Men’s
Soccer Team to Defend National Title Nov. 17-20
Vikings
Dominate at Northeast District Tournament
11/8/05
| The
Vikings are going back to Texas. After a weekend of near perfect
soccer under cloudless skies at the MCCC Soccer Stadium Nov. 5 and
6, the defending national champs proved that their no. 1 national
ranking this season is well deserved.
As the host of the Northeast District Tournament, the 18-0-1 Vikings had the home field advantage, but their skill level and depth would have earned them victories on any field anywhere. Four teams started the weekend: Mercer, Massasoit (MA), Bryant & Stratton (NY), and Essex (NJ). In the end Mercer stood alone, after scoring seven goals in two games and holding its opponents scoreless. On Nov. 5, Mercer faced Massasoit, a team the Vikings had narrowly beaten 2-1 on Sept. 18. But on Saturday Mercer’s victory was resounding. After a scoreless 20 minutes, the Vikings found the net again and again, tallying five goals for a 5-0 win. Goals came from Jilmar Perez, Anthony Moy, Refael Segal, and Nick Devine (2). Sophomore Tom DeStefano ably defended the goal, while experienced defenders Felix Martey and Jason James limited Massasoit to four shots. Facing Bryant & Stratton on Nov. 6, the Vikings had a tougher time but still controlled the action, winning 2-0 on a first half goal from forward Marcus Price and a second half goal from Segal. Bryant & Stratton had only one good chance to score, a shot that DeStefano deftly deflected. Referring to the physical level of play, Head Coach Charlie Inverso commented, “It wasn’t the prettiest game. But we did what we had to do. We’re a little battered but we’re going to regroup and be ready for the next round.” The next round takes place in Tyler, TX, from Nov. 17-20 when the Vikings join with seven other top teams from across the nation. By Nov. 20 one of them will be the champions. |
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| A
jubilant Mercer team celebrates after receiving the Northeast District plaque. |
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The 2005 Vikings rule the Northeast Region. |
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Region
19 Director John Kuntz, far left, athletic director for Sussex
Community College, presented the district plaque to: |
There
were plenty of hugs to go around after the game. |
