Twelve institutions participate in the America East Conference in men’s soccer.  The Conference expanded from ten to twelve participating members in 2001 with the addition of Albany and Stony Brook.  Each institution plays an 11 game regular season schedule to determine a regular season champion. 

 

The Conference wisely decided to expand its tournament from four to six participants this year thus providing a greater opportunity for participation in it.  Seeding in the conference tourney is determined by  standing during the regular season.  Teams receive three points for each win and one point for each tie against conference members in regular season play.  The third seed plays the sixth seed with the winner facing the number two seed.  The fourth seed faces the fifth seed with the winner advancing to face the number one seed.   The two winners then face each other to determine the Conference Champion.  The winner of the America East Conference Tournament receives an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. 

 

Based on action through Friday October 26, all teams have completed eight conference matches.  The race for the regular season title and the determination of the six teams that will qualify for the Conference Tournament which will begin November 7 is still somewhat up for grabs. 

 

With three conference games yet to be played, Boston University and Towson are tied point wise for the top spot with identical 6-1-1 records.   Hofstra gave both Boston University and Towson their lone loss to date.  Boston tied New Hampshire and Towson tied Hartford.  Boston University and Towson will face each other on November 4 in Boston. Boston University is now in the drivers seat as a result of their big 2-1 overtime victory over Hartford Friday night.  The Terriers have to face Vermont and Delaware prior to the match with Towson.   Towson has to face Maine and Northeastern before traveling to face Boston University.  If either Boston University or Towson wins their remaining three matches they will win the regular season title. 

 

Northeastern is currently in the number three slot with a 6-2-0 record.  The Huskies are still in the running for the top spot but their 2-1 loss to Vermont on Thursday night hurt their cause somewhat.  Boston University earlier defeated Northeastern 2-0 to account for their other conference loss.  Northeastern’s remaining three contests are against Hartsford, Towson and Delaware. The outcome of the Northeastern vs. Hartford match on Sunday October 28 is big.  

 

Hartford is currently in the number four spot with a 5-2-1 record.  The Hawks have lost their last two conference matches;  a 3-2 defeat on the road at New Hampshire and a 2-1 loss at home in overtime to Boston University.  Hartford hosts Northeastern Sunday in a key match and they then travel to face Albany before returning home to host Stony Brook.

 

Hofstra is currently the number five team in the conference with a record of 5-3-0.  Their conference losses have been to Northeastern 3-1, Hartford 4-0, and Stony Brook 1-0.   Hofstra is a very competitive team but the loss to Stony Brook on Friday has made things a little more difficult for the Pride.  They will host Albany on Sunday October 28, they are on the road to face Maine on November 2, and travel to end regular season play at New Hampshire on November 4. 

 

New Hampshire is currently sitting in the number six ranking in the conference with a 3-3-2 record.  The Wildcats have conference wins over Maine, Stony Brook, and Hartsford.  They tied Boston University and Vermont.  They are a very good team but they are on the bubble in terms of qualifying for one of the top six slots and therefore making the Conference Tournament.  The Wildcats travel to face Delaware Sunday, and then host Drexel, and Hofstra.  The match against Delaware is big in terms of making the six team cut. 

 

Delaware - Delaware is currently the seventh place team in conference action with a 3-4-1 record.  The Blue Hens defeated Maine Friday night to remain in contention for the tournament.  They host New Hampshire on Sunday in a match that can go either way.  They finish the season with two tough road games against Boston University and Northeastern.  The Blue Hens can still make the six team cut but they have a step hill to climb.

 

Albany - The Great Danes are in the number eight spot with a 3-5-0 record.  Their remaining matches are against Hofstra, Hartford, and Vermont.

 

Vermont - The Catamounts kept alive their chances for one of six berths in the tourney when they upset Northeastern Friday night 2-1 on two Jamie Farrell goals.  They are currently 2-5-1 in America East play.  Vermont is playing much better of late but they have placed themselves in a very big hole in terms of making the six team cut.  The Catamounts 1-0 loss at Maine in overtime on October 21 in particular hurt their chances.  Their only hope is to take care of the things that they control.  In other words win the rest of their matches and hope that other events fall their way.  Vermont faces  Boston University at home on Sunday and they host Stony Brook on November 2.  They then travel to face Albany on November 4. 

 

Stony Brook - The Seawolves are also 2-5-1 to date in conference play.  They got a big win Friday when they defeated Hofstra 1-0.  Their remaining matches are with Drexel on Sunday, at Vermont, and at Hartford. 

 

Drexel - The Dragons are 2-6-0 in conference play.  They have won their last two conference matches recording a 1-0 win over Delaware and a 3-1 win over Albany.  Their remaining games are all on the road.  They travel to face Stony Brook on Sunday,  face New Hampshire on November 2 and then close out the regular season on November 4 at Maine.

 

Maine - The Black Bears are 1-7-0 in conference action.  Their lone win is a 1-0 overtime victory against Vermont.  They face Towson on Sunday October 28  then host Delaware and Towson to close out the season.