Oct. 3, 2007

WASHINGTON - September 29 played host to the American University men's soccer alumni day and marked the 10 year anniversary of the 1997 team which completed one of the most successful seasons in the program's history. Alumni were joined on campus by family members and friends for an exciting day of events.

The annual alumni game began the day's festivities. Those in attendance were split up between the Alumni Red and Alumni Green teams.

"It was the most competitive alumni game I have ever seen," said Head Coach Todd West.

The Alumni Red team, formed by graduates between 1998 and 2006, gave the Alumni Green team, formed by graduates from 1997 and beyond, all that they could handle and the one hour match ended with the Alumni Red team victorious, 3-1.

That competition coupled with laughter and the reminiscence of great memories set the tone for a day full of camaraderie for the 37 alumni in attendance.

The day continued with a luncheon reception prior to the start of the men's soccer match between AU and Army. At halftime, a special ceremony honored the great '97 squad which battled its way to the NCAA Tournament's "Elite Eight" quarterfinal round. That year's team finished the season with a No. 5 national ranking and marks one of the best seasons in AU soccer history. Steve Franzke, Booby Brennan, Todd Miller, Antonio Otero, Jeff Angelucci, Rich Shapiro, Mike Gorsegner, Scott Weber, Jamie Dulin, Trevor Ellis and Scott Pearson represented the 1997 team at midfield.

The celebration ended with a thrilling victory as AU took down the visiting Black Knights, 2-1. Over 700 people joined the alumni at Reeves Field to enjoy the festivities.

For a photo gallery with all of the day's events, click here.