Tournament Champions
Albany College of Pharmacy
Albany Pharmacy successfully defends their tournament championship entering the tournament for the second straight year as the #2 seed, reaching the finals with a 3-0 win over Cooper Union in the semis. In the other half of the draw, #4 Berkeley upset the regular-season champions #1 Culinary, with a 2-1 win the shootout.
In the championship, Berkeley struck first in the 16th minute, but Albany Pharmacy equalized the game two minutes later and both teams remained tied after the opening 45, despite Berkeley controlling most of the play.
In the second half, Albany Pharmacy scored two quick goals in the 57th and 58th minutes changing the complexion of the game. The Panthers kept the offensive pressure for most of the half, only allowing Berkeley two shots. Another insurance goal in the 81st minute sealed Panthers’ title defense.
Tournament Results
Semifinals
#4 Berkeley def. #1 Culinary, 2-1 (Shootout)
#2 Albany Pharmacy def. #3 Cooper Union, 3-0
Championship
#2 Albany Pharmacy def. #4 Berkeley, 4-1
2009 Tournament MVP
Ryan Michonski • Albany College
of Pharmacy
Junior • Midfielder • Southwick,
MA
Ryan Michonski repeats as HVMAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, tallying a goal and an assist in the championship. The junior midfielder scored the team’s first goal to equalize the game, shifting back the momentum from Berkeley’s only goal two minutes prior. Michonski later assisted on the game-winning goal and his strong midfield play help the Panthers control the second half which proved the difference.
2009 Coach of the Year
Neil Simon • Cooper Union
Neil Simon has been selected by his peers as 2009 HVMAC Soccer Coach of the Year, snapping the three-year streak Michael Murphy has held the honor. Simon nearly led his Cooper Union team to a second place finish in conference, losing to eventual champions Albany Pharmacy in OT in the last regular season game.