Notre Dame de Namur University

Men's Soccer

Montes Earns NSCAA All-American Honors

December 13 – Junior forward Cristobal Montes continued to add to his awards, adding Second Team All-American accolades from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America to his trophy case.

Montes (Fremont, CA / John F. Kennedy HS) turned in another excellent season, finishing second on the team in goals (8), points (20) and assists (4) while leading NDNU with four game-winning-goals . He tied for fourth in the conference in points and goals and placed fifth in points-per-game at 1.1.

Montes earned First Team All-Pacific West Conference honors for the third straight season while also being named NSCAA First Team All-West Region and Daktronics Second Team All-West Region honors.

As a sophomore Montes was named First Team All-PacWest and Second Team All-West Region by Daktronics after scoring a team leading ten goals. Montes started his career with one of the finest freshman seasons in school history, leading the conference with 14 goals and 34 points while being named PacWest Player of the Year, PacWest Newcomer of the Year, Daktronics First Team All-West Region and NSCAA Second Team All-West Region.

For his career, Montes has earned five conference awards, five regional awards and one All-American award. The NSCAA/Performance Subaru NCAA Men’s Division II All-American honors were the first in school history for any sport.

IIn addition to Montes earning First Team NSCAA All-West Region accolades, senior defender Oswaldo Hernandez and junior midfielder Christian Rosales were named to the Second Team. All-American Teams

Four Argos Earn All-West Region Selections

November 17 – Cristobal Montes, Oswaldo Hernandez, Armando Garcia and Isiah Castro earned further recognition this week as all four added to their All-PacWest honors with a selection to the 2010 Daktronics All-West Region Second Team.

Montes and Hernandez picked up First Team All-Conference accolades last week with Garcia and Castro being named to the Second Team.

Montes (Fremont, CA/John F. Kennedy HS) garnered his third straight All-West Region honors after being named Second Team last season and First Team in 2008. The junior forward finished second on the team in goals (8), points (20) and assists (4). Senior defender Hernandez (Shafter, CA/Liberty HS) is also a repeat performer after earning Second Team accolades in 2008.

Garcia (Redwood City, CA/Sequoia HS) was one of only two freshman to make the team after turning in an impressive debut season. Garcia was also named PacWest Freshman of the Year after scoring a team leading nine goals this season.

Castro (Watsonville, CA/Watsonville HS) made the Second Team after recording the finest goalkeeping season in school history. The junior set a school record and finished second in the nation in goals-against-average (0.47), allowing just seven goals in 1340 minutes of action. He also ranked d 8th in Division II with a 0.854 save percentage while recording seven shutouts.

The four players on the All-Region Team is a record for NDNU after placing two in each of the past two years. The Argos also led all West Region schools with four players being named to the squads.

Seven Argos Earn All-PacWest Honors
Garcia Named Freshman of the Year

November 12 – Seven Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer players earned All-Pacific West Conference accolades for their efforts this season, including Armando Garcia who was named Freshman of the Year.

Cristobal Montes, Christian Rosales and Oswaldo Hernandez all added to their trophy cases with First Team All-Conference honors while Garcia, Arturo Gomez, Isiah Castro and Philipp Hoog were all named to the Second Team.

Montes (Fremont, CA/John F. Kennedy HS) earned his third straight First Team All-PacWest selection with another fantastic season at forward for the Argonauts. The junior finished second on the team in goals (8), points (20) and assists (4) while leading NDNU with four game-winning-goals. Montes tied for fourth in the conference in points and goals and placed fifth in points per game at 1.1.

Joining Montes on the First Team were senior defender Oswaldo Hernandez (Shafter, CA/Liberty HS) and midfielder Christian Rosales (Redwood City, CA/St. Francis HS).

Hernandez made his second appearance on the First Team after earning the same distinction in 2008. He missed last season with a knee injury but returned as a senior to help NDNU to one of their best defensive season in history. He started all 18 games at sweeper, leading the Argos to the 6 th best defense in the country with a 0.59 goals against average.

Rosales garnered First Team honors after being named to the Second Team last season and Honorable Mention as a freshman. He was the catalyst for the NDNU offense, starting 17 games as a center midfielder and was constantly around the ball. Rosales finished the season with two goals and four assists.

Garcia (Redwood City, CA/Sequoia HS) turned in one of the finest debut season in school history. The freshman forward led the team in goals with 9 and points with 21 while finishing ranked third in the league in total points, points per game (1.31), total goals and goals per game (0.56). He is the first Argonaut to earn Freshman of the Year honors and was also named Second Team All-Conference.

Gomez (San Diego, CA/Castle Park HS) earned Second Team accolades after being named to the First Team last year. The junior midfielder was clutch for the Argonauts all season, with two of his five goals coming as game winners. Gomez finished third on the team with 12 points, adding two assists to his goal total.

Castro (Watsonville, CA/Watsonville HS) recorded the best goalkeeping season in school history, finishing with a 0.47 goals against average and seven shutouts. Castro finished second in the nation in goals-against-average, allowing just seven goals in 1340 minutes of action. He made 41 saves on the season and finished 8 th in Division II with a 0.854 save percentage. Castro also set a school record with five consecutive shutouts and did not allow a goal in 707 consecutive minutes of action.

Hoog (Munich, Germany) closed out his NDNU career with his first appearance on an All-PacWest team. The senior started all 18 games at centerback, combining with Hernandez to lead the Argos to the 6 th ranked defense in the nation. Hoog was a staple on the back line that finished 4 th in the country in shutout percentage at 0.61.

The Argos closed the season with a 13-3-2 record, giving them a school record 0.778 winning percentage. They finished the third in the PacWest with a 10-2-2 record while just missing the NCAA tournament after ranking 5 th in the West Region. All-PacWest Teams

Argos Rout Dominican in Season Finale

November 7 – Five different Argonauts scored as the Notre Dame de Namur soccer team closed out their season with a 5-0 victory over Dominican. The Argos moved to 13-3-2 on the season and finished third in the PacWest at 10-2-2.

NDNU started off strong but could not find the net until late in the first half. With 25 seconds left in the first, Nathan Carlson ripped a strike from 25 yard out that dipped right over the keeper.

The second half was all Argos as the home team tacked on four goals. Armando Garcia scored in the 51 st minute to make it 2-0, chesting home a cross from Christian Rosales. Eight minutes later Arturo Gomez added a goal, heading in a flick by Chris Arceo.

IIn the 67 th minute Haig Farajian scored his first career goal, hitting home a failed clear from 35 yards out. Nick Arredondo got involved in the scoring in the 89 th minute when he scored his first career goal with a header.

Isiah Castro made four saves for NDNU to record his seventh shutout of the season. Castro finishes the year with a 0.47 goals against average. BOX SCORE

Argos and Antelopes Tie in PacWest Showdown

October 30 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team battled to a 1-1 tie with Grand Canyon in a crucial PacWest contest. The Argos needed a win to overtake the Antelopes for first place but remain in second with a 9-1-2 record.

The first half was evenly played with each team taking three shots. The Antelopes had the best scoring chance but Kyle Ciliento’s volley was saved by Isiah Castro.

The action pick up in the second half with both teams turning up the offensive pressure. GCU nearly scored in the 48 th minute when Pat Perkins ripped a shot off the post. In the 59 th minute, NDNU broke through on a goal by Christian Rosales. Rosales brought the ball up field and sent it out wide to Frank Barnes. Barnes then passed to the top of the box where Armando Garcia flicked it to a charging Rosales who beat the goalie.

