The RCGC men's soccer program has evolved into one of the NJCAA Region XIX's premier teams, and the Roadrunners will look to continue this winning tradition during the upcoming 2019 season.
In 2018, Coach George Hobbins' team made a fourth straight appearance in the Region XIX playoffs. With a talented and deep roster, the Roadrunners should again be among the top Region XIX teams in the new season.
Among the key returnees are All Region XIX midfielder Justin Phy (Triton Regional) and All Region defender Tyler Liberkowski (Triton), along with sophomore Gemel Tutu, who is expected to contribute offensively at forward this Fall. Coach Hobbins also has a talented recruiting class highlighted with depth at goalkeeper and in the defensive positions.
"We feel we had an excellent recruiting season and we look forward to our new players supporting our sophomores and continuing our winning success of the past few seasons," said Hobbins.
The Roadrunner coaching staff has also been bolstered with the additions of former players Brian Palangi and Andrew McNellis as assistants. Veteran Stephen Hart returns for a third season as an assistant coach.
The Runners open the 2019 season on the road Friday at Penn State Lehigh Valley in a 3:00 pm start. The first home match is September 5 vs. Manor College in a 3:30 pm kickoff.
Season Preview
Coach: George Hobbins (6th season); NJCAA career record 110-71-7, including 43-35-8 in five seasons at RCGC.
Assistant Coaches: Stephen Hart (3rd season); Brian Palangi (1st season); Andrew McNellis (1st season).
Last Season: 6-6-4 overall; 4-2-3 conference; 6-2-3 Region XIX; earned Region XIX playoff berth with first round game vs. Bucks County CC.
Season Opener: Friday, August 30, Penn State Lehigh Valley, away, 3:00 pm.
Key Returnees: Justin Phy (Triton), So., midfielder; Tyler Liberkowski (Triton), So., back; Anthony Macklin (Eastern), So., midfielder; Tyler Toffenetti (Buena), So., back; Gemel Tutu (Vineland), So., forward; Chris Barts (Hammonton), So., back; Francesco Fazzolari (Glassboro), So., midfielder.
Promising Newcomers: Connor Rink (Haddon Hts.), Fr. goalkeeper; Brandon Daisey (Triton), Fr., midfielder; Jake Fazi (Triton), Fr., back; Brian Madden (Haddon Twp.), Fr., midfielder; Santino Mancini (Glassboro), Fr., midfielder; Donn Nelson (Schalick), Fr., midfielder; Allan Mondragon (Woodstown), Fr., midfielder; Michael Rizzo (Clearview), Fr., back; Andrew Seary (Pilgrim Academy), midfielder; Garrity Bantle (Audubon), Fr., back; Sean Tyler (Cherry Hill West), Fr., back; Dominic Ciavarelli (Haddon Hts.), Fr., midfielder; Christopher Jackson (Williamstown), Fr., midfielder; Justin Branyan (Kingsway), Fr., goalkeeper; James Bartolotto (Gloucester Catholic), Fr., goalkeeper. Lorne Niemiec (Roman Catholic), So., midfield; Josh Strickon (Washington Twp.), So., midfielder.
Outlook for 2019: With 7 returnees and several talented newcomers, the Roadrunners look to be among the top contenders for NJCAA Region XIX and Garden State Athletic Conference titles. Top opponents include Camden CC, Brookdale CC, Sussex County, and Bucks CC among others.
Coach George Hobbins on 2019 season: "Overall, we should enjoy a solid 2019 season. This team has the capability of doing well offensively with Justin Phy back in the lineup and a lot of talented players supporting him. Defensively, we should be strong too. Our players are hungry to show improvement and challenge the top teams in the conference and region."