New Coach, Outlook Bring Soccer Successes
It is fitting that the men’s soccer team finished the 2007 season with two wins. The team’s final 3-8-1 record reflects the impact of a positive outlook, new players, and a new but experienced head coach. All served to boost the team beyond the lingering disappointment of last year’s winless season.
According to coach Evan Brosniak, this year’s team had “a lot of weapons.” Those weapons include key players like striker Pablo Freire, midfield powerhouses Alvaro Gonzales and Matt Bullman, and defenseman John Pompeo.
The coaches brought a similar level of talent. Assistant Coach Peter Lungen’s experience with goalkeeping has clearly helped to strengthen the team’s defensive play. Player/coaches Kevin Gentile and Derek Rafanello boosted goalkeeping skills as well.
Those who played for the team last year say that attitudes were better this year from the start, a major accomplishment after last year’s record of 0 wins and 16 losses. According to Coach Brosniak, this is due mainly to the staff, which has done a good job working on pride, standards, and goals.
“They listen to the players’ requests but at the same time routinely ask, ‘What can you do to make yourself a better player today?’ They strive for equality and an improvement in all aspects of the team.”
Brosniak said external forces have also played a major role in boosting the team’s spirit. There has been a great showing of parents, siblings, and friends throughout the season, he said. RVCC staff have helped to keep the team supplied with essentials such as uniforms and ball bags. Brosniak said he received all the support he asked for from Director of Student Life Mary Sullivan and “Coach” Greg Jackson.
The soccer team had some very challenging match-ups this season, including Camden County College, Morris Community College, and Union County College. They suffered a narrow defeat against Camden, but showed potential in their highly physical yet tasteful performance. The team’s strong effort against Morris is not reflected in its 5-1 loss.
A tie against Ocean County College and the team’s first win against Passaic County Community College were hints of good things to come, and the team didn’t let the series of losses that followed get them down.
For a grand finale, the Golden Lions finished the season with a win against Brookdale Community College and their biggest win against Gloucester County College, indicating that their hard work and positive outlook were finally paying off. In their last game, against Gloucester, Pablo Freide scored a hat trick (3 goals) and Matt Tatro scored the game winning goal, for a final score of 4-2.
It was a season of many successes. With luck, the team’s better showing this year will lead to continued improvement and even greater support next fall.