The Antelopes evened the score in 74 th minute when Mitchell Garcia sent a free kick over the Argonaut defense to the back post. Cliliento finished the play off by knocking the ball in to tie the game.

Grand Canyon nearly went ahead two minutes later when Nick Sykes hit the post on a chance from the top of the box.

After regulation ended without a winner both overtimes passed without real scoring chances.

The Argos held a 14-10 shot advantage for the game with Castro making four saves for NDNU and Ben Paneccassio stopped two for GCU.

NDNU closes out the season with a pair of home games this week against Academy of Art and Dominican. BOX SCORE

Argos Rank 4 th in NCAA Regional Poll,
Garcia Named PacWest Player of the Week

October 26 - The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team is making their move up the NCAA West Regional rankings on the heels of their nine game unbeaten streak. The Argos, who moved up a spot from the previous week, used victories over Hawaii Pacific and BYU Hawaii and tie against Hawaii Hilo to jump into the fourth slot.

The Argos are 8-0-1 in their previous nine games and currently sit at 12-2-1 overall while leading the PacWest with a 9-1-1 conference record. NDNU trails CSU San Bernardino, Chico State and Grand Canyon in the poll with the top-4 teams earning an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

NDNU has been using a nationally ranked defense all season to remain in the race for a NCAA Tournament berth. The Argos currently rank 7 th in the country with a 0.59 goals against average and are 2 nd in shutout percentage with ten shutouts in 15 games. Additionally, goalie Isiah Castro ranks 4 th in goals against average at 0/43 and sixth in save percentage at 0.86.

Castro is riding a 633 scoreless minute streak and recorded four shutouts in NDNU’s 4-0-1 trip to Hawaii this past week.

Freshman Armando Garcia used the trip as his breakout to his rookie campaign, scoring four goals on the trip and being named PacWest Player of the Week. Garcia scored against Chaminade in NDNU’s 2-1 before scoring both goals in an important 2-0 victory over third place Hawaii Pacific. He ended the trip with the second goal in a 3-0 win over BYU Hawaii.

In addition to Garcia, junior Cristobal Montes, freshman Jesus Gonzalez and junior Isiah Catro we named to the PacWest Weekly Honor Roll. Castro posted 290 scoreless minutes and three shutouts while Montes and Gonzalez each scored a goal against BYU Hawaii.

The Argos return to action on Saturday with a crucial showdown with Grand Canyon at Koret Field at 11:30 am. The Antelopes are 3 rd in the region and the winner of the game will have the upper hand in the battle for the PacWest title.

Argos Blank BYU Hawaii

October 23 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team closed out their five game Hawaii road trip with a 3-0 victory over BYU Hawaii. The Argos improved to 9-1-1 in PacWest play with the victory and currently sit atop the conference.

NDNU outshot the Seasiders 13-1, dominating from the start on their way to a third consecutive shutout. The Argos got on the board in the 20 th minute when Cristobal Montes beat goalie McKay Harper and found the back of the net. Less than four minutes later Armando Garcia made it 2-0 when he received a pass from Arturo Gomez and scored.

The second half was much of the same as the Argos controlled the ball and held a 6-0 shot advantage. Jesus Gonzalez added a third goal in the 76 th minute when he followed up Gio Linares’s shot.

Isiah Castro went untested in net for NDNU but extended his scoreless streak to 633 minutes while recording his fifth straight shutout.

The Argos return home for their final three games, starting with second place Grand Canyon coming to Koret Field on Saturday. BOX SCORE

Garcia Nets Two as Argos Top Hawaii Pacific

October 20 – Freshman forward Armando Garcia recorded a pair of goals as the Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team toppled Hawaii Pacific 2-0. The Argos moved back into first place in the conference at 8-1-1 while improving to 11-2-1 overall.

NDNU was in control throughout, holding a 9-4 shot advantage while controlling the ball for most of the game. Garcia got the scoring starting in the 33 rd minute when he followed up a shot by Frank Barnes and put the ball into the upper right corner of the goal.

IIn the second half, Garcia scored just seven seconds into the half when took the ball down the right flank, cut inside and banged the goal home off a HPU defender. Jesus Gonzalez picked up the assist on the play.

IIsiah Castro earned the shutout with 90 strong minutes in net, making two saves. He extended his scoreless minutes steak to 543 while lowering his goals against average to .47.

The Argos close out their Hawaii road trip on Saturday when they take on BYU Hawaii. BOX SCORE

Argos Battle to Scoreless Tie with Hawaii Hilo

October 18 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team played 110 minutes of scoreless action with Hawaii Hilo before the game ended in a 0-0 tie. The Argos moved to 7-1-1 in conference play with the tie and currently sit second in the PacWest with 22 points.

The game was close throughout with the Argos holding a 9-8 shot advantage while both teams put five shots on goal. Isiah Castro and Dane Kaylor came up big for their teams, making five and four saves respectively. Kaylor made the game’s biggest stop in the final minutes of the second overtime when he stopped Cristobal Montes’s penalty kick.

Castro extended his scoreless minutes streak to 453 minutes with the shutout and lowered his goals against average for the season to 0.51.

The Argos continue their Hawaii road trip with a game against Hawaii Pacific on Wednesday afternoon. BOX SCORE

Argos Win Fifth Straight, Topple BYU Hawaii

October 14 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team won their fifth straight contest, using a pair of second half goals to down BYU Hawaii 2-0. The Argos opened up their five game Hawaii trip with the win and improved to 6-1 in PacWest play.

The Argos outshot the Seasiders 8-4 in the first half but managed just one shot on goal. The second half started out with BYUH taking the first two shots before the NDNU offense got things going. The Argos took the game’s final eight shots and broke the scoreless tie in the 72nd minute.

Frank Barnes sent a crossing pass to Arturo Gomez who beat goalie Zachary Rasmussen. The goal was Gomez’s fourth of the season and would prove to be his second straight game-winning-goal. The Argos added an insurance goal in the 89th minute when Chris Arceo found Cristobal Montes on the left side. Montes banged home the goal off the post for his team leading seventh of the season.

Isiah Castro extended his scoreless streak to 343 minutes while recording his third shutout of the season. Rasmussen made four saves for the Seasiders.

The Argos are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Honolulu to take on Chaminade. BOX SCORE

Argos Dominate CSU East Bay, Win Third Straight

October 5 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team used two penalty kicks and a 27-4 shot advantage to take down CSU East Bay 4-0. The Argos were in control from the start, dominating the ball while improving to 7-2 on the season.

NDNU nearly took the lead in the opening minutes on a shot from Frank Barnes but keeper Bryce Bookhamer made a diving save. In the 28th minute, the Argos got on the board after Armando Garcia was taken down in the box. Cristobal Montes stepped up and drilled home the penalty kick to give NDNU a 1-0 lead.

The Argos continued to pressure in the first half but could not net another goal despite a 14-3 shot advantage. In the second, the offense picked up where they left off with Garcia and Montes just missing scoring chances. Montes struck on another penalty kick in the 54th minute after Christian Rosales was interfered with in the box.

After a Pioneer was sent off with a red, the NDNU reserves got involved in the scoring with Cole Travis contributing the 3rd goal. Travis and Chris Arceo ran a perfect give and go in the box with Arceo’s back heel pass springing Travis free on the left side. Travis then ripped the ball into the right corner for the score.

In the 68th minute, NDNU tacked on another when Travis sent a low cross to Nathan Carlson at the back post. Rather than forcing the shot, Carlson sent another pass to Jesus Gonzalez who was alone in front of the net for the goal.

