MEN'S SOCCER
2001
PRE-SEASON OUTLOOK


2000 RECAP:  The New Jersey Athletic Conference was once again well represented in post-season play, with Rowan University carrying the conference banner all the way to the final round of the national championship.  Six more teams participated in the ECAC Tournament:  Kean University, Ramapo College, New Jersey City University, Montclair State University, Rutgers University-Camden and the eventual 2000 champions, Richard Stockton College.  Overall, the NJAC posted an impressive non-conference record of 90-29-6.

 
2000 Final Standings & Stats

 
2001 OUTLOOK:  The general consensus among the head coaches is that Rowan will repeat atop the conference standings, with perennial powerhouses Richard Stockton and Kean nipping at their heels.  The NJAC can expect another strong campaign in non-conference competition as well, with most of the teams returning key players in healthy numbers.  Rutgers-Camden, playing in a new stadium, is regarded as the team most likely to cause an upset.

 

2001 NJAC
COACHES' POLL

1.) Rowan University (1)*
2.) Richard Stockton College (3)
3.) Kean University (2)
4.) New Jersey City University (5)
5.) The College of New Jersey (4)
6.) Montclair State University (7)
7.) Ramapo College (8)
8.) Rutgers University-Camden (6)
9.) William Paterson University (9)
10.) Rutgers University-Newark (10)

* number in parentheses indicates last year's regular season finish

Dark Horse:
Rutgers-Camden

 

KEAN UNIVERSITY
COUGARS
Head Coach:  Tony Ochrimenko
2000:  7-1-1 NJAC, 17-5-1 Overall

The Kean University soccer team found itself on the cusp of the NCAA Tournament in 2000. Now, one season later, Kean is looking to not only earn a spot in the tournament, but leave its mark there as well.

Returning its top four scorers, as well as virtually its entire defensive core, the Cougars will have the necessary experience to build a successful 2001 campaign. Like all great teams, Kean is built strong up the middle. Third team All-American Michael Iacono (Boonton HS/Boonton, NJ) will be back to control the midfield; first team Mid-Atlantic regional defender Carlo Ruggiero (Freehold Twp HS/Freehold, NJ) will orchestrate the defense; while second team Mid-Atlantic regional forward Rudy Lormil (Morrell HS/Irvington, NJ) will be the Cougars top scoring threat up top. Sophomore goalkeeper Billy Eckman (Wall HS/Wall, NJ) is back after posting 80 saves and a 0.86 goals against average.


MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY
RED HAWKS
Head Coach: Rob Chesney
2000:  3-5-1 NJAC, 12-8-3 Overall

The Montclair State University men’s soccer team looks to improve upon a successful campaign of a year ago where it went 12-8-3 overall and advanced to the ECAC Championship game. MSU will also look to shore up its 3-5-1 NJAC record and seventh-place finish from last fall, and will do so with a number of its top players returning to MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field. Foremost among the returnees for 11th-year head coach Rob Chesney will be junior midfielder Mark Sa (Newark, NJ/Hudson Catholic), who led the Red Hawks in scoring in 2000 with six goals and six assists for 18 points. Joining him on the attack will be senior midfielder Wooldy LaPointe (Hamilton, NJ/ Hamilton West) (5-2--12).

Junior fullback Sean Pasieka (Kinnelon, NJ/Kinnelon) (1-4--6) will be back to anchor an MSU defense that allowed just 24 goals in 23 outings, while fellow All-NJAC Honorable Mention selection Alex Luna (Newark, NJ/Hudson Catholic) returns in goal after recording five goal-less games as a junior last season to set a new school record with 20 career shutouts.


THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
LIONS
 Head Coach: George Nazario
2000:  5-4 NJAC, 14-7 Overall

The Lions are striving to return to the NCAA Championships after having their streak of nine straight appearances in the 1990’s snapped in 1998.  Offensively, the Lions will have a powerful punch in the return of senior Albie Lobbato (Monroe Twp. HS/Monroe, NJ), who brings 89 points to the roster, having connected on 13 goals and three assists last year en route to a spot on the Regional All-America First Team. Offensive support should also come from the likes of sophomore Joseph Schneck (Lenape HS/Mt. Laurel, NJ), who was the team’s third leading scorer last year with six goals and three assists. The two contributed eight game-winners a year ago and will be a good one-two punch for the Lions again this year. Senior Matt Karsh (Ocean Twp HS/Ocean, NJ) started 14 of 18 games last year with three assists, while senior Jason Quitne (Ocean Twp HS/Ocean, NJ) also returns after an injury shortened 2000 season.

The Lions’ midfield will be anchored by seniors Steve Jenks (Cherokee HS/Marlton, NJ), David Mimnaugh (Vernon Twp HS/Highland Lakes, NJ), and Joseph Rinaldi (Cranford HS/Cranford, NJ) as well as newcomer Evren Asral (Morris Hills HS/Rockaway, NJ), a U.S. Military Academy transfer.

