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Men's Soccer Announces 2008 Team Awards

Puranen voted URI's MVP & Offensive Player of the Year; Dwayne Quiah, Dwayne Williams and Terry Casey `85 also honored at annual team banquet

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Coach Stone and 2008 MVP & Offensive Player of the Year Erkko Puranen
 
Coach Stone and 2008 MVP & Offensive Player of the Year Erkko Puranen
  
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Feb. 24, 2009

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KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island men's soccer team celebrated the 2008 season Sunday with its annual team awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 15th. The event was held at the Institute for International Sport in Kingston.

The afternoon opened with Director of Soccer Operations Frank Bergren recognizing senior James Quiah (Providence, R.I.) with the Bob Butler Sportsmanship Award. Named for the first URI men's soccer coach, it is bestowed upon the player who exhibits the spirit of athletic competition and fair play.

"As a reserve midfielder, James always put the team and its' success ahead of his own personal needs. He was determined to make his teammates better in every training session," commented Coach Bergren.

Assistant Coach Mitch Stone presented sophomore Matt Preyss (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) with the Ram Academic Achievement Award that goes to the team member who best defines the term student-athlete. A Deans List student with a 3.42 overall GPA in International Business, Preyss played in 19 games with 16 starts. A converted forward, he played left back for the majority of the season after filling in after an injury during the Albany game.

"Matt is a great representation the discipline and perseverance it takes to be successful both in the classroom and on the field," noted Coach Stone.

Sophomore central defender Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica) accepted the Kevin Murphy Defender of the Year award from Head Coach John O'Connor for his outstanding season in 2009. Williams started 18-of-19 games for the Rams and recorded three game-winning goals including an overtime header against A-10 foe Duquesne. For his efforts, he was voted to the All-Atlantic 10 second team.

"Dwayne has come a long way since this time last year. He was a consistent force and integral part of our back four - not only because of his athleticism and physical intimidation but also because he proved to be a weapon on set pieces and corners. I think he would agree that he is still not a finished product - but his coming out party this season was quite spectacular", O'Connor said.

Two team awards were conferred upon "The Finnish Flash" freshmen sensation Erkko Puranen (Viitasaari, Finland) as he received the Len Mercurio Offensive Player of the Year and the Geza Henni Most Valuable Player Award. As a first-year forward, Puranen led the team in scoring with nine goals that not only earned him 2nd team All-Atlantic 10 honors, but also placed him on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Region team. Puranen was named to the A-10 All-Rookie team as well.

To put his accomplishments in perspective, Coach O'Connor explained, "There are many URI legends - many of whom are Hall of Famers - who didn't accomplish what Erkko did in his first year in Kingston."

The final presentation of the afternoon was the third annual Ed Bradley Alumni Service Award, named for former Rhody coach from 1988-2005. It is presented annually to the alumnus who has shown dedication, passion and leadership in support of URI men's soccer. On hand to accept the award was Terry Casey '85.

"An avid soccer enthusiast, Terry has been a constant presence at our games and has been personally involved in the development of Rams Football Club, our official program fundraiser. Terry not only donates his time coaching and supporting Rams FC, it has become a family venture as his wife Trish is the treasurer for RFC and his son Michael plays in the club," O'Connor said during the presentation.

At the finale of the awards presentation, Coach O'Connor announced that goalkeeper Chris Pennock (Spennymoor, England), defender Domenic Petrarca (Providence, R.I.) and junior transfer Kevin Shaw (Denny, Scotland) will serve as captains for the 2009 season.

The afternoon ended with a tribute to the senior class of Kedan Crosby (St. James, Trinidad), Kevin Hamill (Easton, Conn.), Andres Perdomo (Pawtucket, R.I.) and Quiah, followed by a end of the season video produced by assistant coach Rob Czlonka.

The Rams open up their 2009 non-traditional spring season on Saturday March 28th when they travel to Boston, Mass. to face NCAA Division II Bentley College and host Northeastern University.