Isiah Castro earned the shutout with two saves while Bookhamer and Patrick Gilbertson combined for 11 for the Pioneers.

The Argos return to conference play with a game against Academy of Art on Saturday at 2:00 pm. BOX SCORE

Argos Blank Dominican Again

October 1 – For the second straight game, the Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team prevailed over Dominican University 2-0. The Argos used a goal in each half to improve to 4-1 in PacWest play and 6-2 overall.

The Argos controlled the game from the start, outshooting the Penguins 20-7 for the game. Armando Garcia put NDNU on the board in the 11th minute, running down a cross from Kellen Coffis and heading into the back of the net. Garcia nearly scored again two minutes later, flicking a shot over the goalie but it clanged the post.

After the game went into the break still 1-0, the Argos came out firing in the second half, holding an 11-2 shot advantage. Arturo Gomez added the clincher in the 64th minute, fielding a low cross from Cole Travis, beating a defender and lifting the shot over the keeper.

Isiah Castro and Joey Mora combined for their second straight shutout with Castro making five saves. Matthew Carlson made three stops for Dominican but allowed both goals.

Garcia’s goal was his third of the season while Gomez added his second.

The Argos are back in action Tuesday night when they travel to Hayward to face CSU East Bay at 7:00 pm. BOX SCORE

Reserves Key Argonaut Win

September 27 – Reserves Chris Arceo and Jesus Gonzalez each scored to lift the Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Dominican. The Argos improved to 3-1 in PacWest play and 5-2 overall with the win.

NDNU was in control throughout, holding a 19-8 shot advantage including outshooting the Penguins 13-4 in the first half. Arceo got the Argos on the board late in the first half when he drilled home a free kick from outside the box. After the Penguins set up a four man wall, Arceo bent his shot around the defenders and inside the near post for the score.

The Argos added an insurance goal in the opening minute of the second half when Cole Travis streaked down the right sideline, beat a defender and sent a perfect low cross to Gonzalez. Gonzalez easily finished the play with his first collegiate goal.

Isiah Castro and Joey Mora combined for the shutout with Castro making a pair of saves. He kept the game scoreless in the first half with an incredible diving save on a free kick from Dominican.

The Argos are back in action on Friday when Dominican comes to Koret Field for a 2:00 pm start. BOX SCORE

Argos Fall to Grand Canyon

September 22 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team dropped their first PacWest game of the season, falling to Grand Canyon 2-0. The Argos moved to 2-1 in conference play with the loss and now stand at 4-2 overall.

The game was a defensive battle throughout with the two teams combining for just five shots on goal. GCU took advantage of their opportunities, scoring on two of their three shots on frame. The Argos took 14 shots total but managed just two on net which were both stopped by keeper Ben Paneccasio.

The Antelopes went up early on, scoring in the 12th minute when Cordero Young knocked home a through ball from Harvey Martinez. The Argos lone scoring chance came late in the half on a shot from Cole Travis but Paneccasio was right there for the stop.

The Argos pressed for most of the second half, controlling the ball throughout but unable to break through. GCU put the game away in the 66th minute when Kyle Ciliento added an insurance goal when he beat Isiah Castro low.

NDNU held a 14-8 shot advantage for the game and took nine corner kicks while the Antelopes took just one.

The Argos are back in action on Monday when they travel to San Rafael to take on Dominican at 2:00 pm. BOX SCORE

Argos Blank Dixie State 5-0

September 20 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team did not waste any time jumping on Dixie State, scoring four first half goals on their way to a 5-0 victory over Dixie State. The Argos controlled throughout, outshooting the Red Storm 28-6 while improving to 4-1 on the season.

Frank Barnes netted his first two goals of his NDNU career in the first nine minutes of the game. The first came in the 3rd minute when he one-timed Cristobal Montes’s corner kick inside the near post for an early 1-0 lead. Six minutes later, Barners scored again off a corner kick when the ball was headed first by Oswaldo Hernandez, then Armando Garcia before falling to Barnes.

NDNU continued their attack, scoring again in the 26th minute when Arturo Gomez scored on an excellent cross from Christian Rosales. The Argos were not done for the half as Cole Travis added the fourth goal in the 44th minute on a feed from Rene Jimenez.

The second half was much of the same as NDNU held a 17-2 shot advantage but managed only one goal. Garcia tallied the games final goal after a low cross from Barnes left him alone in front of the net.

Isiah Castro and Joey Mora combined for the shutout while Tyler Walters made eight saves for Dixie State.

The Argos improved to 2-0 in conference play and will take on Grand Canyon on Thursday at 2:00 pm. BOX SCORE

Argos Thump Vulcans in Conference Opener

September 16 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team opened up PacWest play with a 4-2 victory over Hawaii Hilo. The Argos scored the game’s first four goals to jump out to a resounding lead before the Vulcans scored two late goals.

NDNU controlled from the start, continually pressing the UHH defense and finding scoring chances. Cristobal Montes broke through in the 10th minute when he headed home Nathan Carlson’s cross at the back post. Carlson was involved in the Argos second goal, taking a shot that was blocked back to Christian Rosales who beat the keeper low to give NDNU a 2-0 lead.

The second half started off the same with NDNU controlling early on. Arturo Gomez was tripped in the box in the 52nd minute which led to a successful penalty kick by Montes to give the Argos a 3-0 lead. Armando Garcia made it 4-0 with his first career goal in the 76th minute after fielding a pass from Chris Arceo in the top of the box and beating the keeper low.

The Vulcans made things interested as Drew Geis netted two goals in three minutes to pull the visitors within two with nine minutes left. However, the Argos clamped down and ended the game at 4-2.

NDNU held a 15-14 shot advantage but led 10-4 in shots on goal. Isiah Castro picked up the victory with 60 scoreless minutes in net.

Montes added to his team leading goal total, giving him four for the season while Rosales and Garcia picked up their first goals of the year.

The Argos are back in action Monday afternoon when they host Dixie State at Koret Field at 2:00 pm. BOX SCORE

Montes, Linares Push Argos by Saint Martin’s

September 12 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team captured their second straight 2-0 victory with a pair of late second half goals against Saint Martin’s. The Argos controlled from the start, outshooting the Saints 18-6 while improving to 2-1 on the season.

The Argos had several chances to score in the first half but could not find the back of the net and the game moved to halftime scoreless. Cristobal Montes had a chance to put NDNU up early on but his chip on a breakaway was saved by goalie TJ Young. Young would come up big twice more, stopping Chris Arceo twice, including a big save on a penalty kick in the 35th minute.

The Argos continued to press in the second half, racking up ten shots to just four from the Saints. Montes broke through in the 75th minute after heading a cross past Young for the game’s first goal. Christian Rosales sent a ball into the corner for Armando Garcia who used a nice move to get to the goal line and sent a perfect cross to the near post. Montes then headed the ball over the charging goalie to put NDNU ahead.

NDNU would add an insurance goal seven minutes later when Jesus Gonzalez sent a cross in on a free kick which was hammered home by Gio Linares at the back post.

Isiah Castro and Joey Mora combined for NDNU’s second straight shutout, making a combined three saves. Young kept the Saints close, making six saves, five of which came in the first half.

The Argos open PacWest Conference play on Thursday when they host Hawaii Hilo at 2:00 pm. BOX SCORE

Argos Blank UC San Diego 2-0

September 4 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team picked up a big road win with a 2-0 victory over UC San Diego. The Argos used a goal in each half and some excellent defense work to hold the Tritons scoreless and improve to 1-1 on the season.

