JOHNSON, Vt.- The Northern Vermont University-Johnson men's soccer team season was capped off by a North Atlantic Conference playoff appearance for the first time since 2010 and extended their NCAA era wins record to 10 wins. 

 

This season the NVU-Johnson men's soccer team finished with an overall record of 10-7, while finishing with a conference record of 4-3. Earning 10 wins marks the Badgers first season with double digit wins since 1997. The team also recorded a program best 45 goals as well as 40 assists in a season. The Badgers had non-conference wins against Southern Vermont College, Unity, Paul Smith's College and Vermont Tech. This season the Badgers entered the North Atlantic Conference playoffs for the first time since 2010 and earned the No. 4 seed to host a playoff game for the first time since 2005. The Badgers lost in a hard fought battle against SUNY Canton in the NAC Quarterfinals on Saturday, October 27.

 

The Badgers were made up of 12 newcomers with 16 underclassmen. 

 

The Badgers were led by North Atlantic Conference First Team All-Conference selections junior Robert Buonanno (Wolcott, Vt.) and junior Daniel Arriola (Romeoville, IL). Buonanno was a scoring punch for the Badgers all season. He provided 12 goals and 4 assists for the Badgers which ranked him first in goals in the NAC and top five in assists. Arriola was tied for sixth in the conference in goals (8) and also assisted on 4 goals this season.  Buonanno also ended the season entering the Badger record books in the top 10 for scoring (6th) and points (9th).  

 

North Atlantic Conference Second Team selection John Folsom (Califon, N.J.) held down the defense for the Badgers this season. Folsom's competitiveness and physical play was an important piece to the Badgers team as a whole. Folsom also recorded one goal and two assists for the Badgers. Senior Gerrit Lane (Moretown, Vt.) recorded 60 saves this season for the Badgers and was a leader on and off the field.  He now ranks third all-time in career saves with 276.

 

"I'm extremely proud of all these guys accomplished this year on the field.  We were able to put Johnson soccer back in the discussion of a title contender returning to the playoffs as a host.  The way the conference playoffs shook out, these guys recognize the gains we need to make to become NAC Champions next season.  We competed very well with the top of the conference this year and felt we could beat anyone.  The newcomers got a great taste of playoff soccer and are motivated to take the steps necessary to remain competitive.  While we are happy about the wins and the accomplishments this year, our guys want more for themselves and see that they are capable of bringing a title to campus."

 

Head coach Shane Bufano is currently second in all time wins for the Badgers.