Men's Soccer News

Three men's soccer players earn berths
on Inquirer's Academic All-Area team

CAMDEN - Rutgers University-Camden saw five of its fall athletes honored on the first-ever Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area teams, which were announced Dec. 11.

The Scarlet Raptors had a trio of fullbacks honored among the 12 members on the Inquirers' academic men's soccer team, as seniors Brandon Bond (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) and Tom Guida (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) joined sophomore teammate Pat Dougherty (Pittsgrove, NJ/Schalick) in earning honors. The Rutgers-Camden women's cross country team had a pair of academic all-stars on the 12-member Inquirer team as senior Joelle Diener (Rickenbach, Switzerland/Kantonsschule Olten) and junior Rachel McCormick (Blue Anchor, NJ/Winslow Township) were cited for their accomplishments.

The teams, which include athletes from area Division I, II and III schools, were named by the Inquirer in conjunction with the Philadelphia Area Sports Information Directors Association. The 2005 fall teams marked the first venture into collegiate academic all-area squads for the Inquirer.

Bond, Guida and Dougherty helped Rutgers-Camden post a 15-5-1 record, reach the New Jersey Athletic Conference championship game and peak at a No. 23 national ranking. The Raptors posted a 47-24-10 record during the four-year careers of Bond and Guida, and were 30-7-5 the last two years, aided by Dougherty.

Bond, who has a 3.60 GPA as a Finance major, finished his career with 80 games played, tying fellow senior Kevin Ridgway for the most games in program history. He had four goals and four assists for 12 career points, was voted Most Improved Player on the 2004 team and captured a pair of academic honors in 2004, being named to the Academic All-District II College Division Men's Soccer Second Team and the New Jersey Athletic Conference All-Academic Second Team. He earned the school's Raptor of the Week honor (as top athlete) on Nov. 8, 2004 and Nov. 7, 2005.

Guida, a History major with a 3.78 GPA, played in 66 career games, collecting one goal and four assists for six points. A Merit Scholar and member of the Rutgers-Camden Honors Program, he was named to the 2003 Academic All-District II College Division Men's Soccer Second Team and the 2003 New Jersey Athletic Conference All-Academic First Team. He also earned NJAC All-Academic Honorable Mention in 2004.

Dougherty has played in 39 of the Raptors' 42 games during his two years as a key fullback reserve. An Engineering major with a 3.79 GPA, he was a Dean's List student during his first two semesters at Rutgers-Camden. He scored his first career goal Oct. 26, 2005 to help the Raptors defeat No. 8-ranked Ramapo College.

Diener, a Business Management major who carries a 3.86 GPA, and McCormick, who has a 3.95 GPA as a Mathematics major, were the top two runners on the women's cross country team. Diener finished 13th (of 64 runners) to earn Second Team All-NJAC honors at the conference meet Oct. 29, 2005. She was a two-time All-NJAIAW runner, including this season when she finished first overall at the NJAIAW meet Oct. 1. She also was a Second Team All-NJAC runner in 2004, when she earned Rutgers-Camden MVP honors after leading the team in all eight races. She led the squad in all five races this fall, while serving as team captain.

A three-year cross country runner at Rutgers-Camden, she also has played volleyball and ran track for the Lady Raptors. Diener is a Dean's List and President's List student who was a junior college All-American in cross country and track at Gloucester County College in 2002-2003.

A Dean's List student who is a LEAP Academy and STAR tutor, McCormick was the Raptors' No. 2 runner in 2005, finishing second in all five races. She finished 38th at the NJAC meet Oct. 29, and was an All-NJAIAW runner in 2004, when she finished 15th overall in the NJAIAW meet Oct. 2.

Baldiserra, Blumenstein earn
First Team All-Metro Region

CAMDEN - Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer stars Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) and Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI) have been named to the NCAA Division III Metro Region First Team it was announced Dec. 7.

Baldiserra and Blumenstein are among 11 players honored on the All-Metro Region First Team and 33 players cited on the region's three all-star teams this season. Their honor comes following a brilliant season in which both stars were named to the New Jersey Athletic Conference First Team.

Baldiserra, a sophomore midfielder who also was tabbed as the 2005 Rutgers-Camden team Most Valuable Player, has been a First Team All-NJAC player in both of his seasons with the Scarlet Raptors. He also earned Second Team All-Metro Region honors as a freshman in 2004.

This season's All-Metro honor was the first for Blumenstein, a senior back.

The two all-stars helped Rutgers-Camden post a 15-5-1 record this fall, tying the 2004 team for the most wins in program history. Rutgers-Camden finished second in the conference regular-season race, advanced to the NJAC title game for the first time in program history and was ranked as high as No. 23 nationally (Nov. 1).

Baldiserra, a skilled play-maker in the midfield, tied for second on the team in scoring (six goals, six assists for 18 points) this season. He was tied with senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) for the team lead with three game-winning goals.

Pat Baldiserra, above and below

Baldiserra also earned Raptor of the Week honors Sept. 19, 2005. His honors followed a banner 2004 freshman year in which he was named NCAA Division III All-Metro Region Second Team, NJAC Rookie of the Week (Sept. 20), Raptor of the Week (Sept. 13) and was named the team's Rookie of the Year, in addition to his NJAC First Team honor.

In Baldiserra's first two seasons, the Business major has played in 41 games, notching 10 goals and 11 assists for 31 career points.

Blumenstein finished his stellar four-year career playing in 79 games, the third-highest total in program history (one behind fellow seniors Brandon Bond and Kevin Ridgway, a pair of Cinnaminson High School products). During his senior season Blumenstein started all 20 of his games, giving him 74 starts in his 79 career appearances.

Tom Blumenstein, above and below

A skilled defensive player as a right back, Blumenstein helped anchor a defense which posted a 1.36 goals-against average and five shutouts this season. He also had four assists as a senior, giving him eight goals (four game-winning tallies) and 12 assists for 28 career points.

Blumenstein scored the team's "Goal of the Year" during both his freshman and sophomore seasons, coming against William Paterson (Oct. 19, 2002) and The College of New Jersey (Sept. 24, 2003), respectively. An impact player since his freshman year, the Sociology major earned NJAC Rookie of the Week honors on Oct. 21, 2002.

Baldiserra earns MVP honor
at post-season team banquet

PHILADELPHIA - Sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) was named the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team MVP for 2005 when the Scarlet Raptors held their annual post-season banquet Sunday, Dec. 4, at Dave and Buster's in Philadelphia.

The Raptors also cited senior back Brandon Bond (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) as the team's Defensive Player of the Year, while senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey, Triton Regional) earned honors as the club's Offensive Player of the Year.

Senior forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) was honored for scoring the "Goal of the Year" on the deciding tally in a 2-0 win over Montclair State University Oct. 22. The goal, scored at 7:10 on a shot inside the left post, was assisted by Uslu and Baldiserra.

