By Otto Gomez
Staff Writer
The men’s soccer team continued their regular season with three games in the last two weeks. Now with only three games left in the season, the Lions stand with an 8-4-2 record, including being 2-4 in NJAC play.
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the College squared off against rival Montclair State University at home and competed neck and neck for most of the game. Montclair scored their three goals sporadically, slowly chipping away and separating themselves from the Lions. The final score was 3-0, but the Lions play was consistent throughout the match, despite what the scoreboard indicated.
Before the game, when asked about their recent struggles, junior goalkeeper, Jake Nesteruk, said the team needs to outperform what they’ve been doing.
“In terms of getting back into our earlier form, it just comes down to admitting we haven’t been our best, myself included, and understanding when and why in games we are making certain mistakes,” Nesteruk said.
The team seemed to be motivated after the loss, returning to their strong play from earlier in the year.
The Lions were able to prevail over Rutgers-Camden at home on Wednesday, Oct. 14, by a score of 1-0. Captain, junior Nick Costelloe, continued his brilliant season with a goal 10 minutes into the second half. The Lions were able to hold the lead after Rutgers-Camden senior Grant Taylor’s penalty kick bounced off the post.
With the motivation from the Rutgers-Camden win, the Lions traveled to Mahwah, N.J., on Saturday, Oct. 17, to face off against Ramapo College. Looking for their second NJAC win, the Lions were in full force throughout the game. Costelloe netted two goals, bringing his season total to 10.
It was the strong second half play from the team that made the difference, when they scored three goals after halftime. Junior forward Sean Etheridge and senior defenseman Greg Kaye were also able to score, and keeper Nesteruk recorded six saves.
Nesteruk thinks this type of play is the key to scoring more wins for the rest of the season.
“It just comes down to maintaining the intensity in training and realizing we have plenty of season left,” he said.
The Lions will play against New Jersey City University on Wednesday, Oct. 21. They plan to continue their strong NJAC play for the rest of the year.