NDNU didn’t waste any time getting on the board, scoring in the 7th minute. Chris Arceo scored the team’s first goal of the year when he followed up Nathan Carlson’s rebound with a shot from six yards out. The Tritons nearly evened the score later in the half but Isiah Castro made an amazing leaping save on a free kick.

The Argos rallied for a few dangerous opportunities in the final 10 minutes of the first period, with a header from Frank Barnes sailing just over the bar and a breakaway shot from Cristian Rosales reaching the same outcome.

Rosales initiated NDNU's second goal with a perfect through ball past the UCSD defense where Cristobal Montes chased it down, dribbled past the approaching goalie and placed it into the net. The second goal clinched the game for the Argos as the defense and Castro refused to surrender a score.

Castro earned the shutout with five saves while the Tritons outshot the Argos 15-12.

NDNU is back in action Sunday morning when they take on St. Martins at 11:30 am. BOX SCORE

Argos Fall in Season Opener to Cal Poly Pomona

September 2 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team struggled in their 2010 season opener, falling to Cal Poly Pomona 3-0. The Argos surrendered all three goals in a 13 minute stretch in the second half.

The game started off back and forth with the Argos and Broncos trading shots in the opening minutes. CPP then took control, outshooting NDNU 6-3 in the first half but the game remained scoreless heading into halftime. Isiah Castro made four saves for the Argonauts in the first half.

The Broncos came out firing in the second half, netting the first goal in the 48th minute when Sam Morales scored on a strike from 40 yards out. Seven minutes later, Luis Gonzalez added a second goal as he found himself in front of the net and punched the ball through. Anthony Salcedo gave his team a three-goal cushion when he picked up a loose ball and took in from the left side to the right from 25 yards.

The Argos were outshot 18-8 for the game and managed just four shot on goal. The Broncos also held a 12-3 advantage on corner kicks.

NDNU is back in action Saturday afternoon when they take on UC San Diego at 4:30 pm. BOX SCORE

Three Argos Named to Preseason All-PacWest Team
Argos Tabbed to Finish Third

August 30 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team had three juniors selected to the Preseason All-Pacific West Conference Team on Monday. The team, which was announced during Media Day, features forward Cristobal Montes and midfielders Arturo Gomez and Christian Rosales.

Montes (Fremont, CA/John F. Kennedy HS) earned All-PacWest First Team honors the last two seasons and was named the 2008 Player and Newcomer of the Year claimed a spot on the squad after his outstanding 2009 campaign. Last season he started 20 of his team’s 21 games, finishing the season ranked fourth in the PacWest in goals scored (10), tied for eighth in assists (4), and fifth in total points with 24. He also tied for third in game-winning goals with four and finished the campaign fourth in the PacWest in points per game (1.14) and goals per game (0.48). He also earned Second Team All-West Region honors a sophomore after being named to the First Team as a freshman.

Along with Montes, junior midfielders Arturo Gomez (San Diego, CA / Castle Park HS) and Christian Rosales (Redwood City, CA / St. Francis HS) were both selected to the preseason team after garnering All-Conference honors last season.

Gomez was named Second Team All-PacWest last season after an excellent sophomore campaign. He really turned it on in Conference play last season, scoring all seven of his goals over the final nine games of the season. Gomez finished second on the team with seven goals while leading the Argos in assists with five. He ranked in the top-10 in the PacWest in goals, assists, points and game-winning goals. Gomez was also named to the All-West Region Second Team last season
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Rosales was selected to the Second Team last season after earning Honorable Mention status last as a freshman. Rosales started 20 games for NDNU as a sophomore in the midfield and registered two goals and two assists. He was also named the team’s Most Valuable Player last season.

The Argonauts finished second in the Pacific West last season after finishing conference play with a 10-2-2 record. NDNU picked up two first place votes but were selected to finish third behind Grand Canyon and Hawaii Pacific.

Montes and Gomez Add All-Region Honors

November 23 - Sophomores Cristobal Montes and Arturo Gomez earned further recognition this week as both were named Second Team All-West Region. Both Montes and Gomez were named First Team All-PacWest last week.

Montes (Fremont, CA / John F. Kennedy HS) earned All-West Region honors for the second straight year after being selected as a First Team member last season. Montes led the Argonauts in scoring with 10 goals and 24 points and finished second on the team in assists with four. He ranked fourth in the PacWest in goals scored (10), tied for eighth in assists (4), and finished the season fifth in total points with 24.

Gomez (San Diego, CA / Castle Park HS) earned his first appearance on the All-West Region team with an excellent season in the midfield. Gomez exploded when he moved into the starting lineup for the final nine games, scoring all seven of his goals over that time period. He finished second on the team with seven goals while leading the Argos in assists with five. Gomez also ranked in the top-10 in the PacWest in goals, assists, points and game-winning goals.

The Argonauts finished the season 10-9-2 overall and placed second in the PacWest with a 10-2-2 conference record. The ten wins gave NDNU its twelfth consecutive winning season and twelfth straight year with at least ten victories.

Four Argonauts Earn All-PacWest Accolades

November 18 – Sophomores Cristobal Montes and Arturo Gomez highlighted a group of four Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer players that garnered All-Pacific West Conference honors this season. Montes and Gomez both earned First Team All-Conference accolades after finishing first and second on the team in scoring.

In addition to Montes and Gomez, sophomore midfielder Christian Rosales was named to the Second Team while Russell McCluskey garnered Honorable Mention status.

Montes (Fremont, CA / John F. Kennedy HS) repeated as a First Team All-Conference selection after being named PacWest Player of the Year in 2008. He once again led the Argonauts in scoring with 10 goals and 24 points and finished second on the team in assists with four. Montes ranked fourth in the PacWest in goals scored (10), tied for eighth in assists (4), and finished the season fifth in total points with 24. He also tied for third in game-winning goals with four, was a perfect 2 for 2 on penalty kicks, and finished the campaign fourth in the PacWest in points per game (1.14) and goals per game (0.48).

Gomez (San Diego, CA / Castle Park HS) earned his first appearance on the All-Conference team with an excellent season in the midfield. Gomez really turned it on in Conference play, scoring all seven of his goals over the final nine games of the season. He finished second on the team with seven goals while leading the Argos in assists with five. Gomez also ranked in the top-10 in the PacWest in goals, assists, points and game-winning goals.

Rosales (Redwood City, CA / St. Francis HS) was selected to the Second Team after earning Honorable Mention status last season as a freshman. Rosales started 20 games for NDNU this season in the midfield and registered two goals and two assists.

McCluskey (Salt Lake City, UT / Brighton HS) was a staple on defense for the Argonauts this season, earning an All-PacWest Honorable Mention selection. He started 16 games on the year after moving from right back to sweeper at the start of the season. McCluskey also recorded one assist on the season.

Argos Rebound, Handle Dominican 3-1

October 29 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team rebounded from Tuesday’s tough loss with a 3-1 victory over Dominican. The Argos improved to 9-2-1 in PacWest play and are in sole possession of second place.

Chris Arceo got NDNU on the board in the 16th minute when he volleyed in a corner kick from Arturo Gomez. The Penguins responded in the 21st minute when Alec Ziegler scored off a throw-in.

After the game moved into halftime still tied, the Argonauts came out strong with a goal in the opening minute of the second half. The Penguins tried to head the ball back to their keeper who misplayed it and allowed Arturo Gomez to pick up the easy goal. Less than five minutes later, Cristobal Montes gave the Argos an insurance goal when he hammered home a cross from Christian Cannavina.