Baldiserra earned his MVP honor after another sterling season in which he captured his second consecutive First Team All-New Jersey Athletic Conference honor. He tied for second on the team in scoring (six goals, six assists for 18 points), and tied Uslu for the team lead with three game-winning goals. He also earned Raptor of the Week honors Sept. 19, 2005. Baldiserra's sophomore season followed a banner freshman year in 2004 in which he was named NCAA Division III All-Metro Region, NJAC Rookie of the Week (Sept. 20), Raptor of the Week (Sept. 13) and was tabbed as the team's Rookie of the Year, in addition to his NJAC First Team honor.

In Baldiserra's first two seasons, the Business major has notched 10 goals and 11 assists for 31 career points.

Uslu, one of the team's tri-captains, led the Raptors in scoring (eight goals, five assists for 21 points), earned Raptor of the Week honors Oct. 10 and added NJAC Offensive Player of the Week recognition the same day. He capped his senior season earning All-NJAC Honorable Mention recognition.

A two-time All-Mideast Junior College and All-Region 19 player at Camden County College, Uslu transferred to Rutgers-Camden for the 2003 season. That year he was cited as the Raptors' "Top Offensive Player" after scoring six goals and three assists for 15 points. He was named to the all-tournament team as Rutgers-Camden won the St. Joseph's College-Patchogue Tournament (Sept. 13-14, 2003), and he was the Raptor of the Week and NJAC Offensive Player of the Week Sept. 22, 2003. He was sidelined in 2004 by an injury before finishing his career this fall. In 43 career games (42 starts) at Rutgers-Camden, he collected 14 goals (four game-winning goals) and eight assists for 36 career points.

Bond played in all 21 games this season as one of the Raptors two center backs, collecting one assist. He earned Raptor of the Week honors Nov. 7.

During their outstanding four-year careers, Bond and Ridgway established a new program record, playing in 80 games. Bond, who was named the team's Most Improved Player in 2004, finished with four goals and four assists for 12 career points as a fullback. He also earned Second Team Academic All-District II and Second Team NJAC All-Academic honors last season.

Ridgway collected 38 career points (15 goals, eight assists) as a Scarlet Raptor, including five game-winning goals. He was named Second Team All-NJAC and NCAA Division III All-Metro Region Third Team last season after leading the Raptors in scoring (7-4-18).

The Raptors posted a 15-5-1 record, tying the 2004 team for the most wins in program history. Rutgers-Camden finished second in the conference regular-season race, advanced to the NJAC title game for the first time in program history and was ranked as high as No. 23 nationally (Nov. 1).

Baldiserra, Blumenstein lead
five Raptors on All-NJAC teams

CAMDEN - Sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) and senior back Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI) captured First Team honors to lead five members of the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team on the All-New Jersey Athletic Conference all-star teams announced today.

In addition to the First Team honors for Baldiserra and Blumenstein, the Scarlet Raptors' junior midfielder Michael Reed (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and senior back Brett Mattei (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township) earned All-NJAC Second Team recognition. Senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) captured All-NJAC Honorable Mention.

The honors marked the second consecutive year that Baldiserra and Reed received All-NJAC recognition. Both were named First Team All-NJAC stars in 2004.

The Raptors' all-stars helped Rutgers-Camden post a 15-5-1 record, tying the 2004 team for the most wins in program history. Rutgers-Camden finished second in the conference regular-season race, advanced to the NJAC title game for the first time in program history and was ranked as high as No. 23 nationally (Nov. 1). The Scarlet Raptors were listed as "Also Receiving Votes" in the final regular-season poll Nov. 8.

Baldiserra captured his second straight NJAC honor after finishing tied for second on the team in scoring (six goals, six assists for 18 points) this season. He was tied with Uslu for the team lead with three game-winning goals. He earned Raptor of the Week honors Sept. 19, 2005 after a banner freshman year in 2004 in which he was named NCAA Division III All-Metro Region, NJAC Rookie of the Week (Sept. 20), Raptor of the Week (Sept. 13) and was named the team's Rookie of the Year, in addition to his NJAC First Team honor.

In Baldiserra's first two seasons, the Business major has notched 10 goals and 11 assists for 31 career points.

Blumenstein and Mattei earned their first All-NJAC honors after outstanding performances as the Scarlet Raptors' wing fullbacks, anchoring a defense which posted a 1.36 goals-against average and five shutouts. In addition to their tenacious marking, both players were dangerous running onto the attack. Blumenstein, a right back, finished with four assists (tied for third on the team). Left back Mattei had three assists.

Blumenstein finished his stellar four-year career playing in 79 games, the third-highest total in program history (one behind fellow seniors Brandon Bond and Kevin Ridgway, a pair of Cinnaminson High School products). During his senior season Blumenstein started all 20 of his games, giving him 74 starts in his 79 career appearances. He had eight goals (four game-winning tallies) and 12 assists for 28 career points. He scored the team's "Goal of the Year" during both his freshman and sophomore seasons, coming against William Paterson (Oct. 19, 2002) and The College of New Jersey (Sept. 24, 2003), respectively. An impact player since his freshman year, the Sociology major earned NJAC Rookie of the Week honors on Oct. 21, 2002.

Mattei, a Biology major, started all 19 of his games as a senior and played in 68 games (45 starts) during his four-year career, notching one goal and six assists for eight points. He was named the school's Raptor of the Week Oct. 31, 2005, and added honors as the NJAC Defensive Player of the Week the same day. A Dean's List student as well, he is a Provost Scholar who earned 2004 NJAC All-Academic Honorable Mention.

Reed and Uslu served as two of the Scarlet Raptors' tri-captains this season as the club posted double-digit wins for the third straight year, the first time that has happened in program history.

Reed, who played with nagging injuries all season long, still managed to earn NJAC Second Team honors after winning First Team recognition as a sophomore. A force in the center midfield, he added two goals and two assists for six points, including a game-winning tally in the NJAC semifinals against Ramapo (a 2-1 win Nov. 2). A Graphics Design major, Reed started all 19 of his games this season and has played in 56 games (54 starts) during his three-year career. He owns seven goals (three game winners) and nine assists for 23 career points.

In addition to earning all-conference honors as a sophomore, Reed also was named NCAA Division III All-Metro Region First Team, served as a team tri-captain and was named the club's Most Valuable Player. As a freshman in 2003, he was named the team's Rookie of the Year, earned Raptor of the Week honors (Oct. 6) and was named to the all-tournament team as Rutgers-Camden won the St. Joseph's College-Patchogue Tournament (Sept. 13-14).

Uslu, who was named as a team tri-captain in 2004 but was lost for the season with an injury in his second game, bounced back to have a banner year in 2005. He led the team in scoring (eight goals, five assists for 21 points), earned Raptor of the Week honors Oct. 10 and added NJAC Offensive Player of the Week recognition the same day.

A two-time All-Mideast Junior College and All-Region 19 player at Camden County College, Uslu transferred to Rutgers-Camden for the 2003 season. That year he was cited as the team's "Top Offensive Player" after scoring six goals and three assists for 15 points. Like Reed, he was named to the all-tournament team as Rutgers-Camden won the St. Joseph's College-Patchogue Tournament (Sept. 13-14, 2003), and he was the Raptor of the Week and NJAC Offensive Player of the Week Sept. 22, 2003.

