SPRINGFIELD, Mass., October 10, 2006--The Springfield College men’s soccer team finished this past week with a 2-0 record, which included victories over Bridgewater State and Clark. A major key to the Pride’s success in those contests was the play of junior Tony Distasio.

Distasio, a striker from Burlington, Conn., is currently third on the team in points, compiling seven through the season. That translates into two goals and three assists.

This past week, Distasio really made his presence felt. He had a hand in all three goals in the 3-1 win over Bridgewater State last Wednesday. He also assisted on one goal in the 2-0 win over conference-foe Clark last Friday. Against Bridgewater State, Distasio assisted on the game-tying goal at the (52:19) mark. Then seven minutes later, he assisted on the game-winning goal. Later in the 76th minute, Distasio added a goal of his own to assure the Pride of its second straight victory. The fine play of the Pride’s striker continued Friday night against a good (8-1-1) Clark team. Distasio assisted on the first goal for SC in the 29th minute, which proved to be the game-winner. The Pride later scored an insurance goal in the second half and went on to defeat Clark, giving the Cougars their first conference loss of the season.

The Pride is currently (4-7-2) overall, and (1-3) in NEWMAC play. SC has seen its share of last minute and OT losses over the first half of the season but is currently on a 2-game winning streak, and looking to gain momentum for the stretch run.

Before SC, Distasio was a two-sport athlete at Lewis S. Mills High School where he participated in basketball along with soccer. In soccer, he was a two-time all-state performer.

Tony, the son of Anthony and Patricia Distasio, who currently reside in Burlington Conn., hopes to someday be an Athletic Director at a high school or college.

SC will next be in action Wednesday night (October 12) against Williams, with kick-off slated for 7:00 pm at Brock-Affleck Field.

published: 10/10/2006