For the second straight year, Fredonia has won a season-opening men's soccer tournament.
The Blue Devils (2-0) on Saturday were declared winners of Buffalo State's Fred Hartrick Classic based on goal differential. They finished with a plus-five differential while SUNY Buffalo State, also 2-0, had a plus-four.
In addition, senior Dave Trabold (Fairport/Fairport) was selected Most Valuable Player of the Classic while three teammates made the all-tournament team. Trabold had a goal in each game -- the game-winner in a 2-1 overtime victory Friday over Keuka and Fredonia's third goal in Saturday's 5-1 win over D'Youville.
Buffalo State's wins were 3-0 over D'Youville and 1-0 over Keuka. Because of the Classic format, game pairings were predetermined.
In addition to Trabold, Frdonia's all-tournament honorees were senior Ryan Ross (Grand Island/Grand Island), sophomore Matt Casey (Williamsville/Williamsville South), and freshman Pa Lu (Buffalo/International Prep at Grover Cleveland). Ross scored Saturday's game-winning goal to go along with three assists in the two games. Casey also had a goal while Lu is credited with one assist.
Fredonia was declared champs of the 2016 John Hopkins Blue Jay Classic, also by virtue of a favorable goal differential. That 2-0 start was the springboard toward an 11-7-2 finish and a spot in the SUNYAC Tournament.
Next up the Blue Devils is their own home tournament vs. Alfred State at 6 p.m. Friday and Houghton at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Buffalo State will also participate in the Blue Devil Classic.