Joseph Mora earned the win for NDNU with two stops while the Argos scored on all three of their shots on goal.

The Argos are back in action next week when then travel to Phoenix to take on conference leader Grand Canyon. BOX SCORE

Argos Fall in Closing Second to Hawaii Pacific

October 26 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team dropped a heartbreaker to Hawaii Pacific 2-1 on a goal by the Sea Warriors with 14 seconds left. The Argos had their five game winning streak snapped but remain in second place in the PacWest with an 8-2-1 record.

The Sea Warriors struck first in an evenly played first half when Chance Bukoski ran down a through ball and beat goalie Joseph Mora. After the score moved into the second half with HPU still leading, the Argonauts evened the score in the 52nd minute.

Arturo Gomez knotted the game at 1-1 after drilling a free kick from just outside the box past Matt Terry. The game continued to be a back and forth contest until the Sea Warriors found the net with 14 second left. Kimo Komomua played in a streaking Ikaika Fuerte, who lifted a pass to the back post that Alan Albertazzi volleyed into the net for the win.

Mora made five stops for NDNU while Terry picked up a pair of saves and earned the win for Hawaii Pacific.

The Argonauts return to the mainland for a PacWest match against Dominican on Thursday. BOX SCORE

Montes Nets Incredible Goal, Argos Topple Hilo 2-1

October 23 – On a day where the Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team picked up their fourth straight victory, it was Cristobal Montes’s second half goal that stole the show. Montes scored two seconds into the half to give the Argos the eventual game winning goal in a 2-1 win over Hawaii Hilo.

The first half was very evenly played as the score moved into the final ten minutes still scoreless. Christian Rosales would then put NDNU on the board in the 40th minute on an assist from Jorge Serrano. Rosales fielded the header off his chest on the run and one-timed the ball past goalie Ivan Mercado for the score.

After the game moved to halftime with the Argos up 1-0, Montes gave NDNU an important insurance goal. On the opening kick of the half, Luis Astorga touched the ball to Montes who drilled the shot from midfield. The ball dove at the last second and beat the keeper for a goal two second into the half.

The Vulcans would cut the lead in half in the 83rd minute on a goal by Vincent Muscarella but it would prove to be too little too late.

Joseph Mora earned the victory in net for NDNU with five saves while Mercado and Dane Kaylor combined for three stops for UHH.

NDNU improved to 7-1-1 in PacWest play and remain in sole possession of second place in the conference. The Argos head to Laie on Saturday to take on BYU Hawaii in the second game of their road trip. BOX SCORE

Argos Rout Chaminade 5-0

October 14 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team continued their hot play with a 5-0 victory over Chaminade. The Argos improved to 6-1-1 in the PacWest and have outscored their opponents 11-1 in their last three games.

Arturo Gomez got the scoring started for the Argos with a goal in the 14th minute, giving him four in the past three games. He fielded a cross from Cristobal Montes at the near post, took one dribble and beat goalie Daniel Dartt. Chris Arceo gave NDNU a two goal lead one minute and eighteen seconds later when his free kick deflected off a defender and into the net.

The Argos were not done in the first half as Jorge Serrano netted his first career goal with sixteen seconds left before the break. For the half, the Argos held a 12-3 shot advantage.

The second half was much of the same as Montes put the Argos up 4-0 on a breakaway goal in the 59th minute. Serrano would tack on another with a header in the 85th minute to end the scoring at 5-0.

Isiah Castro earned his second shutout of the season by making five saves while Dartt and Darren Smith made one apiece for Chaminade.

The Argos closed out their home schedule and head to Hawaii next week for three game. BOX SCORE

Three Late Goals Lift Argos Past Vulcans

October 12 – Despite playing a man down for the final 55 minutes, the Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team pulled off an impressive 3-1 victory over Hawaii Hilo. The Argos held a 13-10 shot advantage while improving to 5-1-1 in PacWest play with the victory.

The Argos and Vulcans battled closely throughout the first half with neither team able to put a score up on the board. NDNU nearly took the lead twice in a two minute span as Christian Rosales and Jacob Zavala both banged shots off the frame. The game turned in the 35th minute when Giovanni Linares picked up his second yellow card, forcing the Argos to play a man down for the remained of the game.

The game stayed scoreless into the final 25 minutes when the NDNU offense broke out. The Argos took a 1-0 lead in the 69th minute when Arturo Gomez buried a shot from the right side. However, Hawaii Hilo knotted the score one minute and seven seconds later on a header from Logan Montenegro off a corner kick.

Less than three minutes later, NDNU struck again when Gomez sent a through ball to Cristobal Montes who launched the shot from outside of the box and around goalie Ivan Mercado for the score. Rosales added a very important insurance goal in the 77th minute when he received a header from Gomez and drilled the ball into the upper right corner.

Joseph Mora picked up the win for NDNU with four saves, including an excellent stop from point blank range in second half to keep the score tied. Mercado did his best to keep the Vulcans in it, making five saves.

The Argos close out their home schedule on Wednesday when they take on Chaminade at 4:00 pm. BOX SCORE

Argos Blank Hawaii Pacific

October 10 – A pair of underclassman stole the show on Senior Day as the Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team toppled Hawaii Pacific 3-0. Sophomore Arturo Gomez scored a pair of goals while freshman Christian Cannavina tallied the third to help the Argos improve to 4-1-1 in PacWest play.

NDNU controlled the ball for most of the game, outshooting the Sea Warriors 13-5 and making it very difficult for the visitors to get a good look at the net. HPU managed just one shot on goal for the game as Joseph Mora recorded his first career shutout.

Gomez put the Argos on the board in the 25th minute when he received a pass from Christian Rosales at the top right corner of the box. After a fake cleared some room, Gomez fired a shot off the crossbar and into the back of the net.

Cannavina gave the Argos a two goal cushion just under five minutes later when he scored his first career goal. Cristobal Montes sent a pass through the defense to a streaking Cannavina who then beat a charging Matt Terry for the goal.

With the two goal lead, the NDNU defense clamped down while the offense kept the pressure up. Gomez would add his second goal of the game in the 86th minute when he headed come Luis Astorga’s cross for the third and final goal.

The Argos are back in action Monday when they take on Hawaii Hilo at Koret Field for a 4:00 pm start. BOX SCORE

Argos and Seasiders Battle to 2-2 Tie

October 8 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team erased a pair of one goal deficits to earn a 2-2 tie with BYU Hawaii. The Argos moved to 3-1-1 in PacWest play with the tie while the Seasiders sit at 1-3-1.

The Argos controlled the ball for most of the game, holding a 23-11 shot advantage and nearly taking a 1-0 lead early in the contest. Cristobal Montes nearly put the Argos up with a chip over the charging goalie but the ball was cleared by a BYUH defender just before it went into the net. BYU Hawaii would then get on the board first, scoring in the 25th minute on a header by Sam Akinaka.

Cole Travis tied the score at 1-1 in the 37th minute when Scott Sweetnam sent a long ball to the back post. Travis finished off the pass with a header for his fourth goal of the season.

The game stayed tied into the second half when Sweetnam picked up his second yellow card in the 63rd minute, forcing the Argos to play a man down. The Seasiders took advantage, taking a 2-1 lead in the 80th minute when William Barber drilled home a free kick from 25 yards out.

In the 82nd minute, Derek Stransky picked up his second yellow evening the players on the field at 10-10. On the ensuing free kick, Nathan Carlson sent a long ball towards the net that snuck past everyone and rolled into the net.

