Aug. 31, 2008

PHOTO GALLERY | Box Score

DAYTON, Ohio - Freshman Jack Pearson's first collegiate goal was a grand one. He provided the game winner in UD's 1-0 victory over Wright State, giving Dayton the Flyer Marriott Invitational championship Sunday at Baujan Field.

"It's always important to start strong," said UD head coach Dennis Currier. "This experience helps us learn how to win a championship. I'm very proud of the boys' grit and determination today."

The goal was set up after Dayton was awarded an indirect kick on a Raider foul. Pearson, who played all 180 minutes at central defender for the Flyers during the tournament, timed up a set play perfectly on the service by junior Sonny Renner.

"I saw the ball coming over the top and I timed it so I could get a head on it," said Pearson of his game-winning goal. "It kind of just crept over the goal line. It's the best feeling scoring a game winner like that in front of the biggest crowd I've ever played for. Winning the Invitational just topped off a great weekend."

The lone goal provided all the offense UD would need to claim the Invitational title. Wisconsin also won both its games in the tournament, downing Denver 2-1 in the preceding game. The Badgers also defeated Wright State 2-1 in double overtime Friday. UD's 3-1 win over the Pioneers Friday provided the goal differential.

"We've been dangerous on set pieces all weekend," said Currier. "We had good positioning and it just worked perfectly."

The Flyer defense and junior goalkeeper Alex Davis, who notched four saves against WSU, gave up just one goal in the 180 minutes of the tournament.

Junior Zach Weiss was named the Dayton Flyer Marriott Invitational MVP. He played central midfielder for the entire 180 minutes, scored the game winner against Denver and also had an assist against the Pioneers.

"Zach Weiss had a great tournament. He was stable for us in the midfield," said Currier. "He had the game winner against Denver Friday night when our offense was just clicking. This award could have gone to a number of people because it was such a great team effort."

The Flyers were at a disadvantage midway through the second half, when freshman Luke Baker was served a red card in the 63rd minute. UD played a man down for nearly 30 minutes and still preserved the shutout.

"When you play a man down you have to play with a lot of grit," said Currier. "We had great shape in our block of eight. This really was a testament to our high fitness level as well."

Dayton will play in Wisconsin's Middleton Sports & Fitness Invitational this Friday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 7. The Flyers play Milwaukee Friday night at 6 p.m. ET and the host Badgers on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Dayton Flyer Marriott Invitational All-Tournament Team

Tournament MVP: Zach Weiss (UD)

Dayton 2-0: Zach Weiss, Jack Pearson, Florian DeCamps, Alex Torda

Wisconson 2-0:Alex Horwath, Taylor Waspi, Pablo Delgado

Wright State 0-2: Braden Fleak, Josh Grossman

Denver 0-2: Colin Jones, Mike Perry