A Business Management major, Uslu finished his Rutgers-Camden career playing in 43 games, starting 42. He had 14 goals (four game-winning goals) and eight assists for 36 career points.

Ogden resigns post
as men's soccer coach

CAMDEN - Greg Ogden, who guided the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team to back-to-back 15-win seasons, including a berth in the 2005 New Jersey Athletic Conference championship game, resigned Nov. 9 after six years as the Scarlet Raptors' head coach.

Ogden took over the men's soccer program in 2000 and led the Raptors to a 68-39-14 record during his tenure, including a 15-2-4 record in 2004 which set a program record for wins and earned him honors as the NJAC Coach of the Year. He followed that stellar season with a 15-5-1 mark in 2005, tying the program's win mark, finishing second in the NJAC regular-season standings and advancing to the NJAC championship game, where the Raptors lost 1-0 at top-seeded The College of New Jersey Nov. 5. It was the first NJAC title game for any men's team in Rutgers-Camden history.

"With the time I was spending here, it was like I was working two full-time jobs," said Ogden, a Cinnaminson resident who juggled his part-time coaching position with a full-time position in sales. "It became a situation where my home life was suffering, and also the time I could put into my business. I didn't want to leave when there was nothing here. I hope I'm leaving a solid team for whoever comes in next year."

Greg Ogden

Rutgers-Camden is seeking applications for a head men's soccer coach. Interested candidates should send resumes and references to Jeffrey Dean, Director of Athletics and Recreational Services, Rutgers University-Camden, Third and Linden Streets, Camden, NJ 08102.

"I've coached since 1981 and there have been so many big games I've been involved with in high school and in college," Ogden said. "The things I'll remember are the practices and the interpersonal relationships with the players."

A 1981 graduate of Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), Ogden coached scholastic soccer at Audubon, Mainland and Cinnaminson high schools. He earned Atlantic County Coach of the Year honors in 1990 at Mainland, and led his team to the 1991 Cape Atlantic League championship. He also coached the Mainland girls' softball team to the 1990 South Jersey Group 3 championship. During his four years at Cinnaminson from 1992-95, Ogden's Pirates won back-to-back Burlington County Patriot Division soccer championships (1993 and 1994). He added the South Jersey Group 2 title in 1994, earning Coach of the Year honors from the Burlington County Times. His 1995 team was the South Jersey Group 2 runner-up.

After a one-year stint as an assistant coach at Richard Stockton College in 1996, Ogden joined the Rutgers-Camden coaching staff in 1997 as an assistant under men's head coach Mark Sandberg. In 1998, when the Scarlet Raptors started a women's soccer program, Ogden became the head coach. He led the Lady Raptors to a 5-4 mark in their maiden season, earning honors as the Rutgers-Camden Coach of the Year. After posting a 10-4 record with the 1999 women's team, Ogden became the men's head coach in 2000 following Sandberg's resignation.

Ogden's 2000 Raptors won their first six games, establishing a record for the best perfect start in the program's history. They went on to post a 12-7-1 record and played in the program's first NJAC playoff game ever and its first ECAC playoff action since 1988. It was the program's most wins since 1981 (14-6-4) and the first winning season since 1995 (8-7-3).

"I appreciate the opportunity Rutgers-Camden gave me to coach in college even though I had no college experience," Ogden said. "It renewed my enthusiasm for the game. To coach guys who were such good players on a daily basis, I had to be innovative and learn more about the game.

"When I first took over the team, our record was not good and we were not competitive in the conference. We had the opportunity to change our style of play and I think the way we played was unique in the conference. Also, as we went along, we were able to recruit top-level players who were able to compete in the conference."

The Raptors followed their 12-7-1 campaign with a 9-8-3 record in 2001, including the program's second straight appearance in the ECAC Metro tournament. Although the Raptors lost to eventual champion New York University, 1-0, in the first round, it marked the program's first back-to-back post-season action since 1980-81 and the first back-to-back winning seasons since 1987-88.

Ogden notes that during his first couple of years at Rutgers-Camden, numerous teams would call trying to add the Scarlet Raptors to their schedule. By the third or fourth year, non-conference teams were turning down scheduling requests as the Scarlet Raptors improved.

"I took that as a sign of respect," Ogden said.

Ogden's 2005 team featured seven seniors who started their collegiate career with a 7-11-1 mark in 2002 - Ogden's only losing season at Rutgers-Camden - but finished with a 47-24-10 run, the best four-year mark in program history. The 2003 team rebounded with a 10-6-4 record. The 2004 team set a program record for the longest unbeaten streak (13-0-4 to start the season), notched five straight shutouts to tie a school record, peaked at No. 20 in the Division III national rankings and helped Ogden earn NJAC Coach of the Year honors.

The 2005 team tied that school win record with its 15-5-1 mark and became the first team in program history to earn double digit wins in three consecutive seasons.

"We definitely have built the program up to where it's one of the elite programs in the conference and nationally," said Ogden, whose final team peaked at No. 23 nationally in the NCAA Division III poll released Nov. 1. "I'm happy for the opportunity to coach here and the relationships I developed with the players and the staff. It's nice to have success."

That success was attained with solid student-athletes, many of whom earned all-academic NJAC and District honors in addition to their talents on the soccer field.

"The thing I'm most proud of is we were able to win with kids who were good student-athletes," Ogden said. "The standards at the university remain the same for the kids we were recruiting. We had quality kids who could also play soccer."

During his six years with the Rutgers-Camden men, Ogden led his team into post-season play four times. Coupled with his 15-8 record with the women's program, his eight-year Rutgers-Camden record was 83-47-15.

"I'm definitely not done coaching," said Ogden, who lives in Cinnaminson with his wife Laura, daughter Madeleine (age 4) and Owen (3).

"My daughter is five next year. My next coaching job may be with a U-5 team."

Ogden's Rutgers-Camden Men's Record:

YEAR	OVERALL	NJAC
2000	12-7-1	4-5-0
2001	9-8-3	2-6-1
2002	7-11-1	1-7-1
2003	10-6-4	3-4-2
2004	15-2-4	5-1-2
2005	15-5-1	6-2-1
Men (5 yrs)	68-39-14	21-25-7

Ogden's Rutgers-Camden Women's Record:

YEAR	OVERALL	NJAC
1998	5-4-1	---
1999	10-4-0	---
Women (2 yrs)	15-8-1	---
Overall (8 yrs)	83-47-15	21-25-7

EWING - One goal proved to be the difference between a conference championship and a runnerup spot, and between an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament and the end of a banner season.

Sophomore forward Matt Luber (Delran, NJ/Delran) collected the only goal of the game 13:59 into the second half as top-seeded The College of New Jersey edged second-seeded Rutgers University-Camden, 1-0, here Nov. 5 to earn the 2005 New Jersey Athletic Conference men's soccer title.

