Bulldogs honor seniors in season finale

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's soccer team wraps up its 2011 campaign this Sunday, when it hosts Sacred Heart University for an afternoon match at Bulldog Stadium.  Prior to first whistle, the program will honor seven seniors and one graduate student who will be playing in their final contest with the Black and Gold.

The Bulldogs (2-12-1, 1-8 Northeast Conference) will be looking to play the role of spoilers against the Pioneers (8-4-4, 4-13 NEC).  Sacred Heart enters the weekend undefeated in its last seven games, and currently sits alone in sixth place, one point shy of a playoff spot for the conference tournament.  The Pioneers take on Connecticut rival Quinnipiac on Friday before traveling to Smithfield, R.I. two days later.

Bryant will bid farewell to six players who have helped prepare the program for its transition into Division I, as seniors Chris Bronski, Bunmi Familoni, Ethan Friedman, Frankie Hand, Ben Lawrence, Nicholas Parisi and Andrew Snell, along with graduate student Cristian Balestrieri all will lace up for their final collegiate contests.  Over their four seasons, the program has made great strides against some of the top competition in the region.  Bryant becomes eligible for postseason play starting in 2012-13, and the work of these six players undoubtedly has played a role in the Bulldogs' growth over the last four years.

Coming into Sunday, the Bulldogs will be looking to snap a two-game winless streak, as the Black and Gold last emerged victorious on the road at Roberet Morris on Oct. 21.  Bryant will also be looking to snap a streak of 267:42 without a goal, as both Saint Francis (PA) and Fairleigh Dickinson came away with shutouts over the Bulldogs in their last two matches.

Sacred Heart will need at least one win between today and Sunday, and get some help from one of the five teams in front of the Pioneers in the conference standings to qualify for the four-team NEC Tournament starting next week.  The winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

The Pioneers boast one of the stingiest defenses in the league, as their 12 goals allowed rank second-best in the NEC, while their 0.72 goals-against average is third-best.  Netminder Alex Fait has posted some impressive numbers, logging over 1,600 minutes to the tune of an 8-4-4 record, while also posting a .850 save percentage and a 0.67 GAA.

On offense, two players have eclipsed the ten-point mark, with Marcello Castro and Brian Francolini pacing the team with 12 points.  All of Castro's scoring has come by virtue of his team-leading six markers, while Francolini has posted an even four goals and four assists.  Just Brewer has chipped in three goals and dished out three helpers for nine points, as well.

For continuing coverage of Bryant University men's soccer, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and be sure to follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.