Aug. 23, 2007

NEWARK, NJ - As New Jersey Institute of Technology men's soccer enters its fourth year competing at college soccer's top level, the Highlanders will be able to count on experienced players throughout the roster.

Seniors comprise a relatively small part of the roster, but they are joined by a solid group of juniors, many of whom already have two years as starters under their belts. Likewise, the team has a group of sophomores with starting experience, joined by a talented class of newcomers, including freshmen and transfers.

"We're still a young team--the bulk of our players are no more than juniors," said head coach Pedro Lopes. "This is where the time players have been together comes into play. I believe they're beginning to understand that every team goes into streaks. The question is--have they learned to deal with adversity? Also, to keep playing at a high level if they get the lead."

NJIT's move, starting with the first Division I schedule in 2004, has been a challenge, albeit expected. Coinciding with the move up, NJIT underwent a roster renovation in Lopes' debut season in 2003. The result--a team that would have been rebuilding at its former Division II level was also faced with a step up to Division I competition. Said Lopes: "We were thrown into the lion's den."

Having learned the hard lessons of 2004, the 2005 team, with a strong class of recruits, showed immediately that it was a team to be reckoned with. Opening 2005 at Boston University, a team that had advanced to the second round of the 2004 Division I College Cup, NJIT led for nearly 80 minutes, went behind, 2-1, but came back to tie before finally falling, 3-2, in overtime.

That 2005 opener foreshadowed a season that had another overtime loss and a school-record five double overtime ties. In addition, the Highlanders played four regulation games decided by a single goal.

Despite playing four matches against 2005 College Cup qualifiers, including eventual national champion Maryland, the Highlanders cut their goals against to 30, down from 62 in 2004.

Last year's opened with promise, as NJIT set its Division I scoring record in a 5-0 win over Iona and then played to a hard-fought 1-0 loss against Boston University. The Highlanders posted a new Division I season high for wins, including a 2-3-1 record in the Atlantic Soccer Conference that saw enter the final weekend with its first postseason berth in sight, only to fall, 1-0, in the season finale at eventual conference champ, Adelphi.

There were many more 2006 contests like the hard-fought match against BU than there were like the big win over Iona. On defense, the Highlanders held nine of their last 10 foes to two, or fewer, goals, but could only cash in two wins (both in overtime) and two ties.

"The biggest obstacle we faced was scoring goals," said Lopes. "Eventually, opponents will get a chance and score and that's what happened to us a lot last year. We'd miss good chances and then they'd score, or they'd score early and we just weren't able to score after that."

Not surprisingly, Lopes sought answers on the recruiting trail. "We tried to recruit players with a team attacking approach and the ability to score. We want to have more players who are a threat."

Lopes sees scoring as the key to improvement "If we can put some goals away, it will change the game," said the coach, who also counts on internal development. "Instead of us chasing the play, they will have to chase us and you will get a completely different game with us in the lead."

Among the returnees expected to play a role are flashy midfielder Osvaldo Perez, Swedish sophomores Erik Magnusson and Gustav Warfving and junior central midfield Kayo Emojong.

Perez, who was limited to 10 games in 2006, converted twice in his three shots on goal and is a creative on the ball.

Magnusson was a second-team all-ASC honoree and Warfving was the only Highlander to start all 16 games. "They're good players who now know what to expect from Division I soccer and I think that will help them be even better," Lopes said.

Emojong will be crucial in the middle of the field. Said Lopes: "Kayo is the engine of the team."

Senior Brian Nash, who came to NJIT after two years at Iona, did well creating opportunities for his Highlander teammates and is a potential starter.

Among the newcomers, Frank Carr, Brian Caine and Frank Vogas bear watching from the outset. Carr, who posted 24 goals and 14 assists as a senior, was one of New Jersey's top high school stars a year ago. He was Middlesex County Player of the Year, as well as all-state second team.

Vogas, as well, was all-New Jersey second team and is a goal scorer picked to play in the Annual Senior All-Star game, as well as in the May North-South All-Star game sponsored by the MLS Red Bulls. One of two natives of Jamaica who come to NJIT from Florida, Caine can help the Highlanders either at forward or in the midfield.

On the other end, NJIT is exceptionally deep in the final line of defense, with three goalkeepers experienced as Division I starters.

Josh Osit, a junior who played his first season for NJIT in 2006, started 13 times, with two shutouts, 65 saves and a 1.67 goals against average. Collin Cunning, now a senior, was an all-Atlantic Soccer Conference honoree in 2005. He played in seven 2006 contests and had a save percentage of .822. Ryan Sutherland, who redshirted in 2006, started four times in 2005, including NJIT's first-ever Division I win (2-0 vs. Manhattan on September 10).

"Right now, Josh is the number one, but Collin is very close to being a number one and Ryan is pushing the other two guys," said Lopes. "I will feel comfortable with whichever one of them wins the job."

The rest of the defense includes some of the team's steadiest and most experienced players Senior captain Bobby Herrera is as reliable a player as NJIT has. "We look upon him as a center back or defensive midfielder and he's a big, tough guy and team leader," said the coach.

Junior Rafael Barrera, returning for his third-year as a starter, is set as the center back. Fellow junior Scott Rietze is another third-year starter and team leader as a captain. Junior Dylan Broadley adds still more experience. "Dylan has played almost every minute and he understands his role," commented Lopes. "He can get our attack going, while also solidifying the right side of our defense."

Talented sophomore Michael Bento figures to contribute after a bout with mono short-circuited his freshman year. He had won a starting job, only to be forced to the sidelines. Said Lopes:"He's a very good player and I think we'll see more of that now that he's healthy."

Sophomore, Patrick O'Driscoll, progressed in his rookie year, appearing in 13 games, with seven starts.

Senior captain Dario Brito, a fiery leader, who has played in 10 games the last three seasons and underwent offseason surgery and freshmen Oshane Moodie are expected to solidify the left back spot. Moodie, like Caine, from Jamaica by way of Florida, was a Broward County all-star. A star track sprinter in high school, his speed is an asset on the soccer pitch, as well.

Freshman Pat Amato, New Jersey prep all-state player, is also in the mix.

Since moving to Division I, Lopes and NJIT have played eventual national champion Maryland in 2005, as well as numerous teams that reached NCAA postseason play.

This year, the Highlanders have added new challenges to the conference schedule and intriguing return dates. NJIT will fly across the country for a pair of early September games, visiting San Diego State, one of the top teams on the Pacific Coast and then taking on the University of San Diego two days later.

Later on, the Highlanders will travel down the New Jersey Turnpike for an October 10 game at Rutgers--the first Division I soccer meeting between the two schools.

"We try to put our players in position to compete against top teams," said Lopes. "San Diego and San Diego State are both excellent programs and Rutgers is a model for what we can become."