The Lions, who are ranked No. 8 nationally, also earned the NJAC's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament as they raised their record to 14-2-1. It was TCNJ's 17th NJAC title since 1959 and its first since 1994.

For Rutgers-Camden, ranked No. 23 nationally, it was a heartbreaking defeat in the first NJAC final in program history. The Raptors, who found out early Monday mornng that they were not selected to the 56-team NCAA tournament field, finish the season at 15-5-1, tied for the school victory record they set last season.

TCNJ scored the only goal it needed with 31:01 remaining when a through ball by junior back Tim Dudek (Medford, NJ/Bishop Eustace) sprung Luber, breaking into the box sandwiched between two defenders. Luber managed to launch a low shot inside the right post for his ninth goal of the season, tying Dudek for the team lead.

Neither team had many chances in the first half, when TCNJ held a 7-4 advantage in shots and Rutgers-Camden had the only corner kick. Both teams had only one shot on goal in the opening half.

Rutgers-Camden had a slight edge in shots in the second half as the two teams finished with 12 shots apiece. The Scarlet Raptors held a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks and also were whistled for 26 fouls to the Lions' eight.

Rutgers-Camden junior goalie David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) collected three saves in the loss as his record dropped to 10-3-1. Lions sophomore keeper Matt Kasperavicius (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) collected three saves in earning his fifth shutout of the season.

The game was the 80th career contest for senior back Brandon Bond (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) and senior forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), as they both extended their Rutgers-Camden program record. Senior back Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI), meanwhile, played in his 79th game to move past another former Cinnaminson High School star, Chad Zimecki (2000-2003) and into third place on the career charts.

CAMDEN - The Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team is heading into uncharted waters.

For the first time since the Scarlet Raptors joined the New Jersey Athletic Conference in 1982, Rutgers-Camden is playing for the NJAC championship. The second-seeded Raptors used goals from midfielders Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace) and Michael Reed (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) as they defeated Ramapo College, 2-1, in the NJAC semifinals here Nov. 2.

Rutgers-Camden, ranked No. 23 nationally, advances to its first NJAC championship game, where it will play at top seed The College of New Jersey Saturday at 6 p.m. TCNJ, ranked No. 8 nationally, defeated New Jersey City University, 3-2, in Wednesday's other semifinal game.

With the victory, Rutgers-Camden improves to 15-4-1, tying the school record for wins that it set last season. Ramapo closes the season at 12-4-2.

Rutgers-Camden scored the only goal of the first half when Burgin headed in a long restart from senior back Brandon Bond (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) at 8:15. Bond hit his long drive toward the far left post and Burgin rose above a crowd to head home the goal. It was the seventh goal of the season for the senior midfielder.

The Raptors took a 2-0 lead only 1:46 into the second half when Reed scored his second goal of the season. The junior scored off a pass down the left wing by freshman forward Andrew Dorsey (Mt. Laurel, NJ/The King's Christian School).

Rutgers-Camden, which held a 17-7 advantage in shots and a 5-1 edge in corner kicks, seemed to have control of the game before Ramapo cut the gap to 2-1 with 11:36 remaining. Freshman midfielder Mutlu Duru (Paterson, NJ/John F. Kennedy) collected a loose ball at the top of the box following a corner kick and ripped a shot under the crossbar for his sixth goal of the season.

Rutgers-Camden junior goalie David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) made three saves to raise his record to 10-2-1. Ramapo freshman keeper Michael Kull (Millville, NJ/Millville) had eight saves.

The game also marked a milestone for Bond and senior forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), as they both played in their 79th contest at Rutgers-Camden to break the career mark of 78 they shared with fellow Cinnaminson High School graduate Chad Zimecki (2000-2003). Senior back Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI), meanwhile, played in his 78th game to tie Zimecki on the career charts.

CAMDEN - Rutgers University-Camden senior left fullback Brett Mattei (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township) was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week Oct. 31.

Mattei's honor comes after helping Rutgers-Camden blank Ramapo College, the nation's eighth-ranked team, 5-0, in their only game of the week Oct. 26. That win, in which the Raptors limited the Roadrunners to nine shots, helped the Scarlet Raptors clinch the second seed in the NJAC playoffs. They will host Ramapo again on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in a conference semifinal game following the Roadrunners' 2-1 first-round victory over Montclair State Saturday.

Mattei has helped the Scarlet Raptors post a 14-4-1 record and five shutouts this season as Rutgers-Camden has qualified for the NJAC semifinals for the second consecutive season. Rutgers-Camden is one victory shy of the program record, set during a 15-2-4 campaign last year.

A tenacious marking back with the ability to push forward and play a key role in the attack, Mattei has started all 17 of his games this season, contributing three assists. In his four-year career, he has appeared in 66 games, including 58 in the last three years after being limited to eight games as a freshman due to a foot injury. He owns one goal and six assists in his career.

Mattei is the second Scarlet Raptor to earn all-NJAC weekly honors this season. Senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) captured the NJAC Offensive Player of the Week honor Oct. 10.

A Biology major at Rutgers-Camden, Mattei is the son of Peter and Cathy Mattei of Turnersville.

CAMDEN - Senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) scored a pair of goals, including the eventual game-winning tally 1:19 into the contest, and freshman forward Andrew Dorsey (Mt. Laurel, NJ/The King's Christian School) collected a pair of assists as the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team blanked No. 8 nationally-ranked Ramapo College, 5-0, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference showdown here Oct. 26.

The victory lifts the Scarlet Raptors to 14-4-1 overall and 6-2-1 in the NJAC, clinching Rutgers-Camden the second seed in the upcoming conference tournament. The Raptors have a bye on Saturday before hosting a semifinal game at 7 p.m. Nov. 2. The will play the winner of Saturday's First Round game between #3 Ramapo and #6 Montclair State.

The victory marks the second time this season Rutgers-Camden has defeated the nation's No. 8 team. On September 17, the Raptors posted a 4-3 overtime win over then-No. 8 Richard Stockton College.

Ramapo, which entered the game as the eighth-ranked club in the nation and top-ranked team in the Metro Region, falls to 11-3-2 overall and 5-2-2 in the NJAC with its second consecutive conference loss. The Roadrunners, who had only allowed three goals all season entering this week, also lost a conference game to New Jersey City University, 4-0, Monday.

Uslu gave the Scarlet Raptors an early lead following a long chip to the top of the box by senior back Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI). The ball was played in quick fashion from senior forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) to sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional), who fed Uslu for a header at the far left post. It was Uslu's seventh goal of the year and his third game-winning tally.

Ridgway added another goal at 27:21when he headed in a corner kick by Dorsey to the far post. It was Ridgway's fifth goal of the season.

Ridgway, along with senior back Brandon Bond (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), both made the 78th appearance of their careers, tying the program record set by another former Cinnaminson High School player, Chad Zimecki (2000-2003). Blumenstein, meanwhile, played in his 77th career game.

In the second half, Uslu added another goal at 57:00, off a cross to the far right post by Dorsey.