The defense will find leadership in the likes of junior Brian Rostron (Hamilton West HS/Trenton, NJ), who has started all but one game the past two seasons. Junior Mike Ambrose (Triton Reg. HS/Somerdale, NJ), who was voted Most Improved Player last year, returns and should contribute to the defensive unit, which yielded just 23 goals last year. The goalkeeper position is the big question for Nazario this season after the graduation of Ryan Hayward. As a rookie John Titus (Morris Knolls HS/Rockaway, NJ) appeared in two games last year, but will find a healthy competition for the position this fall with the addition of four freshmen goalies. 


NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
GOTHIC KNIGHTS
 Head Coach: Kevin East
2000:  4-3-2 NJAC, 13-7-2 Overall

The 2000 Gothic Knight men’s soccer team enjoyed the winningest season in program history, and the 2001 club will look to continue its growth as a contender for the New Jersey Athletic Conference crown. As head coach Kevin East, the reigning NJAC Coach of the Year, enters his fourth season at the helm of the NJCU ship, potential is certainly the case for a program that has advanced in the standings each of the previous three seasons. After finishing seventh in 1998, sixth in 1999, and fifth in 2000, finishing in the top four
is not out of the realm of possibility.

NJCU’s foremost concern is to find a new starting goalkeeper after the graduation of NJAC Defensive Player of the Year, Jeff East, the younger brother of the head coach.  The Knights have three potentials to fill the slot, including sophomore Frank Atehortua (Plainfield, NJ/Plainfield), who returns after several years off, and a pair of freshman. Chris Barlow (Neptune City, NJ/Neptune) was a First-Team All-State goalkeeper in high school. Baba Guisse is a rookie out of France.

The Knight midfield looks solid with the return of sophomore midfielder Mario Gomez (Jersey City, NJ/Dickinson), the 2000 NJAC Rookie of the Year, who notched 29 points (12 goals, 5 assists) as a freshman. Gomez played with the New Jersey Imperials during the offseason, and was invited to practice with the MetroStars.  At forward, junior Marc Palumbo (Spotswood, NJ/Spotswood) returns after being second on the team with nine goals each of the last two seasons.  Also likely to start up top is freshman Mario Azócar (Union City, NJ/Emerson), who was Hudson County Player of the Year as a junior and senior in high school. 


RAMAPO COLLEGE
ROADRUNNERS
Head Coach: Peppe Pinton
2000:  2-6-1 NJAC, 11-8-1 Overall

After a tough 2000 season, the Roadrunners look to their large group of talented newcomers to continue the success of men’s soccer.  The Roadrunners have not won a post-season championship since 1996.  For the past five years the team has excelled beyond the final regular season game, but only once worn the crown of champion. Last year the Roadrunners faced conference foe Kean in the ECAC Metro Region quarterfinals but were unable to advance after a 4-3 loss.

For only the second time, Pinton will split his 34-man roster into a varsity and junior varsity squad.  Last year the junior varsity team held an overall record of 7-2.  Pinton welcomes 15 newcomers and a number of key returners,  including a trio of seniors:  midfielder Antonio Moreira (Hudson Catholic HS/Newark, NJ); midfielder Walter Martillo (Bergenfield HS/Bergenfield, NJ); and defender Adam Maurer (Middletown North HS/Middletown, NJ). Martillo was the teams's second-leading goal scorer last year adding (8 g, 4 a) while Moreira added 5 goals of his own.  Both Martillo and Moreira were named to the NJAC All- Conference Second Team for their efforts.  Rookie Matt Chester (Hamilton, NJ) will be looked upon to provide scoring punch.

Sophomore Guido Alberti (Nutley, NJ), Paul Taylor (Nottingham, England), Brett Matthews (Lower Cape May Reg. HS/Cape May, NJ) and Kevin Packen (Central Reg. HS/Bayview, NJ) will return to control the defense which let up only 19 goals against NJAC opponents.  Tom Cinquegrana (Hudson Catholic HS/Jersey City, NJ)  will enter his junior year as a Roadrunner goalkeeper after tallying 421 minutes and 30 saves last year. 


RICHARD STOCKTON COLLEGE
OSPREYS
Head Coach: Jeff Haines
2000:  6-2-1 NJAC, 17-4-3 Overall

The Stockton men's soccer team is an experienced squad with 10 seniors among its 19 returning letter winners.  A talented freshman class should add depth to the lineup.  Jeff Moore (Triton HS/Gloucester Twp.) and Greg Ruttler (Edgewood HS/Atco, NJ) both two-time NSCAA All-Region selections, will spearhead the action from their midfield positions with John Epley (Delsea HS/Franklinville, NJ) and Jamie Nelson (Toms River North HS/Toms River, NJ) providing offensive punch.

