Box Score

WAYNE , N.J. – William Paterson's men's soccer team (0-1) fell to Misericordia (1-0), 2-1, in both teams' season opener Aug. 31 in the La Quinta Inn Cup at Pioneer Soccer Park.

The Cougars took an early lead when senior forward Colin Hynes played a short corner, dribbling along the end line and cutting back to find the back of the net in the 18 th minute. The second goal of the season came three minutes later when junior midfielder buried a cross from sophomore back Cody Harman.

The Pioneers retaliated with 10 minutes left in the first half when freshman forward Julian Valerio (Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan) blasted a shot from the deep right wing that the keeper could not corral, scoring his first career goal.

The pace quickened in the second half for both teams, but the Pioneers were unable to notch a second goal to tie the game.

Of the 23 players on the Pioneers' 2007 roster, 18 are new to the program, including 17 freshmen. William Paterson's new lineup was especially apparent during the second half, as the majority of players on the field were freshman. However, 16 th-year head coach Brian Woods was pleased with the level of play from his rookies.

“At one point, we had nine freshmen on the field,” said Woods. “But, the guys played well. Hopefully we can continue to improve from here.”

The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, Sept. 1, with a match against Wilkes at 3:00 p.m.