The Raptors made is a 4-0 game at 62:33 when sophomore forward Rodney Guishard (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) scored following a long pass up the left touchline by freshman forward Andrew Simmons (Winslow, NJ/Winslow Township). It was the fifth goal of the year for Guishard.

The final goal came on a brilliant individual effort by sophomore back Patrick Dougherty (Pittsgrove, NJ/Schalick), who carried the ball on a long run up the middle, weaving through several Roadrunners, before placing his first goal of the season inside the right post.

Rutgers-Camden held an 11-9 advantage in shots, while Ramapo had a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Raptor junior keeper David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) made four saves in 69:40 of action. He combined with sophomore Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional), who made one save in 20:20 and batted a Roadrunner penalty kick over the bar, as the Raptors notched their fifth team shutout.

For Ramapo, junior goalie Patrick Jagodzinski (Lebanon, NJ/Immaculata) had three saves and allowed all five goals in 74:15. Freshman keeper Michael Kull (Millville, NJ/Millville) had no saves while playing the final 15:45.

CAMDEN - Rutgers University-Camden senior forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) scored an early first-half goal and the Scarlet Raptors went on to defeat Montclair State University, 2-0, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference men's soccer game played in the pouring rain here Oct. 22.

Rutgers-Camden improves to 13-4-1 overall and 5-2-1 in the NJAC, while Montclair State falls to 9-6-2 overall and 3-4-1 in the NJAC.

Ridgway scored his fourth goal of the season at 7:10 after senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) hit a long ball to the top of the box, which was touched to Ridgway by sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional). Ridgway drilled his second game-winning goal inside the left post.

That goal held up until the Raptors added an own goal with 3:13 remaining when a Red Hawk accidentally headed a long Rutgers-Camden restart into his own net.

Rutgers-Camden outshot Montclair State, 7-6, in a game played in everything from light rain and mist to a driving downpour. The Scarlet Raptors held a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.

Montclair State received four yellow cards and had a red card at the conclusion of the game.

Junior keeper David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) made three saves for his first shutout of the season, raising his record to 8-2-1. For Montclair State, senior goalie Edgard Dinten (Old Bridge, NJ/Old Bridge) also had three saves.

Montclair State closes its NJAC regular-season schedule Tuesday with a 7 p.m. home game against Rutgers-Newark. The Scarlet Raptors end the regular season Wednesday when they entertain NJAC rival Ramapo College at 7 p.m.

CAMDEN -The Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team held its Senior Night here Oct. 19, but it was Franklin & Marshall College sophomores Brandon Corday (Morton Grove, IL/Niles Township) and Jason Kell (Palmyra, PA/Palmyra) who did most of the celebrating.

Corday collected two goals and one assist and Kell had one goal and one assist to power the Diplomats over the Scarlet Raptors, 4-3, in a non-conference game.

The victory was the third straight for Franklin & Marshall, which improves to 6-4-3. Rutgers-Camden falls to 12-4-1.

Prior to the game the Scarlet Raptors recognized their seven seniors: backs Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI), Brandon Bond (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), Tom Guida (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and Brett Mattei (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township), midfielders Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace) and Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) and forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson). The pre-game festivities had barely died down when Franklin & Marshall scored its first goal. Junior back Steven Loscalzo (Devon, PA/Conestoga) took a long restart from the right touchline and drove the ball into the box, where it was headed inside the right post by junior back Alex Shuptar (Philadelphia, PA/Kents Hill) for his first goal of the season.

The Diplomats tacked on another goal at 11:14 when Kell scored his second tally of the year, following a corner kick by Corday.

In a wild game which featured 27 fouls, three yellow cards and seven goals, Rutgers-Camden cut the gap to 2-1 when Burgin notched his sixth goal of the year, tapping in a shot at the left post which was assisted by sophomore forward Rodney Guishard (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest). Burgin's goal came at 26:13.

Franklin & Marshall countered at 31:19 when Corday stole the ball in the Raptor back and scored an unassisted tally in a one-on-one with Rutgers-Camden sophomore keeper Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional).

Rutgers-Camden scored the final goal of the first half on a shot by sophomore midfielder James Ono (Bridgeton, NJ/Cumberland Regional). Ono's first goal of the season was assisted on a quick one-two passing combination from sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) to freshman Andrew Simmons (Winslow, NJ/Winslow Township), who fed to Ono on the left side of the goal.

The Diplomats regained a two-goal lead 17:12 into the second half when Corday scored again, assisted by Kell, following a penalty kick.

The Raptors scored a goal with 1:29 remaining on a tap-in by Uslu following his own shot, but couldn't get the tying goal. It was Uslu's sixth tally of the year.

For the Diplomats, junior goalie Edward Stelz (Washingtonville, NY/Loomis Chaffee) played a fine game, making eight saves. Grunow made four saves in the first half for the Raptors, while junior David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) made two second-half saves.

Rutgers-Camden held a slim edge in shots, 18-15, while Franklin & Marshall held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks and had several dangerous opportunities with its speed and hustle.

The Scarlet Raptors return to action Saturday with a 6 p.m. New Jersey Athletic Conference home battle against Montclair State University. Franklin & Marshall entertains Washington College at 3 p.m. the same day.

WAYNE - The Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team took a two-goal first-half lead, sparked by a diving header by freshman forward Andrew Dorsey (Mt. Laurel, NJ/The King's Christian School), and went on to defeat William Paterson University, 4-1, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game here Oct. 17.

Rutgers-Camden improves to 12-3-1 overall and 4-2-1 in the NJAC. The Scarlet Raptors are 4-0-1 in their last five games.

William Paterson falls to 8-5-3 overall and 2-3-2 in the NJAC.

The Raptors took the lead for good at 13:18 after stringing together a sequence of passes that started from senior back Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI). Sophomore forward Rodney Guishard (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) eventually touched the ball to the end line on the right side and crossed it into the box, where Dorsey headed it home for his fourth goal of the season.

The Raptors added the eventual game-winning goal at 37:43 on an unassisted tally by freshman Andrew Simmons (Winslow, NJ/Winslow Township) after a corner kick from senior back Brett Mattei (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township) glanced off a Paterson player. Simmons finished off his fourth goal of the season.

Mattei had a hand in the third Raptor goal as well, placing a restart into the box, where it was inadvertently headed into the Paterson goal by a Pioneer defender for an own goal at 68:00.

William Paterson got on the board at 74:17 when junior forward Jay Hooper (Somerset, NJ/Franklin) took a pass from freshman forward Carlos Moreira (Fayetteville, GA/Fayette County) to make the score 3-1. It was Hooper's eighth goal of the year.

Rutgers-Camden closed out the scoring with a goal from senior midfielder Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace) at 82:44. Burgin scored his fifth goal of the season on a feed from Blumenstein, following a restart from 25 yards out.

The Scarlet Raptors outshot the Pioneers, 19-16, and held a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.

Rutgers-Camden junior goalkeeper David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern) made eight saves in 83:37 of work to notch the victory, raising his record to 7-2-1. Sophomore Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) played the final 6:23 for the Raptors without a save.