Two-time NJAC All-Conference pick Mike McAlarnen (Ocean City HS/Ocean View, NJ) and sophomore Mark Dodson (Shawnee HS/Shamong, NJ) will anchor the defense.  Highly-touted rookie Brett Steinberg (Highlands HS/Hohokus, NJ) is expected to make an immediate impact as Stockton's goalkeeper.


ROWAN UNIVERSITY
PROFS
 Head Coach: Dan Gilmore
2000:  8-1 NJAC, 24-2 Overall

The Rowan men's soccer team has a tough act to follow after last year.  The Profs advanced to the championship game of the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament and finished 24-2 overall.  It was the team's 21st appearance and 11th straight in the national tournament. Rowan also won its 12th conference title in Fall 2000.  This season the Profs are led by a trio of seniors, starting with veteran midfielder Ignacio Scarella (Andalican HS/Santiago, Chile) .  With 17 goals and 14 assists, Scarella was the conference's Player of the Year and an All-America first team selection.  He will be joined in the midfield by classmate Matt Weiglein (Point Pleasant Boro HS/Point Pleasant, NJ) who contributed 11 goals and 8 assists last season; and David Spetter (Randolph HS/Randolph, NJ) who accounted for 9 goals and 2 assists.

Promising newcomers include midfielders Matthew Castoro (Jackson Mem./Jackson, NJ), Patrick DiComo (Manalapan HS/Manalapan, NJ) and forward Sandro DeCristofaro (Shawnee HS/Medford, NJ).


RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - CAMDEN
SCARLET RAPTORS
 Head Coach: Greg Ogden
2000:  4-5 NJAC, 12-7-1 Overall

Rutgers-Camden is looking to improve on a banner 2000 season, which saw the Scarlet Raptors post their best record in two decades. First-year coach Greg Ogden led the Raptors to a 12-7-1 mark – two shy of the school’s record for wins, set during the 14-6-4 campaign in 1981 – and berths in the NJAC and ECAC Metro tournaments. The Raptors return most of their team, including MVP Sal DeSimone (Jackson/Jackson Memorial), a senior midfielder, and leading scorer Tim Davis (Vineland/Vineland), a sophomore forward. Davis had 21 points, while DeSimone added 20 last season.

The Raptors only return 82 of their 1811 minutes in goal, as sophomore Mike Seiler (Burlington/Burlington City) is the lone experienced keeper. New goalies include Ryan Trost (Pennsauken/ Pennsauken) and Pete Campbell (Mitchellville, MD/Eleanor Roosevelt). Campbell played basketball the past two years at Rutgers-Camden. Another key newcomer is Ross Greene, the brother of sophomore back Quinton Greene (Burlington/Burlington City).  Both Scarlet Raptor soccer teams will play their home games at the university’s new on-campus soccer complex.


RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - NEWARK
SCARLET KNIGHTS
 Head Coach: Eddie Ballas
2000:  0-8 NJAC, 5-11-2 Overall

Sweeper Michael Stepien (Clifton, NJ/Clifton HS), goalie Stefanos Kazantzis (Fort Lee, NJ/Fort Lee HS), forward Prince Duodo (Irvington, NJ/Irvington HS), and midfielders Giovanni Arias (Roselle, NJ/Abraham Clark HS) and Demba Mane (Fort Lee, NJ/Fort Lee HS) are senior returning starters for the Scarlet Raiders who figure to be much stronger in 2001 after a 5-11-2 season in 2000.

Stepien is a stalwart defender who also led Rutgers-Newark with four assists last season. Mane (six goals and one assist) and Duodo (five goals and three assists) paced the Raiders in scoring.  Kazantzis allowed just 1.85 goals per game while posting 140 saves and two shutouts.

Also returning to the starting lineup is sophomore defender Dylan Christo (Toms River, NJ/Manchester Twp. HS) who netted three goals as a rookie.


WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
PIONEERS
 Head Coach: Brian Woods
2000:  1-5-3 NJAC, 5-10-3 Overall

Coming off a ninth-place finish in 2000, coach Brian Woods sees better days ahead for his Pioneers. Although his roster is laden with youth, some of those youngsters saw significant minutes last season which will hopefully pay significant dividends this fall.

Among the key returnees, senior back Jeff Adams (Somerset, NJ/Immaculata HS) was a second-team All-NJAC selection. Also, junior midfielder John Fornino (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills HS) finished among the conference leaders with seven assists.

Regarding newcomers, the Pioneers will have a fresh face in goal, either sophomore Chris Auriarro (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North HS) or freshman Mike Fedorczyk (Hillsborough, NJ/St. Joseph’s HS). Besides Fedorczyk, there are four other freshmen who could see playing time this season.