as UMFK scored three goals in each half.  Freshmen Keith Williams II (Trinidad & Tobago) had one goal and an assist.  Damion Stone and Henley Comrie (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica) added a goal each and Walford Stewart (St. Elizabeth’s) had an assist for the 1-0 Bengals.  Giovanni (St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica) made two saves on two Thomas shots in getting a shutout in his first collegiate game as a goal keeper while Curtin Keegan and Anthony Wheeler combined to make 15 saves on 21 UMFK shots for 1-1 Thomas.

Anderson, Williams and Jacoby were named to the PowerAde UMPI Kickoff Classic All-Tournament Team.

2008 UMFK MEN'S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW

Men look to reach even higher heights

August 25, 2008

Fort Kent, ME - The Bengal men's soccer team is looking to repeat as SC and Region X champs with their eyes on returning to the NAIA National Tourney where they advanced to the Sweet 16 in a magical 2007.  The Bengals went 21-1-0 in 2007 with their only defeat coming to nemesis Ohio Dominican who has eliminated UMFK from the post season three times in the past eight years.  The Bengals will kick off 2008 at the Maine Presque Isle Kick-Off vs. NCAA III teams Thomas and Lyndon State September 6&7.  The Bengals will then host NAIA Savannah A&D out of the Florida Sun in their home opener who was NAIA Pre-Season #25, on September 10 followed by a road Sunrise Conf opening match at Fisher College in Boston September 13.  The Bengals other out of conference match will be at Husson in Bangor the following day September 14.  The conference schedule will feature 14 games highlighted by the return of country rival Maine Presque Isle with games slated for October 14 in Fort Kent and October 23 under the lights at Skyway field in Presque Isle.  The Bengals will cap off conference play with their season finale at home vs. Maine Machias October 30.  The top four schools will advance to the SC Final Four in Portland, Maine November 8 & 9 with the winner receiving an automatic bid to the 2008 NAIA National Tournament beginning November 22 first round play to be held at higher seeds.  The Sweet 16 will advance to Fresno, California December 1-6.  2007 SC and Region X Coach of the Year Bill Ashby returns a strong nucleus led by top goal and point scorer Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) who was named Rookie of the Year in 2007 and NAIA assist leader and team captain Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, South Africa) as well as Aroostook County products in seniors Andy Martin (Fwd Van Buren) and goalkeeper Derick Plourde (Fort Kent).  Many other familiar faces will be back in addition to a strong cast of newcomers giving the Bengals a legitimate chance to return to the Sweet 16 and possibly beyond.

UP NEXT ...

EXHIBITION VS. DALHOUSIE 5PM AUG 29 FORT KENT

view complete 2008 schedule

Bengals NAIA pre-season #22

August 18, 2008

Kansas City, Mo. - The University of Maine at Fort Kent Men’s Soccer team will begin defense of their Sunrise Conference and Region X Championship as the pre-season number twenty two ranked team as the 2008 NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Preseason Top 25 Poll was released late yesterday by the NAIA national office in Kansas City, Missouri.  Defending NAIA National Champion Azusa Pacific (Calif.) received all 18 first place votes in the poll to begin the year at #1.   Coach Bill Ashby's Bengals broke into the top 25 last season (21-1-0) for the first time in school history and were ranked #19 in the final regular season poll of 2007.  They now begin 2008 with hopes of climbing even higher into the national scene and deeper into the National Tourney having advanced to last year’s Sweet 16.  However, UMFK will be tested early as they face NCAA III schools Thomas College and Lyndon State at the Maine Presque Isle Classic Sept 5&6 and then host NAIA Pre-Season #25 Savannah College of Art & Design (Ga.) out of the Florida Sun Conference in Fort Kent on Wednesday Sept 10.  It could be the first time in school history that two teams in the NAIA Top 25 play at Alumni Memorial Field if both teams remain in the top 25 following the release of the Sept 9 ratings.  2007 UMFK Hall of Fame inductee and alumni Coach Wulf-Dieter Koch’s Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.) team begins the year as preseason #3.  NAIA Press Release

Coach Bill Ashby and Andre "Shorty" Anderson show off their Region X Coach and Player of the Year hardware from this past 2007 season.

      

UMFK staff photos

 

Bengals go to the Dogs

3.6.08

Fort Kent, ME - With temperatures in the single digits anda prediction of 12 inches of snow on the way, the University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team members guided world class athletes to the starting line for the 16th Annual Can-Am International sled dog race.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent men’s soccer team volunteered as dog handlers and event setup crew for the one of the marquee sled dog venues in the lower 48 states.  The Can-Am 250 mile race is a qualifier for the renowned Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska.  

