West Windsor, N.J. -- New head coach Patrick Snyder is singing the praises of the men's soccer team midway into his first season. With solid team play and talent on both offense and defense, they are currently 5-1-1 and ranked #14 in the nation by the National Junior College Athletic Association.

On Sept. 24, the Vikings traveled to Louisburg, NC, to face Louisburg College (4-5). The visiting Vikings got on the board in 16th minute when Precious Iloka (Hamilton, NJ; Nottingham HS) scored his sixth goal of the season. He was assisted by fellow sophomore Jonni Ventura (Westminster, MA; Oakmont Regional). Freshmen Gustavo Vega (Princeton, NJ; Princeton HS) scored his first college career goal in the 36th minute, ending the half 2-0 in favor of the visitors.

The second half opened with a the home team applying pressure and registering their first shot on goal. In the 64th minute, MCCC sophomore Jon Louisignau (Wilimington, DE; Concord HS) scored his first goal of the season on an assist from sophomore Trevor Lamb (Newton, PA; The Pendelton School). Lamb then scored a goal of his own five minutes later on a pass from Iloka. Kyle Bijou (Bordentown, NJ; Bordentown Regional) scored on a corner kick served in from Vega to complete the Vikings scoring total. Sophomore Sheldon Parkinson (New York City, NY; Lehman HS) had five saves to earn his third shutout of the season.

On Sept. 25, the Vikings won their second game at Louisburg in a contest against Cape Fear Community College (3-3), of Wilmington, NC. Mercer opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Ventura slipped the ball to Louisignau (Wilmington, DE; Concord HS) for his second goal of the season. Ventura followed up with a goal five minutes later. Vega (Princeton, NJ; Princeton HS) added his second goal in two days on a free kick from 25 yards out. Ruben Morales (Princeton, NJ; Princeton HS) had four saves for his first career win in goal.

Mercer is back in action next Saturday against NJCAA D3 national power Herkimer Community College (NY).

The Vikings play a string of away games in early October, but return to their home field for four games: Oct. 11 vs. ASA, Oct. 13 vs. Bucks; Oct. 15 vs. CCBC-Essex; and Oct. 19 vs. Salem.