For the Pioneers, junior goalkeeper Kevin Nuss (Swedesboro, NJ/Kingsway Regional) made seven saves.

The Scarlet Raptors return to action Wednesday when they host Franklin & Marshall College in a non-conference game beginning at 7 p.m.

UNION - Sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) scored a first-half goal for Rutgers University-Camden and freshman back Thomas Azydzik (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) countered in the second half for Kean University as the two teams played to a 1-1 double-overtime tie in New Jersey Athletic Conference action here Oct. 15.

Rutgers-Camden owns an 11-3-1 record overall and a 3-2-1 mark in the NJAC, while Kean is 4-7-4 and 0-4-2.

In a foul-filled game, Kean collected 24 fouls, four yellow cards and two red cards, while Rutgers-Camden had 16 fouls, two yellows and one red. Kean played a man down for the final 32 minutes after three players were ejected at 78:01, including two Cougars.

The Scarlet Raptors, who hadn't played since Oct. 8 due to a rainout, took a 1-0 lead at 15:05 when senior back Brett Mattei (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township) sent a pass into the left side of the box that Baldiserra fired past Cougar freshman keeper Dylan Hastings (Tabernacle, NJ/Shawnee).

In the second half, Azydzik picked up a loose ball inside the box and found the back of the net to notch the tying goal with 25:10 remaining in regulation.

The Scarlet Raptors held a 24-11 advantage in shots, including a 9-2 margin in overtime. They had several opportunities in the final seconds of regulation and the second overtime, as point-blank shots hit off the crossbar with time winding down.

Hastings made 11 saves for Kean, while junior goalie David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) had three for Rutgers-Camden.

The Scarlet Raptors return to action Monday for a 7 p.m. makeup game at NJAC rival William Paterson University. Rutgers-Camden returns home on Wednesday to entertain Franklin & Marshall College at 7 p.m.

CAMDEN - The Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer game, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12 at William Paterson University, has been postponed due to field conditions. It will be played on Monday, Oct. 17, beginning at 7 p.m.

The Scarlet Raptors, 11-3 overall and 3-2 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, return to action Saturday with a 7 p.m. game at Kean University.

CAMDEN - Rutgers University-Camden soccer players Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) and Therese Comella (Delran, NJ/Delran) were honored Oct. 10 as a New Jersey Athletic Conference Player of the Week for their respective sports.

Uslu, a senior midfielder, captured the NJAC Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honor by collecting two goals and one assist during a 3-0 week, helping the Scarlet Raptors improve their record to 11-3. He collected an assist against Delaware Valley College Oct. 3 and he had a pair of goals - the game-tying and game-winning goals - in a 4-1 comeback victory over Cabrini College Oct. 8.

One of the Raptors' tri-captains, Uslu has five goals and is tied for the team lead with four assists this season. He is second on the team with 14 points and also owns a pair of game-winning goals.

Uslu has played in 36 games at Rutgers-Camden since transferring from Camden County College, scoring 11 goals and adding seven assists for 29 points.

Comella, a sophomore goalie, was named the NJAC Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week after notching a pair of shutouts over Manhattanville College (2-0, Oct. 5) and St. Joseph's College-Patchogue (1-0, Oct. 8). She made two saves against Manhattanville and one against Patchogue as she raised her season total to seven shutouts, tying the program's single-season record set by Tracy Winter in 2002.

For the season, Comella has played all 1172:19 in goal for the Lady Raptors, owning an 8-5 record and a 1.07 goals-against average.

Both Rutgers-Camden soccer teams play NJAC rival William Paterson University on Wednesday. The women's game is home at 6 p.m., while the men travel to Paterson for a 7 p.m. contest.

CAMDEN - The Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team scored three late goals in the driving rain, following a stoppage to clear the field of water, and went on to outlast Cabrini College, 4-1, in a Homecoming Day game stopped with 2:42 remaining due to field conditions here Oct. 8.

The Scarlet Raptors improve to 11-3, while the Cavaliers fall to 2-10-2.

With the two teams deadlocked at 1-1, the game was halted with 14:00 remaining in regulation to clear a lake forming in one corner of the FieldTurf facility. Once play resumed in the driving rain, the Scarlet Raptors' senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) scored the tie-breaking goal at 77:25 - 1:25 after the stoppage - off a through ball from sophomore midfielder James Fiorani (Bridgeton, NJ/Cumberland Regional). It was Uslu's second goal of the game and fifth of the season.

Freshman forward Andrew Simmons (Winslow, NJ/Winslow Township) added an insurance goal at 79:31, scoring from the left corner assisted by senior midfielder Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace), and sophomore midfielder Rob Gambino (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) notched the final goal at 81:56. It was the third goal of the season for both Simmons and for Gambino.

The game was stopped with 2:42 remaining when the downpour made the field unplayable, forming lakes throughout the complex.

Cabrini College scored the game's only first-half goal as junior forward Brent Benner (East Greenville, PA/West Chester) scored at 26:36 off the rebound of a saved shot taken by sophomore Ryan Kirby (Springfield, PA/Springfield). It was Benner's fifth goal of the season and the fourth consecutive game in which he has scored a goal.

Rutgers-Camden tied the game 3:02 into the second half. Uslu headed home a chip into the box by senior back Brett Mattei (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township), who played another strong game for the Raptors.

Sophomore goalie Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) made three saves in 87:18 of playing time to earn the victory. He is 5-1 on the season.

For Cabrini, freshman keeper Colin Hinkelmon (South Marlton, NJ/Holy Cross) had eight saves as the Scarlet Raptors outshot the Cavaliers, 25-7. Both teams had three corner kicks.

Rutgers-Camden returns to New Jersey Athletic Conference action Wednesday with a 7 p.m. game at William Paterson University.

DOVER, DE - Sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) scored an unassisted goal early in the second overtime period to lift the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team over Wesley College, 2-1, here October 5.

Baldiserra notched his fifth goal of the season at 101:16 - 1:16 into the second overtime - to put a sudden end to the marathon contest. It was his team-leading third game-winning goal.

The Scarlet Raptors improve to 10-3, while the Wolverines fall to 5-7.

Wesley junior Robbie Polk (Woodstown, NJ/Woodstown) gave the home team an early lead at 11:16, scoring off a feed from senior Evan Myers (Merchantville, NJ/Camden Catholic).

Rutgers-Camden tied the game six minutes later when freshman Andrew Dorsey (Mt. Laurel, NJ/The King's Christian School) scored his third tally of the year, following a save off of a shot by senior Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson).

Baldiserra finally ended the contest in the second overtime.

Wesley held a 15-12 edge in shots and the Raptors had three corner kicks to the Wolverines' two.

Rutgers-Camden junior goalie David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) raised his record to 6-2 while making six saves. Wesley junior goalie Edward Hunt (Collegeville, PA/Perkiomen Valley) had six saves in the loss.

