Go to Mercer County Community College homepage

2002 Men's Soccer Team Off to Strong Start

9/30/02

With a record of 6 – 1 three weeks into the season, the Men's Soccer Team is showing strong signs of the Mercer magic.  The first weekend of the season brought a win and a loss as Mercer beat Louisburg, NC, a runner-up in last year's national tournament 3 –2, and fell to Co. College of Baltimore 3 – 2, another runner-up from last year.

Ranked no. 6 nationally, Mercer is clearly the team to beat in the region, notching up impressive wins over Drew University JV 5 – 0, the Community College of Rhode Island 6 – 0, and Brookdale 5 – 1.  The team's 10 – 1 victory over Ocean Co. Community College on September 18 was the 300th win for Head Coach Charlie Inverso, now in his 17th season with the Vikings. (The assistant coach from the Ocean Co. team was Jason Ashe, one of Inverso's former players from the 1996 national championship team.)  The Vikings' record under Inverso now stands at 302-27-10, giving Mercer the best soccer record of any team in JUCO history.

The match-up between the Vikings and Bryant Stratton (NY) on Sept. 21 was particularly noteworthy as the Vikings overpowered the defending NJCAA national champs 3 – 0.  Ruben Mingo, David Tuesta and C.D. Harris scored for the Vikings, while Brad Lowyns recorded the shut-out in goal, including stopping a penalty kick in the 18th minute.

This year's Vikings squad is loaded with talent, both on offense and defense.  Returning sophomores, midfielders Harris and Tuesta, and forwards Mingo and Richie Arenas, provide a solid offensive base, along with forward Alex Stakhiv and midfielder Leon Malca.  David Tuesta is joined this year by brothers Jorge and Anthony, both midfielders.  The defense includes Umit Angis, Leon Browne and Gerry Aparicio.   Sharing the goalkeeping role are Lowyns, Fauozi Bendaoud and Anthony Quarino, whose two older brothers, Mike and Matt, are former Mercer players.

According to Inverso this year's team has plenty of depth, good chemistry, and a strong shot at the regional title.  Assistant coaches are Larry Povia, Bill Daily, John Pietrowski and Mike Quarino.  Go Vikings!

For game dates and times see:

Men’s Soccer Schedule and Scores

Return to Sports News