Posted: Nov 08, 2011
2011 All Conference
Oneonta State took home three major awards and placed five players on the All-SUNYAC First Team as the conference announced the 2011 SUNYAC Men’s Soccer All-Conference Teams. Oneonta forward Eric Fortier garnered SUNYAC Player of the Year honors, and freshman forward Justin Rivera was selected the SUNYAC Rookie of the Year. Head Coach Iain Byrne was named the Coach of the Year.
In his ninth season guiding the Red Dragons, Byrne enjoys his first SUNYAC top coaching honor after leading Oneonta to its first conference title since 1985. The Red Dragons went undefeated in conference play (8-0-1) to earn the number one seed in the tournament for the second straight year since rejoining Div. III in 2007. Byrne collected his 100th career-win in the SUNYAC semifinals as Oneonta has now won 10 straight games. The Red Dragons are unbeaten in its last 15 games entering the NCAA tournament field for the first time since 1975. The Red Dragons also have a program record of 24 games without a loss at home, a streak that began in 2009. With a current record of 14-2-2, Byrne’s team is ranked third in the region and 21st in Division III.
Fortier, a junior from Pleasant Valley, NY adds his top player honor to All-SUNYAC First Team selection in 2011 as well as a second team choice in 2009. He is currently ranked third in the conference in points (23) and is second in goals scored (10), including three game winners.
Rivera immediately stopped to the forefront of the Red Dragons offense. He appeared in all 18 games, making 11 starts. His 12 points are tied for fourth most on the team as he netted four goals including the game winner in the SUNYAC Championship game. Rivera is the second Red Dragons to receive Rookie of the year honors, following Kyle Hoffer in 2007.
