Meet the Bulls

Maybe the name doesn't ring a bell, but coming off his first victory of the young season, freshman Daniel Bell is quickly making a name for himself.

Shutting down Central Connecticut State in the final ten minutes of last Friday's game, Bell held off a barrage of shots and was instrumental in orchestrating the Bulls opening round victory of the UB Fall Classic.

Bell was moved into the starting goalkeeper spot due to an early season injury to the senior goalkeeper, Chris Vavrina.

Haling from Ontario, Canada where he attended Notre Dame High School, you would instantly assume Bell was a big football player or a hockey guru. So when asked how he got involved in soccer, he credits his parents as being the catalyst to his career.

"Basically, my parents threw me in there when I was five," said Bell. "Soccer was dirt-cheap and recreational, and eventually it just grew on me. I did play football my senior year of high school, I was the kicker, but that was just for fun."

Another part of soccer that happened by chance with Bell was his becoming a goalie.

"I used to play forward, shooter, defender; I was everywhere," said Bell. "Then one day in eighth grade our goalie got injured and the coach asked for a volunteer, so I said I'd do it, and I've played goalie everyday since."

Daniel also attributes his success to his older brother, who has been a huge influence on him during his playing career.

"My bro has been my influence 100 percent, and he's a goalie for Princeton," said Bell. "So I credit my brother and good coaches throughout the years."

Surprisingly, Bell enters UB's season with very little high school experience. Instead he opted to play for club teams where the level of play was more competitive.

"I only played soccer for my high school in ninth grade," said Bell. "People don't take soccer that seriously there (in Canada) and the competition was low. So I played for club teams where we play three, four times a week, so I got to play a lot of games and experience doing that."

Asked to pick what his most memorable moment on the field was, Bell said his finest moment was something that occurred off the field.

"My most achieving moment would be making the pool for the national team," said Bell. "I've been to the Ontario Finals before but we lost, so I would say being selected to the pool would definitely be my number one moment."

Class might be the place for daydreaming, but he says his mind never wanders in goal.

"I'm always focused on the game. I actually prefer the action to be on my side just to keep me more involved in the game."

5 Random Questions

1) Did you ever try the "fake punt" play during a football game?

"Yea I did, but it didn't work. We (kickers) never practiced throwing during practices and I wound up getting nailed by these two guys. We never tried it again."

2) Do you or your mom drive the "soccer mom" car?

"Actually she does, it's a Volvo. I don't have a car yet but hopefully I can save up and get some crappy car. I don't mind it now; it saves me money on gas."

3) Who's your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?

"Leo by far, he's awesome. He's the leader and he's got all the swords. I'm still adjusting to the cable system they got here (dorms), so I don't know if they're still on. They got the new series out, but it's all about the old episodes."

4) Gigli or Glitter? And why?

"I haven't seen either but J. Lo is hotter, so I would say definitely Gigli."

5) How many trophies do you have and what's the tallest one?

"Wow you get so many you lose count. From tournaments and "Most Improved," I would say anywhere from 30-40. The biggest one is the "League Champions" trophy I got two summers ago; it's about two feet, a little too big for my shelf. Hopefully I can add a MAC trophy to it soon."