By By Dave Diamond

OFFENSE: B-

This is the only aspect of the Pride’s game that kept it from being the dominant team in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Instead, the Pride jumped on the back of senior Michael Todd and his team leading 12 goals and 29 points and hoped he would provide the offense. Actually, Todd did quite well, but could use more help from inconsistent Constantinos Christoudias next season. The junior did have a fine season in leading the CAA in assists, and if he becomes a more consistent threat next season, the Pride can really pour it on.

DEFENSE: A

After struggling a bit early in the season with its positioning, the defense came together in the second half of the year to keep virtually every conference opponent off the scoreboard. Led by the “big four” of Billy Chung, Gary Flood, Jason Gates and Corey Gudmundson, the back unit helped maintain ball control for the Pride with speed and concentration. Even the midfielders were able to get back in their own zone quickly on a consistent basis, and without a doubt, the defense was responsible for the second straight CAA crown.

GOALTENDING: A+

Hats off to Matthias Gumbrecht for an outstanding season and career. There is no other way to describe eight shutouts and a miniscule 0.77 GAA. Gumbrecht was both a clutch player and a vocal leader on and off the field, and his aggressive play in goal helped lead to a 575-minute shutout streak and a 6-0-1 unbeaten streak en route to the CAA title. There was nobody better in the conference this year.

COACHING: A-

Head coach Richard Nuttall is a class act, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he won quite a few more CAA championships in his tenure. Perhaps the best example of Nuttall’s teachings is after the overtime goal that heartbreakingly ended the Pride’s season on Nov. 18. The team composed themselves and gave a standing ovation to the fans that came out to show their support. A great action from a classy team, and that is a direct result of Nuttall and his hard-working staff.