The Seasiders nearly took the lead back in the 88th minute when Todd Everette took a shot from five yards out. However, Isiah Castro made a diving stop to keep the game knotted at 2-2.

The overtimes featured three shots from each team with both coming up empty. Castro made three saves for NDNU while Cory Cosgrave recorded four, including a big stop in the first overtime.

NDNU is back in action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Hawaii Pacific. The Argos will also honor their seven seniors in a ceremony set to take place right before the 1:30 pm start. BOX SCORE

Argos Offense Sparks 3-1 Victory

October 2 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team held a 19-7 shot advantage as they downed PacWest rival Dominican 3-1 to improve to 3-1 in conference play.

The Argos turned the heat up early on, controlling the ball for most of the first half and scoring in the 11th minute. After Russell McCluskey sent a ball into the corner, Cristobal Montes took it away from the keeper and bent it into the net for a goal. The goal was Montes’s team leading fifth of the season.

The second half was much of the same as NDNU kept the offensive pressure up. The Argos nearly added a second goal in the 72nd minute when Luis Astorga ripped a shot off the post that was followed up by Arturo Gomez who also hit the post. Astorga got his goal in the 84th minute when Chris Arceo sent a corner to the back post where Dominic Sroka fielded the ball and sent it back in front of the net. Astorga then headed the ball past goalie Matt Carson to give NDNU a 2-0 lead.

Forty-two seconds later, NDNU added a third goal when Gomez sent a long cross to Cole Travis who volleyed the ball out of the air and into the right corner of the net. Dominican answered back 29 seconds later when Diego Guevara scored on a penalty kick after an Argonaut handball. However, that would be as close as the Penguins would get as NDNU closed out the game strong.
Joseph Mora picked up his second win with three saves.

The Argos are back in action next Thursday when BYU Hawaii comes to Koret Field for a PacWest Conference match. BOX SCORE

Three Second Half Goals Lift Grand Canyon Past Argonauts

September 29 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team suffered their first defeat in PacWest play with a 3-0 loss to Grand Canyon. The Argos surrendered three second half goals and fell to 2-1 in conference while the Antelopes moved into first place at 3-0.

The first half was evenly played for the first 40 minutes with each team recording four shots. However, NDNU turned up the offensive pressure for final five minutes, taking four shots but coming away empty handed. Christian Rosales and Cristobal Montes each had opportunities to score but were turned away by goalie Ben Paneccasio.

The second half was a different story as the Antelopes broke through in the 57th minute on a goal by Harvey Martinez. Martinez took a back post feed from Kyle Ciliento and slid the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead. In the 74th minute Nathan Wassan added a goal when he hit a failed clear out of the air and into the top right corner of the net. Ciliento would add an insurance goal in less than two minutes later when he dribbled through the NDNU defense and beat a charging Isiah Castro.

For the game, NDNU held a 14-11 shot advantage but were stopped by Paneccasio who picked up the shutout with three saves.

The Argos continue PacWest play on Friday afternoon when they take on Dominican at Koret Field. BOX SCORE

Argos Topple Urban Knights Again

September 24 – For the second time in five days the Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team defeated Academy of Art on a penalty kick by Cristobal Montes. Unlike Saturday, this time Montes netted the game winner in regulations as the Argos won 1-0.

The first half did not feature many scoring chances as the two teams combined for six shots, five of which came from NDNU. Urban Knight goalie Daniel Waller made an excellent save on Arturo Gomez late in the half to send the game into the half still scoreless.

The Argonaut offense picked up in the second half with nine shots, including four on frame. In the 75th minute NDNU finally broke through. After a nice run by Christian Cannavina he sent a pass to Christian Rosales who centered it to an open Cole Travis. Travis then sent a pass into the box where Montes fielded it but was shoved by an Urban Knight defender. Montes then stepped up to the penalty kick and drilled it into the upper left corner to give NDNU the victory.

Isiah Casto earned his first career shutout with two saves while Waller and Ian Sutherland combined for four saves for AAU.

The Argos continue PacWest play on Monday when Grand Canyon comes to Koret Field at 4:00 pm. BOX SCORE

Argos Open PacWest Play with Overtime Win

September 19 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team put one in the win column with a 3-2 overtime victory against Academy of Art. With the win, the Argos moved to 1-0 in PacWest play.

The fist half was very close throughout, with each team having several scoring chances. Both teams were awarded penalty kicks in the first four minute but neither could capitalize. NDNU struck first in the 40th minute when Christian Rosales sent a ball to Kellen Coffis at the top of the box. Coffis then drilled the shot into the upper left corner for a 1-0 advantage. The Urban Knights responded a few minutes later when Daniel Higa ran down a ball and beat a charging Isiah Castro.

The Argonaut offense picked it up in the second half, holding an 11-5 shot advantage. Cole Travis gave NDNU a 2-1 lead in the 55th minute when he tapped home a cross from Cristobal Montes. With the game winding down, AAU turned up the offense pressure, evening the score in the 86th minute when Higa once again chipped the ball over the charging goalie.

The game moved into overtime as the Argos controlled throughout. After a near goal by Montes on a breakaway, he got another chance but was tripped in the box by a defender. Montes then drilled home the penalty kick to end the game and give BJ Noble his first win as the NDNU coach.

For the game, the Argos outshot the Urban Knights 20-10, including an 11-6 shot on goal advantage. Castro and Joey Mora combined to make four saves while Daniel Waller and Ian Sutherland recorded eight for AAU.

The Argos and Knights meet again on Thursday at Kezar Stadium for their second and final meeting of the season. BOX SCORE

Argonaut Comeback Falls Short

September 11 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team nearly pulled of an impressive comeback before falling 2-1 to Simon Fraser. The Argos trailed 2-0 with just under 20 minutes remaining but pulled within one and nearly tied the game on several occasions.

The first half was evenly played throughout with the Argos holding a 7-6 shot advantage but the Clan leading 1-0. Simon Fraser got on the board in the 20th minute after a header bounced off the keeper and was put home by Farhad Abdulgani. The Argos nearly scored a few minutes earlier but Cole Travis’s shot deflected off the post and was cleared out of bounds.

The second half featured even more scoring chances as Simon Fraser racked up 11 shots and the Argos took eight. Roman Doutkevitch gave the Clan a cushion in the 59th minute on a goal from the top of the box.

NDNU would not quit however, turning the offense pressure up and eventually cutting the lead in half with just under 20 minutes to play. Nathan Carlson sent a ball into the box from the right wing which hit the hand of a defender, giving the Argos a penalty kick. Chris Arceo would then drill the shot into the top right corner to give NDNU new life.

The Argonaut pressure continued as Travis almost knotted to score on a cross from Cristobal Montes. A few minutes later, Kellen Coffis’s header banged off the cross bar and was cleared by Simon Fraser to preserve the victory.

Joseph Mora made four saves for NDNU while Hide Ozawa came up with four for Simon Fraser. Montes led all players with nine shots.

The Argos are back in action Wednesday evening when they travel to San Jose to take on the San Jose State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. BOX SCORE

Argos Stunned on Goal in Closing Seconds of Overtime

September 4 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team dropped a tough one to UC San Diego, falling with just 15 second left in overtime. The Argos took a 1-0 lead into the closing minutes of regulation but could not hold off the Tritons.

After a scoreless first half that saw each team compile six shots, the game picked up in the second. Cristobal Montes scored his second goal of the season in the 56th minute when he took a feed from Nathan Carlson and beat the UCSD keeper.

Shane Micheil knotted the game at 1-1 with just over two minute remaining when he came away from a scrum in front of the net and hammered the ball home.

