Last season, the Roadrunner Men's Soccer took a major step in the program's history when they captured a North Atlantic District B championship and qualified for the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament, where they made a respectable showing by splitting a pair of games vs. nationally ranked opponents.
Can history repeat itself, or perhaps even move to the next level? It may be tough for sure following last season's 15-4-1 overall showing, however, the Roadrunners return several proven starters from last season, including prolific scorers Noah Heitz and Robert Piontkowski and all-star back Lucas Fryc, not to mention an impressive recruiting class.
"The coaching staff is so proud of the players and their efforts from last season-- they never backed down," said veteran coach George Hobbins. "On paper, we have a high quality team with many returning starters and some talented freshmen players. But the game is played on the field, and we will see how we come together over time. We're definitely looking to improve over a great season we had last Fall, and hopefully we have the players and team in place to take the next steps."
The Runners open their 2024 campaign tonight against a tough opponent in Camden County College, which also qualified for the National Championship Tournament last season. Kick off is at 7 pm at the Rutgers-Camden complex. The Runners start the season No. 8 in the NJCAA D III Pre-season rankings while the Cougars check in at No. 7.
"This is a great test for both teams to see where we are against a quality opponent," said Hobbins. "We will see how it goes and keep making adjustments as we move forward."
See below a brief preview of the Roadrunners' Fall 2024 Men's Soccer Season.
Roadrunner Men's Soccer Season Preview
Coach: George Hobbins (11th season); NJCAA career record 159-98-13, including 92-62-14 in eight seasons at RCGC/RCSJ.
Assistant Coaches: Andrew McNellis (4th season); Craig Wicken (4th season).
Last Season: 15-4-1 overall; captured the North Atlantic B Division championship; finished 1-1 in the NJCAA D III National Tournament.
Season Opener: The Runners will meet Camden County College on Aug. 27th, 7 pm, at Rutgers-Camden.
2024 Roster: Brandon Martinelli, G, FR, Lindenwold; Collin Peters, G, SO, Deptford; John Young, M, FR, Williamstown; Kameron Borger, B, FR. Washington Twp.; Domenick DeAngelis, B, SO, Williamstown; Dylan Kodama. M, FR, Mira Costa (CA); Jair Angel. M, SO, Cumberland; Aidan Clark, M, FR, Mainland; Tyler Lowe, M, SO, Hammonton; Mitchell Jean-Jacques, M, FR, Absegami; Angel Collazo, SO, M, St. Augustine Prep; Brennan Wheeler, M, SO, Washington Twp.; Noah Heitz, F, SO, GCIT; Lucas Fryc, B, SO, Bordentown; Jaziel Carrasco, M, SO, Williamstown; Chalie Sheel, B, FR, Delsea; Paul Flanigan, B, FR, Deptford; Matt Lillia, M, FR, Buena; Jacob Garrett, F, FR, Gateway; Robert Piontkowski, F, SO, Washington Twp,; Germaine Okeke, M, FR, Lindenwold; Luan Duong , M, SO, Egg Harbor Twp.; Broudleyton Calcinot, M, SO, Clearview; Noah Pagan, B, FR, Matawan; Carson Widmer, F, FR, GCIT; Jeffrey Melsi, B, FR, Eastern; Favour Ogbeide, M, SO, Lindenwold; Evan Walski, B, FR, Kingsway; Emilio Hernandez, M, FR, Lindenwold; Kevin Wall, G, FR, Gloucester City.
Coach George Hobbins on 2024 Roadrunner Men's Soccer: "On paper, we have a high quality team with many returning starters and some talented freshmen players. But the game is played on the field, and we will see how we come together over time. We're definitely looking to improve over a great season we had last Fall, and hopefully we have the players and team in place to take the next steps."