The Can-Am, which is held in Fort Kent, Maine each year, sponsors a 30 mile race, 60 mile race and the 250 mile Iditarod qualifier race.  With an estimated 5000 people lining the snow covered Main Street of Fort Kent, the 90 Mushers and 1000 dogs were treated to loud cheering and an air of excitement as they started their race, which offers over $40,000 in prize money.

Emlyn Jacoby of Johannesburg, South Africa, UMFK soccer team captain, was one of the starting gate dog handlers.  “My job was to help bring the dog teams from the staging area to the starting gate.  Once the dogs were hooked into their harnesses, it was all I could do to hold them back, they were ready to run.  It took several handlers per team to hold the dogs back.  I was very surprised by their strength and focus to compete.  These dogs are true athletes.”

Andre Anderson and Barrington Blake of Jamaica were also dog handlers for the 90 teams.  “I had a great time handling the dogs, these dogs are crazy with excitement, I couldn’t believe how fast they are and how far they can run,” said Blake.  “When Coach Ashby told me we were working the dog race I was a little nervous, before this race I was not a dog lover, but these dogs are something else.  I would love to be a dog handler next year as well”, said Anderson. 

“We had to have a dog team to the starting line every two minutes,” said Dwayne Smith of Jamaica.  “There was no trouble in getting them to the starting line, but it was all you could do to keep them there until the count down,” said Smith.

Story featured on NAIA Region X page

Complete 2008 Can-Am Crown results

Ashby to coach summer NPSL team Maine Sting

12.6.07

Bangor, ME - The Maine Sting announced today that Bill Ashby has been awarded the position of head coach in 2008.  Ashby will provide the organization an experienced leadership to the newest addition to the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Northeast Division. Atlantic Sports Group Press Release

Soccer players honored as NAIA Scholar Athletes, All-Americans

11.26.07

UMFK staff photo

NAIA National Office - Multiple UMFK men's soccer players were recognized by the NAIA as the men's 2007 Daktronics-Scholar Athlete teams and 2007 All-American teams were announced prior to Thanksgiving.  Miguel Gomez (Sr., Fwd Islas Canarias, Spain), Andrew Martin (Jr., Fwd Van Buren, Maine), Dustin Nadeau (Sr., Back St. Francis, Main) and Sean Platt (Sr., BacK Keene Valley, NY) all made the men's scholar athlete team.  Martin and Platt joined teammates Derick Plourde (Jr., GK Fort Kent, Maine) Andre Anderson (Fr., Fwd Manchester, Jamaica), Dwayne Smith (So., MF St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) Emlyn Jacoby (So., MF Johannesburg, So. Africa) and Geovanni Sinclair (Fr., Back St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) as All-American honorable mentions.  A complete list of award winnners can be found at the below links.

2007 Men's Soccer Daktronics Scholar Athletes

2007 NAIA Men's Soccer All-American Team

Tony Gauvin Photo

Bengals magical season comes to an end

11.15.07

Olathe, Kansas - #4 Ohio Dominican ended the finest season in UMFK men’s soccer history and one of the best runs by a Maine college with a convincing 7-0 win in a 2007 NAIA National Tournament quarter-final game in Olathe, Kansas at the CBAC Center on the campus of Mid American Nazarene.  The Panthers advance to the semi-finals with the win and end UMFK’s season for the third time in four years. 

Scott Shrewsbury scored just 36seconds into the match on a 20yard shot that was misread Bengal keeper Derick Plourde (Fort Kent).  The Bengals seemed to be a step behind for most of the first half as the Panthers would score four more times in the first.  Eddie Hertsenberg (19:50), Joey Held (25:51) and David Bauer (33.56) found the back of the net and Held's second goal of the half in the 39th minute gave the Panthers a 5-0 commanding halftime lead.  The Bengals would show signs of life in the final ten minutes of the first half as Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) broke free on two occasions for point blank attempts only to be turned away by an ODU defense that gave up only four goals all year.  The Panthers added two more second half goals by Zach Roberts in the 67th minute and Devin Cowan at 78:19.  The Bengals simply didn’t get enough opportunity vs. a very capable defense and the early goals gave ODU even more flexibility on both ends of play.  Plourde, under pressure all day, made eight saves as the Panthers out-shot UMFK 15-4 and advance to the national semi-finals.  ODU keeper Eric Pfiefer made two saves to record a record of his own, a 16th shut-out on the year.  UMFK has now ended their season at the hands of Ohio Dominican three out of the past four years. 