The Tritons carried their momentum into overtime as they recorded 5 shots while holding the Argos to zero. Micheil would once again strike, this time with just 15 second left to end the game.

The Argos are back in action Sunday afternoon when they take on Sonoma State. BOX SCORE

Argos Drop to Cal Poly Pomona on Two Penalty Kicks

August 30 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team battled into two overtimes before falling to Cal Poly Pomona on a penalty kick with 3:20 remaining. The Argos held a 15-10 shot advantage.

The Argos jumped ahead early in the 12th minute when Cristobal Montes beat Thomas Ryan on a breakaway. Joseph Mora started the play with a punt before Cole Travis flicked it past the defense to Montes. Montes pushed the ball past the charging goalie before tracking down the ball and finishing the goal.

Cal Poly Pomona evened the score in the 37th minute on a penalty kick by Miguel Abascal. The two teams fought hard throughout the second half but neither could capitalize on their scoring chances. After another scoreless period, the game moved to a second overtime where the Broncos got a penalty kick opportunity. Abascal once again took advantage as he beat goalie Isiah Castro to end the game.

Mora made five saves for NDNU while Ryan and Brad Jones combined to make seven stops for CPP.

The Argos are back in action Tuesday when they travel to face San Francisco State at 2:30 pm. BOX SCORE

Argoa Fall to CSU San Bernardino 5-1

August 28 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team did not get the start they wanted as they dropped their 2009 season opener to CSU San Bernardino 5-1. The Argos struggled defensively as the Coyotes scored the games final four goals.

CSUSB got on the board in the 3rd minute when Danny Rodriguez’s corner kick failed to be cleared and was kicked in by an Argonaut defender. NDNU tied the game up eight minutes later when Cole Travis fired a shot from outside the box into the top right corner.

The score did not remained tied very long with Rodriguez converting a penalty kick in the 18th minute to put the Coyotes up for good. The second half was much of the same as CSU San Bernardino added goals in the 56th, 67th and 83rd minutes to push the margin to 5-1. Rodriguez tacked on one of the goals while Julian Garcia and Albert Cabrera each netted one as well.

Goalie Joseph Mora made four saves for NDNU while Arath De La Rocha stopped four for the visitors.

The Argos are back in action Sunday afternoon when they take on Cal Poly Pomona at 1:30 pm. The game will mark the return of former Head Coach Lance Thompson who is in his first season with the Broncos. BOX SCORE

Montes Named Pac-West Preseason Player of the Year
Argos Tabbed to Finish Third

August 20 – After an outstanding freshman campaign, forward Cristobal Montes was selected as the Pacific West Preseason Player of the Year for this upcoming season while the Argos were picked to finish third.

Montes (Fremont, CA/John F. Kennedy HS) was named the 2008 PacWest Player of the Year, PacWest Newcomer of the Year and earned First Team All-Conference accolades last season. In addition, Montes garnered First Team All-West Region honors while leading the Argonauts to their first NCAA Tournament appearance. He turned in one of the most impressive seasons in school history with a conference leading 14 goals, 33 points and 7 game-winning goals. Montes recorded at least one point in 16 of 21 games last season, including a six game streak to close out the regular season. He also ranked in the top-50 nationally in goals per game and points per game.

Along with Montes, senior defender Oswaldo Hernandez (Shafter, CA/Liberty HS) and junior midfielder Nathan Carlson also earned Preseason All-Conference selections. Hernandez earned First Team All-PacWest and Second Team All-West Region honors last season after anchoring a defense that ranked ninth in the nation.

Carlson (Henderson, NV/Coronado HS) appeared in all 21 games last year and finished with two goals and four assists.

The Argonauts won the PacWest last season after finishing with a 9-1-2 conference record and a 14-4-3 overall record. NDNU picked up two first place votes but were selected to finish behind Grand Canyon and Hawaii Pacific.

NDNU Names New Director of Soccer
BJ Noble hired to lead the men’s and women’s soccer programs

April 13 – The Notre Dame de Namur University athletic department has announced the hiring of BJ Noble as the new Director of Soccer.

Noble comes to NDNU after spending the last two seasons at the helm of the Millikin University men’s soccer team. Last season, Noble turned around a program that experienced six straight losing seasons, leading the Big Blue to a 10-8-2 record. In his two years, Noble amassed a 15-20-3 record at the Division III institution.

Prior to Millikin, Noble coached for ten years at the collegiate, high school and club levels. While earning his master’s degree at the University of Redlands, Noble served as the assistant men’s soccer coach from 2004-06. During his two years at Redlands, the teams went 32-6-5 with two SCIAC Championships and two NCAA Division III playoff appearances.

"I am excited to have been appointed to the Director of Soccer position. I would like to thank the university and Josh Doody for this great opportunity." Noble said. "I look forward to building relationships and educating the young men and women in the Notre Dame de Namur soccer program."

Noble replaces former Director of Soccer Lance Thompson who took the head coaching position at Cal Poly Pomona in February. Under Thompson last season, the Argonaut men went 14-4-3, won the Pacific West Conference Championship and made the school’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The women finished fourth in the PacWest with a 7-5 conference record while compiling a 10-10 overall record.

“We are very excited to have BJ emerge from a very qualified and talented pool of applicants.” Athletic Director Josh Doody said. “We feel that BJ is a great fit and look forward to see where he can take both programs in the future.”

Noble becomes only the fifth men’s head coach in the 21 year history of the program and the fourth women’s coach since the program started in 2000.

Lance Thompson Takes Position at Cal Poly Pomona

February 5 – After two years at the helm of the Notre Dame de Namur soccer program, Lance Thompson has accepted the men’s head coaching position at Cal Poly Pomona.

Thompson, who led both the men’s and women’s programs at NDNU guided the men to a Pacific West Championship and the school’s first NCAA Tournament berth last season. The Argos went 14-4-3 and finished as one of the top defensive teams in the nation with 12 shutouts and a 0.72 goals against average. At the NCAA Tournament, NDNU fell to eventual National Champions CSU Dominguez Hills 3-0.

In his two seasons the men’s team went a combined 24-13-4 while the women compiled a 17-22-1 record. Thompson also coached the school’s first NCAA All-Region performers in Cristobal Montes, Oswaldo Hernandez and Traci Cicerchi.

Thompson takes over a Call Poly Pomona squad that went 4-11-3 last season in the CCAA.

NDNU will begin their search for a new Director of Soccer in the coming days.

Montes and Hernandez Honored Again

December 12 – The honors kept rolling in for two Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer players. Freshman forward Cristobal Montes and junior sweeper Oswaldo Hernandez were named to the NSCAA/adidas Men's Division II All-West Regional Second Team.

Montes adds this selection to his PacWest Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards as well as Daktronics First Team All-West Region and First Team All-Conference accolades.

Hernandez was named Daktronics Second Team All-West Region and First Team All-PacWest earlier this month.

Montes Captures Top Two Conference Awards
Eight Other Argos Earn All-PacWest Honors

December 1 – Freshman Forward Cristobal Montes added to his fantastic debut season with a pair of PacWest awards and a First Team All-Conference selection. Montes was named the 2008 PacWest Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year after leading the Argonauts to a conference title and a trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

In addition to Montes, seven other Argonauts garnered All-Conference accolades while head coach Lance Thompson was named PacWest Coach of the Year.

Montes (Fremont, CA/John F. Kennedy HS) led the Pacific West Conference in nearly every offensive category including goals (14), points (33) and game-winning goals (7). He earned First Team All-West Region honors after his game-winning goal total ranked first in the region and his points and goal totals rank fourth.