Rutgers-Camden returns to action Saturday with a 4 p.m. Homecoming Day game, hosting Cabrini College. The game follows a 1:30 p.m. women's contest between the Lady Raptors and St. Joseph's College-Patchogue.

DOYLESTOWN, PA - - Sophomore forwards Ryan Evans (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) and Rodney Guishard (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) and freshman forward Andrew Simmons (Winslow, NJ/Winslow Township) each collected a goal to power the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team over Delaware Valley College, 3-0, in a non-conference game here Oct. 3.

Rutgers-Camden improves to 9-3. Delaware Valley College dips to 0-10-1.

Despite out-shooting the Aggies, 15-6, in the opening half, the Raptors managed only one goal when Evans scored an unassisted tally at 25:29. It was his second goal of the year and first game-winning goal.

The Raptors added an insurance goal with 24:30 remaining in the game when Guishard tallied his fourth goal, assisted by senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional). It was the team-leading fourth assist of the year for Uslu.

The Raptors' final goal, with 17:15 remaining, came off the foot of Andrew Simmons for his second tally of the season. It was assisted on a touch pass from sophomore midfielder James Ono (Bridgeton, NJ/Cumberland Regional).

For the game, Rutgers-Camden outshot Delaware Valley College, 26-11, and the Raptors held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks. Aggies goalie Nick D'Amato made 11 saves in 78:02 and backup Jordan Mondello had one save in the final 11:58. The Raptors' Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) earned the win with five saves in 74:02. He combined with Chris Comuso (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township) for the shutout, with Comuso working the final 15:58 without a save.

Rutgers-Camden returns to action Wednesday with a 7 p.m. non-conference game at Wesley College.

EWING - Sophomore midfielder Joseph McGinley (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) collected a goal and an assist to power The College of New Jersey men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Rutgers-Camden in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game here October 1.

The Lions, who are listed as "Also Receiving Votes" to the Division III Top 25 poll and have been ranked as high as eighth in the country, improve to 8-1-1 overall and 4-1 in the NJAC. Rutgers-Camden falls to 8-3 overall and 3-2 in the NJAC. All three of the Raptors' losses have come against teams which have appeared in the Top 25 during the season.

McGinley gave the Lions a 1-0 halftime lead when he scored on a penalty kick at 10:44, following a handball in the box.

TCNJ added an insurance goal as junior back Tim Dudek (Medford, NJ/Bishop Eustace) converted a feed from McGinley at 65:15. It was the third game-winning goal for Dudek, who leads the team with seven goals overall.

Rutgers-Camden made it a 2-1 game when senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) notched his third goal of the season at 73:30, assisted by junior midfielder Michael Reed (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East).

Lions keeper Matt Kasperavicius (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) collected three saves to earn the win. Scarlet Raptors junior David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) had seven saves.

TCNJ out-shot Rutgers-Camden, 14-12, and held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Rutgers-Camden returns to action Monday with a 4 p.m. non-conference game at Delaware Valley College.

NEWARK -Sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) collected two goals and one assist to power the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team to a 4-1 victory in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game here Sept. 28.

The Scarlet Raptors improve to 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the NJAC, while the Scarlet Raiders fall to 3-4-1 and 0-4.

Rutgers-Camden scored a quick goal at 9:48 when Baldiserra found sophomore forward Ryan Evans (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) with a through pass. Evans chipped a shot over the head of Rutgers-Newark freshman goalie Matthew Johnson (Montclair, NJ/Montclair) for his first goal of the season.

Baldiserra scored the eventual game-winning goal with 43 seconds left in the opening half after taking a pass from senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional). It was the third tally of the season for Baldiserra, and he added his fourth goal in the second half.

After sophomore midfielder Joe Caamano (Linden, NJ/Linden) cut the gap to 2-1 with an unassisted goal at 52:46, Baldiserra stole the ball deep in Scarlet Raider territory. He scored an unassisted goal at 62:39.

Thirty-six seconds later, senior midfielder Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace) scored on a penalty kick to put the game away.

Raptors junior goalie David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) made two saves in the opening half to pick up the victory, raising his record to 5-1. Sophomore Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) had two saves in the second half, while allowing one goal.

Rutgers-Camden plays a 1 p.m. NJAC game at The College of New Jersey Saturday. TCNJ is currently listed in "Also Receiving Votes" to the national Top 25 after being ranked as high as No. 8 in the country.

CAMDEN - Freshman midfielder Jonathan Bilbao (Newark, NJ/St. Benedict's Prep) and senior forward Chris Rosenthal (Kearny, NJ/Kearny) each scored two goals and Rosenthal added one assist to power the New Jersey City University men's soccer team over 24th-ranked Rutgers-Camden, 5-0, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game here Sept. 24.

The victory was the second for the Gothic Knights over a Top-25 team this month, including a win over No. 6 Stevens Tech, 1-0, Sept. 10.

NJCU's victory leaves both teams with a 7-2 record overall and 2-1 in the NJAC. New Jersey City has won two straight and seven of eight, while Rutgers-Camden saw its three-game winning streak snapped.

Rosenthal's second goal of the game, the final NJCU tally of the night, gave him 86 career points, tying him with Adrian Ruiz (2001-2004) for first place on the career point-scoring list at NJCU. Rosenthal is second in career goals with 36.

In a wide-open first half in which both teams had chances to break the scoring ice, it was Bilbao who scored the decisive goal. Moments after he substituted into the game, he took a feed from junior midfielder Chris Palumbo (Spotswood, NJ/Spotswood) and drilled a shot off the right post and into the net for his first goal of the season. The goal came at 36:05, and the Gothic Knights added another quick score before halftime.

Freshman forward Juan Espinoza (New Brunswick, NJ/Buen Pastor, Lima, Peru) took a cross from Rosenthal on the right wing and went in on a breakaway to score at 39:43. It was his team-leading seventh goal of the year.

The Gothic Knights opened up their lead in the second half when Rosenthal and Bilbao scored unassisted goals off steals in the Raptors' back at 59:1 and 64:41.

Rosenthal capped his big night at 88:55, scoring off a long pass from sophomore back Scott Modzelewski (Monroe, NJ/Monroe Township).

The Gothic Knights held a 17-13 advantage in shots, while the Scarlet Raptors held a 10-8 edge in corner kicks.

NJCU sophomore goalie Bruce Neves (Newark, NJ/Hudson Catholic) made six saves to post his fourth shutout of the season and raise his record to 7-1. Rutgers-Camden split goalies, with junior David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) making three saves and allowing three goals in 62:06, while sophomore Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) made one save and allowed two goals in the final 27:54.

Both teams return to NJAC action Wednesday. New Jersey City hosts Montclair State University at 4 p.m. Rutgers-Camden plays a 7 p.m. game at Rutgers-Newark.

CAMDEN - The Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team, ranked 24th in the nation in Division III, scored three first-half goals on its way to a 3-1 victory over Rowan University in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game here Sept. 21.

