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Both the men's
and women's soccer teams are proud victors in their respective battles
for Region 19 titles. The action took place at the MCCC Soccer Stadium
on November 1. The women's team took to the field first in a fierce
contest, defeating the County College of Morris 1-0. Mercer's unrelenting
offense, which combined for a total of 26 shots, was kept at bay
by Morris goalie Celia Ward, who was named the Defensive Player
of the Game. The game was decided by a hand ball in the box with
just nine minutes remaining, which set up the goal on a penalty
kick by Mercer striker Kasey Kenny. Kenny was named Offensive Player
of the Game. With that goal, Kenny scored her 28th goal of the season.
Under second-year
head coach Jodie Ricciardi, Mercer's record of 17-3-1 is its best
since 1989. In addition to talented forward and midfielders, the
Vikings have been anchored by a solid defense that features sophomore
Heidi Summers in goal.
On the men's
side, it was all Mercer as the Vikings defeated Essex Community
College 6-1. Roy Vissers had four goals, with Amit Abudmad and Luke
Stedmond adding two. Vissers, who has totaled 20 goals this season,
was named the Offensive Player of the Game and Chuck Svenson was
named Defensive Player. With a record of 15-2, this win marks Mercer's
eighth straight regional title. Head coach Charlie Inverso, now
in his 23rd season with the Vikings, notched his 416th victory,
giving him the second best soccer record in NJCAA Division 1 history.
Mercer hosts the Northeast District Tournament Nov. 7-9 for both
men and women. The men face Massasoit Community College in a semi-final
game at 10 a.m. Saturday, which will be followed by the other semi-final
between Essex CC and Bryant & Stratton at 1 p.m. The winners
of that round will face each other in the final on Sunday at 11
a.m. The women's final follows the men's game on Sunday at 1 p.m.
(Mercer will face the winner of the semi-final game to be played
between CCRI and Monroe CC at MCCC on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.) The district
winners travel to the NJCAA national championships later in November.
For photos of the men's championship game, see here.
For photos of the women's game, see here.
Chuck
Svenson was named the
Defensive Player of the Game.
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