Men's Soccer Season Preview
8/22/23
MCCC men’s soccer is entering what Head Coach Widmarc Dalce is calling a “rebuilding year” as they lost 15 players from their 2022 squad. But a “rebuild” for Coach Dalce is not a typical rebuild for most programs. Dalce believes the 2023 team is good enough to make it to the National Championship, if they can stay healthy and utilize the talents of their newcomers and returning players.
Dalce expects sophomore forward Teddy Nkayami (Duisburg, Germany) to lead the offense, following a strong freshman season. Nkamanyi scored 13 goals in 15 games last season and also had 3 assists.
The midfield will be controlled by sophomores Omolemo Matla (Vereeniging, South Africa) and Kida Yamaguchi (Aki-Gun, Japan). Yamaguchi had 3 goals and 2 assists last season and Matla had 1 goal and 2 assists in 11 games.
Sophomore back Dylan DuToit (Johannesburg, South Africa/Waterstone College) will anchor the defense. In addition to his role on defense, Dalce is counting on DuToit to be one of the leaders of the Vikings team this season. Du Toit earned 2 nd Team All-Region honors last season.
Dalce explained that his goals "are pretty much the same every season: to win the Region and advance to the National Championship.” As a former player at MCCC and long-time assistant coach, Dalce is hoping to continue to build on the strong tradition that the Mercer men’s soccer program has. “Those who are new to Mercer may not be aware of the history and tradition men’s soccer has here. It’s something I always want my teams to carry on.”
Mercer opened their season on Friday with a 2-1 loss at CCBC-Catonsville. The Vikings were missing some players but Dalce is glad the team got a game under their belts as they head into a road game at Harcum this Wednesday. “Harcum is always a tough team and Wednesday will be a good test early in the season for us” said Dalce.
The Vikings will look to improve on their 12-4 record from 2022. Region 19 rival Essex will be joining Division II this year and will be tough test for Mercer as will Division II opponent Lackawanna. The Vikings will also play Monroe College, who won the NJCAA Division I National Championship last year.
The Vikings home opener is Saturday, August 26 th vs Suffolk CCC at 12:00 PM.
Dalce is entering his 12 th season as the Head Coach of the Vikings. Dalce will be assisted by Kamal Eletrebi, Matheus Martins, Volunteer Assistant Coach John Pietrowski and Student Manager Eial Marzouk.
Sophomore back Dylan Du Toit
Sophomore forward Teddy Nkamanyi
Sophomore midfielder Kida Yamaguchi
Sophomore midfielder Omolemo Matla