Men's Soccer Claims New Identity

Lyndon State College's men's soccer team has looked like a different team this season.

After failing to qualify for the North Atlantic Conference playoffs in 2009, the 2010 edition of the Hornets made it to their first-ever NAC finals.

The Hornets had a couple of NAC standouts this season. Goalkeeper Jason Gray led the NAC with an 85.5 save percentage, and forward Patrice Lumumba was second in the NAC with 25 points. Lumumba also led the conference with five game-winning goals.

Lumumba is not afraid to have ball come his way when the team needs a key goal.

"I know I am a fast player and I can beat anybody one-on-one. My mindset is to keep playing hard, and know that I can score a goal when we need one," Lumumba said.

The Hornets finished the regular season with 10 wins, three losses, and three ties. Four of those wins came against NAC opponents. All three of the Hornets' losses came on the road as the team did not lose a single game on its home pitch.

Gray knew that the team was talented and committed from the very beginning of the season.

"In the beginning of the season the team set a goal, and that goal was to win the NAC conference. After the preseason was over and practice started, I saw a lot of talent on the team and saw the team doing well in the conference," he said.

Entering the NAC playoffs as the number-four seed, the Hornets were able to defeat Maine Maritime 4-1. Then, they proceeded to defeat Castleton 3-1 in the semifinals. However, the Hornets' run ended in the NAC finals with a 3-1 loss at Thomas.

Lumumba showed disappointed in the loss to Thomas, but has not given up on the team.