Although UMFK got outplayed in this particular game, they were able to string together 21 straight wins including their second straight Region X Title.  UMFK who ends the year at 21-1-0 made history as the first team in school history to break into the NAIA Top 25 and then stayed their getting as high as #18 in the nation.  The team set team records in wins (21), overall points (345), goals (117), assists (112), as well as shutouts (12).  Andre Anderson set single season points (66) and goal (27) marks as a freshmen and Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesbury, S. Africa) now holds the individual assist record (21).  Plourde’s 12 shutouts are new bench mark.  The program’s first National Tournament trip was perhaps the most significant record achieved as they gain valuable experience at the highest level of soccer in the NAIA and have but the UMFK program on the national scene.  UMFK will begin to set their sights on 2008 with 11 regular starters returning, Coach Ashby’s Bengals should only get better.

Bengals Advance, win first ever National Tournament match

11.14.07

Olathe, Kansas – The UMFK men’s soccer team magical season continued Wednesday with a first round 2-1 win over #20 Northwestern (Iowa) at the 2007 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Tournament.  The win was the first ever for UMFK playing in their first ever National Tournament contest.  Dwayne Smith opened the scoring for UMFK (21-0-0) in the 33rd minute on an assist from Andre Anderson and scored from outside the top corner of the box.  Anderson then added another goal in the 41st minute has he took the ball from a Northwestern defender and scored from about 20yards out to give UMFK a 2-0 halftime lead.  Northwestern answered in the 58th minute as their leading scorer Brad White broke free on a rebound and finished under UMFK keeper Derick Plourde to get the Red Raiders within one goal.  NWC (12-8-1) kept heavy pressure on UMFK for the remainder of the match but the Bengal defense and Plourde were able to keep them from converting.  Plourde finished the match with six saves on seven shots including five big saves in the second half.  NMC keeper Ben Schneider made three saves on five UMFK shots.  The #13 Bengals advance to play #4 Ohio Dominican who had a first round bye.  The game will be played at 1pm (ET) on Thursday.

Bengals take Sunrise Conference Championship

11.5.07

#1 UMFK 2  #2 SUNY Canton 0

Portland, ME – Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) scored two first half goals and #1 UMFK defense controlled play in a 2-0 win over #2 SUNY Canton to give the Bengals an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament in Olathe, Kansas Nov. 14th – 20th at the College Boulevard Activities Center on the Campus of MidAmerican Nazarene University.  Anderson, who was named Rookie and Offensive Player of the Year by the conference on Thursday, scored in the second minute on an assist from Luka Odak (Kutina, Croatia) and Sean Platt (Keene Valley, NY) and again in the 35th minute on a beautiful feed from Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, South Africa).  In the second half, UMFK tightened up their defense and controlled possession to earn their first ever trip to the NAIA National Tournament after two appearances in the NAIA Region IX tournament in 2004 and 2006 which both ended in losses to Ohio Dominican.  This season, the sunrise conference added new teams to the soccer mix with Fisher College and SUNY Canton giving them seven members and the chance for the conference champion to advance directly to the 20 team NAIA National Tournament.  UMFK (20-0-0 / 14-0-0 SC) has had their eyes on that prize all season wining 20 consecutive games to earn their trip.  The Bengals out-shot SUNY Canton 22-12 and had a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks.  Derrick Plourde (Fort Kent, ME) got the shutout win for UMFK who will now wait unitl midweek to see who they get in the first round of their first ever National Tournament appearance.  SUNY Canton (12-5-0 / 11-3-0), who had an extremely impressive season in their first year of Sunrise Play, got four saves from keeper Steven Bullcok but simply could not solve the Bengal defense.  They are not alone, 20 teams have tried this season and all have failed.

Bengal advance to fifth straight conf. final with shutout win

11.4.07

#1 UMFK 3  #4 Paul Smith’s 0

Portland, ME – Andy Martin (Van Buren) scored two goals and Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) had a goal and an assist as #1 UMFK beat #4 Paul Smith’s College 3-0 to advance to the Sunrise Conference Men’s Soccer Finals.  Derrick Plourde (Fort Kent) got the shut-out in goal for 19-0 UMFK making one save on four shots while PSC keep Paul Dudek made 13 saves on 37 shots in the loss.  Emlyn Jacoby (Johannesburg, S. Africa) and Dwayne Smith (St. Eliz., Jamaica) had assists for UMFK who advances to play #2 SUNY Canton who were 3-2 winners over U-Maine Machias in the other conference semifinal.  The championship game will be played at 11am on Monday at Deering High School's Memorial Field with an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament in Olathe, Kansas on the line.

Anderson named Rookie & Player of the Year, Ashby Coach of the Year

11.2.07

Portland, ME - Freshmen star Andre Anderson (Manchester, Jamaica) was named Rookie and Offensive Player of the Year, Head Coach Bill Ashby was named Coach of the Year and UMFK took seven of fourteen spots on the Sunrise All-Conference Team as individual and team awards were handed out Thursday evening in Portland, ME by the Sunrise.  2007 Sunrise Conference Men's Soccer Awards