NSCAA Middle Atlantic Regional Ranking
One of the reasons for the Flyers' hot start has been the solid play of its defensive core. Led by senior Zac Gibbens, the Flyers have allowed 0.95 goals per game.
Sophomores Randy Dennis, Ryan Handbury and Sonny Renner, along with freshman Tommy Watkins have solidified the back and helped UD not allow more than two goals in five matches this season. In the Atlantic 10, Dayton ranks first in goals allowed with five and second in goals against average.
On the offensive end, six different Flyers have recorded at least one goal this season. This productivity has helped Dayton rank fourth in the Atlantic 10 in goals per game at 1.60. Senior Tyler Imbrogno and sophomore Alex Torda each lead the team with two goals and rank in the Atlantic 10's Top 10 in goals and goals per game.
The Flyers embark on a stretch with seven of its next eight regular season games on the road. The journey begins Thursday with a match against the Butler Bulldogs beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
ABOUT BUTLER
The Bulldogs are riding high after a 2-1 double overtime victory against the Northern Illinois Huskies on Sunday. This season on the offensive end, Butler is led by junior Frank Patano, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the Courtyard by Marriott Flyer Classic earlier this season. Patano leads an offense that ranks first in the Horizon League in points (32) and goals (12). Thursday's game will be the Bulldogs' home opener after starting the season with three consecutive weekend tournaments.
QUICKLY ABOUT DAYTON
This is the 51st season of Dayton Flyers men's soccer. UD showcases an all-time record of 378-345-54 (.550) in 2007. The Flyers have had a winning record in eight of the last 10 seasons and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 1997 and 1998. Head coach Dennis Currier ranks sixth on the Flyers' all-time list in coaching victories with 20, just four behind John Schleppi.
SERIES STUFF
Dayton leads the all-time series 5-3-0, but Butler won last year's match 2-0 at Baujan Field.
PRO-ZAC NATION
Senior Zac Gibbens is tied for the Atlantic 10 lead in victories and ranks fourth in goals against average and fifth in save percentage. The Loveland, Colo. native has also allowed two goals once this season and recorded his second career shutout against Eastern Illinois. On the 2007 campaign, Gibbens is 3-1-1 with a 0.95 goals against average and a .800 save percentage with one shutout.
JUMPING THE SHARK
Dayton is unbeaten this season when they score first going 3-0-1 in four games. Last season the Flyers were 5-1-0 when tallying goal No. 1.
IMBROGNO HEATS UP ON OFFENSE
With two goals and two assists senior Tyler Imbrogno leads all UD players with eight points and ranks among the A-10 leaders in scoring. Imbrogno tallied the game-winner against Sacramento State to go with an assist. At UNC Greensboro, Imbrogno scored a goal in a 1-1 tie. In his last seven regular season games, Imbrogno has eight points with three goals and two assists.
Imbrogno's recent success should be no surprise. Earlier this year Imbrogno earned a spot on the 2007 Atlantic 10 preseason men's soccer All-Conference team, as selected by the league's head coaches. After not registering a point in his first two seasons with UD, Imbrogno broke out in a big way in 2006. Last season Imbrogno scored three goals and two assists for eight points in 13 games. Off the field Imbrogno enjoyed success as well after being named to the 2006-07 Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF FLYERS
UD has an international flavor on the 2007 roster with six players from overseas. The European players include graduate student Daniel March and sophomore Ryan Handbury who hail from the United Kingdom, graduate student Gary Long from Ireland, Simeon Zaprianov from Bulgaria and Florian DeCamps from France. Sophomore Isaac Kissi is in his first season with UD and is from Ghana.
TOMMY TUTONE DIALS IN
One of the top freshmen to chip in early this season has been defender Tommy Watkins. Watkins recorded his first career assist in the Flyers' 2-1 win over St. Francis. Since preseason camp concluded, Watkins has earned a spot on the back line and has helped solidified a defense along with sophomores Sonny Renner, Ryan Handbury and Randy Dennis.