Montes recorded at least one point in 16 of 21 games this season, including a six game streak to close out the regular season. He also ranked in the top-50 in the nation in goals per game and points per game. Montes was named PacWest Player of the Week on October 27th and on November 11th and made the Weekly Honor Roll five other times.

In his second year as head coach at NDNU, Thompson guided the Argonauts to a 14-4-3 record and the school’s first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Argos finished the PacWest with a 9-1-2 record and went 5-1-1 against the CCAA in the regular season, including a 2-1 victory over #2 Sonoma State in September.

Joining Montes on the First Team were junior defender Oswaldo Hernandez (Shafter, CA/Liberty HS) and senior defender Joe Simonton (Mesa, AZ/Mesa HS) who helped the Argos record 12 shutouts and a 0.72 goals against average. Hernandez was named Second Team All-West Region after anchoring the stout Argonaut defense. On the season, NDNU allowed just eleven goals with Hernandez on the field. Simonton started the final 18 games of the season as a sweeper and was a critical part to the NDNU defense that ranked ninth in the country in goals against average (0.72) and sixth in shutout percentage (0.57)

Senior midfielders Carlos Lopez (Santa Monica, CA/Santa Monica HS) and Dorian Virrueta (Fremont, CA/American HS) both earned All-PacWest honors for the second straight season. Lopez climbed up to the Second Team from Honorable Mention status last year while Virrueta landed on the Second Team for the second straight year. Lopez ended his season tied for 10th in the conference in points after totaling 11 on three goals and five assists. Virrueta shared the league lead in assists with six and ranked second in assists per game with a mark of 0.29.

Sophomore goalkeeper Sheldon Steenhuis (Morgan Hill, CA/Live Oak), the 2007 Goalkeeper of the Year and a First Team selection a year ago, earned another honor this year by taking Second Team accolades. Steenhuis produced a 0.77 goals against average to rank second in the conference and 14th in the nation, while his .780 save percentage stands third. He compiled a 10-3-1 record and had a streak of 449 minutes without allowing a goal earlier in the year.

Freshman midfielder Christian Rosales (Redwood City, CA/St. Francis HS) and junior forward Jacob Zavala (Las Vegas, NV/Desert Pines) also earned All-Conference recognition as each was named a Honorable Mention performer. Zavala finished the year tied for 10th in the conference in points with 11 on four goals and three assists. His 0.58 points per game average ranked him 10th, while his 0.21 goals per game tied for 10th. Rosales tied for ninth in the league in assists with three and also added three goals.

Argos Historical Season Ends in NCAA Tournament

November 14 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team saw their historic 2008 season come to an end as #9 CSU Dominguez Hills won the NCAA Division II Far West Region opener 3-0. Senior forward Kyle Holland netted a hat trick for the Toros to account for all the games scoring.

The Argos battled hard for the opening 20 minutes, using solid defense to keep the No. 1 seeded Toros from scoring. However, after junior sweeper Oswaldo Hernandez left the game, CSUDH capitalized. In the 23rd minute, Brian Alvarez played a ball into the box that was nicked by Holland and managed to find its way past goalie Sheldon Steenhuis.

NDNU nearly answered two minutes later when Sean Vogt’s header was stopped on a diving save by goalie Miguel Benitez. The Toros continued to control the rest of the first as they outshot the Argos 10-2 in the period.

The second half started out the same way for NDNU as CSU Dominguez Hills continued to press offensively. Goalkeeper David Meherg made a few diving saves for the Argos early in the half to keep the game within one. However, in the 63rd minute after a failed clear, Holland struck again.

Holland fielded the ball at the top of the box with a wide lane to shoot and place into the lower right hand side of the net. In the 72nd minute, Holland finished off his hat trick when he bent a free kick from 20 yards over the wall and into the upper right hand corner.

For the game, the Argos were outshot 22-6 including 9-2 disadvantage in shots. Steenhuis and Meherg combined to make five saves for NDNU while Benitez recorded the shutout with a pair of stops.

The Argos finish off the year with a 14-4-3 record and currently rank #25 in the national poll. BOX SCORE

Two Argonauts Earn All-Region Honors

November 11 – The 2008 Daktronics Division II Men's Soccer All-West Region team was announced on Tuesday with two Argonauts receiving recognition for their excellent seasons. Freshman forward Cristobal Montes was chosen to the First Team while junior sweeper Oswaldo Hernandez earned Second Team honors.

Montes (Fremont, CA) leads the Pacific West Conference in goals with 14 and points with 33 while also ranking second in assists with five. He ranks first in the West Region in game-winning goals with seven and his points and goal totals rank fourth.

Montes has turned it on as of late, scoring seven goals over the team’s final six games. He is also riding a six game point streak and has recorded at least one point in 16 of 20 games this season. Montes was named PacWest Player of the Week on October 27th and on November 11th and made the Weekly Honor Roll five other times. He was the only freshman selected to either All-West Region Team.

Hernandez (Shafter, CA) has been the anchor on defense for the Argonauts this season. He has started 17 games as a sweeper and is one of the key components for a NDNU defense that ranks sixth nationally in goals against average (0.62) and third in shutouts with 12.

With Hernandez on the field, the Argos have only allowed eleven goals this season. He scored two goals on the year and was named to the PacWest Weekly Honor on November 11th.

Montes and Hernandez become the first two men’s soccer players in school history to earn Division II All-Region honors.

The Argos also moved up to #25 in the NSCAA/adidas National Rankings this week. This marks the first time in the program’s history that NDNU cracked the Top-25 poll.

NDNU will face #9 CSU Dominguez Hills on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Argos Move into National Rankings

November 11 – For the first time in school history, the Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team moved into the NSCAA/adidas Top-25 National Rankings. The Argos capped off their regular season with a 14-3-3 overall record and will travel to Carson to play in the West Region Tournament.

NDNU has been receiving votes in the poll for the past several weeks, but finally moved into the #25 spot after clinching Pacific West Conference crown last week. The Argos went 9-1-2 in league play and are 13-1-2 overall in their past 16 games.

The Argonauts will face #9 CSU Dominguez Hills on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. COMPLETE NATIONAL RANKINGS

Argos Earn NCAA Tournament Berth

November 10 – The Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team set school history by making it to the NCAA Tournament in their first year of eligibility in their transition back to the Division II level. The Argos finished the year with a 14-3-3 record and won the Pacific West Conference crown with a 9-1-2 record in league play.

NDNU earned the No. 4 seed in the West Region and will head down to Southern California to take on No. 1 seed Dominguez Hills on Thursday night at 7:00 pm. This will be the first meeting between the two schools in the history of the soccer program.

The Argos head the Regional with a 13-1-2 record in their final 16 games while the Toros currently rank fourth in the nation with a 16-2-4 record. The Toros have been to four straight NCAA Tournaments with their best finish coming in 2005 when they reached the quarterfinals.

“We are extremely excited about participating in the NCAA Tournament. The fact that it is our first year being eligible makes it a great accomplishment.” Coach Lance Thompson said. “We know that we have a tough matchup ahead with CSU Dominguez Hills. They have a great history and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Sonoma State (No. 2 seed) and Cal State L.A (No. 3 seed) will square off in the first game on Thursday at 4:00 pm with the winners of the two games playing for the Regional Championship on Saturday at 1:00 pm. All the games will be played at Toro Stadium, on the Track and Field Facility at the Home Depot Center. FULL BRACKET