EWING – For most soccer teams, a 4-2 start to the season is a great way to build momentum and quickly claim a top spot in a conference.
Except if the team competes in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
“The NJAC is one of the most competitive soccer divisions in the nation,” said George Nazario, The College of New Jersey head men’s soccer coach. “For example, Kean University made it to the NCAA tournament despite finishing seventh in the NJAC. They won all of their out-of-conference matches.”
On Saturday, Sept. 16, the Lions will welcome their first conference opponent of the season, William Paterson, at the TCNJ Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled at 1 p.m.
Last year, four NJAC teams qualified for the NCAA tournament. According to a press release from njacsports.com, Kean University was the first team to earn an NCAA berth without competing in the NJAC tournament.
The Lions are off to a 4-2 start with wins against Frostburg State University, Bridgewater College, Roanoke College and Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham. Meanwhile, the team’s two losses have come from an overtime match against Stevens Institute of Technology and a 3-1 loss against Lynchburg College.
So far, the Lions defense has been carrying the team to those wins. Freshman goalkeeper Michael Kayal leads the defense with 15 saves. Experienced defenders such as junior Nick Provenzano and junior Nick Zolofra have also complimented Kayal’s goalkeeping. In the overtime loss against Stevens Institute of Technology, both Provenzano and Zolofra stopped the Ducks offense from shooting on goal in three corner kicks.
Coming from Wayne, New Jersey, the Pioneers have been raking win after win during the past two weeks. After conceding a 4-1 loss against Dickinson College, the Pioneers won the next five matches and accumulated a 5-1 record. In the midst of the winning streak, the Pioneers posted four consecutive shutouts, including an 8-0 drubbing win against Medgar Evers College.
Despite the explosive start, the Pioneers are currently fourth in the NJAC, behind third-place Rowan University, second-place Stockton University and first-place Rutgers University-Newark.
In contrast to the Lions defensive playing style, the Pioneers offense keeps ripening every match. Pioneers senior midfielder Dante Petrocelli anchors the team’s offense with four goals. During the Pioneers recent win against Medgar Evers College, Petrocelli recorded a hat trick. Moreover, the Pioneers offense can be unpredictable as 12 Pioneers have recorded at least one goal.
At the back end of the field, two goalkeepers stand out like scarecrows. Sophomore Kyle Quigley and senior Tim Morris have split their time on the Pioneers. Quigley has 10 saves this season and recorded four wins.
The Lions defense will be tested against the upstart Pioneers. Kayal could be the biggest difference between an important conference victory or another close game that slips away.
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