PITMAN—The New Jersey Athletic Conference announced on November 4 that forty-two student-athletes have earned all-conference honors in men’s soccer during the 2009 season. All selections were made determined by a vote of the league’s 10 head coaches.
Richard Stockton College junior forward Rafael Duarte was selected as the NJAC Offensive Player of the Year. A three-time NJAC all-conference selection, Duarte currently ranks fourth in the conference in overall points (23) and third in the league in overall goals (10). A Week 4 NJAC Offensive Player of the Week selection in 2009, Duarte posted a league-high seven goals against NJAC competition, while ranking second in the NJAC in conference-only points (15).
Rowan junior net-minder Charlie Cunliffe was tapped as the NJAC Goalkeeper of the Year. A two-time NJAC Defensive Player of the Week selection during the 2009 season, Cunliffe currently leads all NJAC goalkeepers in save percentage (.878). Against NJAC competition, he posted league-best marks in save percentage (.887) and total saves (63).
Montclair State University senior midfielder Joseph Cullen was selected as the Pat Baldiserra Midfielder of the Year. Recently established by the New Jersey Athletic Conference Board of Athletic Administrators, the award is named in memory of former Rutgers University-Camden All-American Pat Baldiserra who was tragically killed in an automobile accident prior to the start of the 2007 season. A three-time NJAC all-conference selection, Cullen has produced four goals and four assists for 12 points in 17 matches played for the NJAC regular season champion Red Hawks.
William Paterson University junior back Joe Strawman and Montclair State senior back William Griffin were selected as NJAC Co-Defensive Players of the Year. Strawman anchors a Pioneer defense which currently ranks third in both team goals allowed (18) and team goals against average (0.87). Griffin spearheads a Red Hawk defense that currently leads the NJAC in fewest goals allowed (10), goals against average (0.53), and goals allowed per game (0.56).
Montclair State senior forward Michael Cullen was the recipient of the conference’s David Logar Award, given annually to the player who best displays the attributes of leadership and courage.
Ramapo College freshman forward Rob Santaniello was selected as NJAC Rookie of the Year. A first-team all-conference selection and a four-time weekly honoree in 2009, Santaniello currently lead the NJAC in overall points (38) and overall goals (16).
Montclair State University head coach Brian Sentowski was tapped as the NJAC Coach of the Year by his peers. In 2009, he has guided the Red Hawks to a 15-1-2 overall record and the NJAC regular season championship via a 7-1-1 conference mark. In eight seasons at the helm of the MSU program, Sentowski has led the Red Hawks to an overall record of 127-27-14.