Men's Soccer Earns the Sweep in Vermont

Johnson, VT ~ The Paul Smith's College men's soccer team swept their opponents in Vermont over the weekend, thrashing Vermont State University at Lyndon 7-1 on Saturday before finishing off Vermont State University at Johnson 2-0 on Sunday. 

Nick Grover (Batavia, NY) collected a hat trick on Saturday at VSU Lyndon and followed up that performance with a game winning goal on Sunday at VSU Johnson.  The intimidating sophomore striker stands at just 6'0" but plays the game like he's seven feet tall, winning battles in the air and punishing defenders and keepers alike with his powerful style of play. 

Paul Smith's College Athletic Director and men's soccer coach Zack Luzzi was pleased with his team's pace of play and their ability to control the games.  "Men's Soccer had great team wins this weekend," said Luzzi.  "We were able to dictate the tempo of both games.  We saw some great performances and sophomore striker Nick Grover finished with 4 goals in 2 games."

Saturday's game was all PSC as the Bobcats dominated from the first whistle.  At just over a minute into the match, junior right back Tim Romero (Pueblo, CO) launched a perfectly placed length cross into the penalty area which Grover smashed into the back of the net with an impressive header.  The Hornets would concede an own goal in the 32^nd minute before senior captain Dalton Tenorio (Crestview, FL) added another just a minute later, giving the Bobcats a 3-0 lead going into the half. 

Grover completed his hat trick just seven minutes into the second half with consecutive goals, and while the Hornets got one back it was just too much for the home side to overcome.  Cody Hanson (Fonda, NY) and Derek Burns (Bloomville, NY) finished out the scoring, while Hanson, and newcomers Nathan Wiley (Wareham, MA) and Keith Vivlamore (Red Creek, NY) each added solo helpers in the 7-1 victory.

Sunday's game was more of the same, and even though the 2-0 score didn't reflect it, the Bobcats dominated the Badgers right from the start.  It remained tied at the half, but Nick Grover would again strike at the 49^th minute mark to put the Bobcats up 1-0.  Derek Burns added an insurance goal with five minutes remaining in the game with a beautiful volley from a corner set up by Dalton Tenorio, as the Bobcats cruised to victory and a weekend sweep of their opponents in Vermont. 

The men's soccer team is back in action at home this upcoming Saturday, September 9^th vs. UMaine – Augusta at 3pm.  You can follow the on Instagram at @paulsmithsmsoc or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for schedules, scores, photos, and much more!

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.