The Scarlet Raptors, who have won three straight games, improve to 7-1 overall and 2-0 in the league with only their second win ever against Rowan. The Profs hold a 34-2-2 advantage in the series, with Rutgers-Camden's only other win a 1-0 victory in Glassboro on Oct. 27, 1998. The two teams tied, 1-1, in Glassboro last season.

The Raptors took the lead for good at 4:37 when senior back Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace) sprung sophomore forward Onur Yilmaz (Giresun, Turkey/Delran) on a breakaway. Yilmaz entered the box on the left side and fired a shot into the right corner for his team-leading sixth goal of the season. It was the third assist for Burgin.

The Raptors' sophomore midfielder Rodney Guishard (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) made it a 2-0 game at 35:45, collecting a loose ball off of a blocked shot by senior back Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI) and scoring his third goal of the season.

Freshman forward Andrew Dorsey (Mt. Laurel, NJ/The King's Christian School) notched his second Raptor goal with a diving header off a cross to the left post by Guishard at 43:10.

Rowan notched its lone goal at 67:13 when junior forward Robert McMullen (Barrington, NJ/Northern Burlington) scored off a header from Mike Lodge (Willingboro, NJ/Westhampton Tech). It was his third goal of the season.

Rutgers-Camden outshot Rowan, 16-12, and held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks. Scarlet Raptor goalies David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) and Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) split duties in goal. Cunningham, who made two saves while holding the Profs scoreless in the first half, improved his record to 4-0. Grunow made one second-half save.

For the Profs, Anthony Clemente (Kendall Park, NJ/South Brunswick) allowed three goals and made two saves in the opening half, while Brian Lloyd (Swainton, NJ/Middle Township) played a scoreless second half without a save.

Both teams return to NJAC action with 7 p.m. home games Saturday. Rowan faces Rutgers-Newark, while Rutgers-Camden entertains New Jersey City University.

CAMDEN - The New Jersey Athletic Conference men's soccer opener between Richard Stockton College and Rutgers University-Camden had a little bit of everything here September 17, including a 50-minute lightning delay.

In the end, it was an overtime goal by sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) which lifted the Scarlet Raptors to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Ospreys, who were ranked No. 8 nationally. It was Rutgers-Camden's first victory over Richard Stockton since a 3-2 win at Stockton on Sept. 30, 1992, snapping a 13-year streak which saw the Raptors post an 0-13-2 mark against the Ospreys.

Baldiserra scored his second goal of the game when he banged home a shot from the top of the box 2:31 into the first overtime period, assisted by senior midfielder Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace). It was the second assist for Burgin, who also had a goal earlier in the wild game.

Rutgers-Camden improves to 6-1 overall and 1-0 in the NJAC with its second straight victory. Stockton, which has lost two straight games, falls to 4-3 and 0-1.

The Ospreys scored the game's first goal at 6:31, following a corner kick. Senior midfielder Dan Morse (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) received the ball at the top of the box and sent it in on goal, where sophomore back Dan Kroslin (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) headed it home from the doorstep past Raptor junior goalie David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional).

Kroslin's goal, his first of the season, was the lone tally of a first half which saw Rutgers-Camden hold a 6-5 advantage in shots and a 7-2 edge in corner kicks.

The Scarlet Raptors notched the tying goal 13:18 into the second half after a shot by sophomore forward Onur Yilmaz (Giresun, Turkey/Delran) was blocked by Stockton freshman keeper Matt Hart (Dayton, NJ/South Brunswick). Baldiserra collected the rebound and knocked it into the goal.

Rutgers-Camden took the lead at 66:19 - eight minutes later - when a shot by senior back Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI) was deflected right to Burgin in the box. Burgin knocked it home to give the Raptors a 2-1 advantage.

Stockton tied the game with 16:42 remaining in regulation when senior forward Scott Adams (Myerstown, PA/East Lebanon Co.) scored his team-leading sixth goal of the season, assisted by freshman midfielder Ray Nelson (Toms River, NJ/Toms River South). It was the fifth straight game in which Adams has scored a goal, and the game was immediately halted by the lightning delay.

When play resumed, Adams notched his second straight goal, coming officially only 1:01 after the first tally, yet almost an hour later in actual time. He was assisted by freshman back Brett Ferron (Ringwood, NJ/Don Bosco Prep).

Stockton's lead lasted until 4:21 remaining in regulation, when Burgin's cross was headed into the net by senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional), setting up the overtime dramatics.

Rutgers-Camden outshot Stockton, 23-13, in the game and held a 10-8 edge in corner kicks. Cunningham made four saves for the win, while Hart had eight in the loss.

Both teams return to NJAC action with 7 p.m. games Wednesday. Stockton hosts Rutgers-Newark, while Rutgers-Camden entertains Rowan University.

Ridgway's quick goal lifts Rutgers-Camden
to 3-0 victory at Albright College

READING, PA -Rutgers University-Camden senior forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) scored a goal 2:25 into the game, off a cross by sophomore forward Onur Yilmaz (Giresun, Turkey/Delran), to power the Scarlet Raptors to a 3-0 victory at Albright College here September 13.

The Raptors improve to 5-1, while the Lions fall to 3-4.

In a game which saw the Raptors outshoot the Lions, 20-5, Ridgway's goal was the only tally of the first half. Rutgers-Camden, however, notched an insurance goal at 64:00 by Yilmaz and put the game away on a tally by senior midfielder Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace) 10 minutes later.

Yilmaz, with a goal and an assist, now leads the team with five goals and two assists for 12 points. Ridgway's goal was his third of the year and first game-winning tally, while Burgin now has two goals.

Rutgers-Camden collected the shutout on the combined efforts of junior David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern) and sophomore Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional). Cunningham made four saves while working the first 75:00, while Grunow had one save in the final 15:00 as the Raptors recorded their second shutout of the season.

For Albright, sophomore goalkeeper Joe Hartmann (Hopewell, NJ/Hopewell Valley Central) made eight first-half saves and freshman keeper Wendell Hanneford (Huntington Station, NY/Walt Whitman) made three second-half saves in his collegiate debut.

The Scarlet Raptors begin New Jersey Athletic Conference play Saturday night when they host Richard

Stockton College, the eighth-ranked team in the nation, at 7 p.m.

Arcadia topples Rutgers-Camden
to win Cialella Soccer Classic

CAMDEN -Arcadia University senior goalkeeper Ralph Giangiulio (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) made seven saves to collect a shutout and earn MVP honors of the Fifth Annual Cialella Soccer Classic while leading his Scarlet Knights to a 4-0 victory over Rutgers University-Camden in the championship game here September 10.

In Saturday night's first game, Philadelphia Biblical University defeated Alvernia College, 4-2, on the strength of a hat trick by sophomore forward Derek Mosely (Newport News, VA/Denbigh Baptist Christian School).

Rutgers-Camden returns to action Tuesday with a 7:30 p.m. game at Albright College in Reading, PA.

Arcadia 4, Rutgers-Camden 0
Arcadia earned its third championship of the Cialella Soccer Classic in the four years it has participated in the event as the Scarlet Knights (2-1-1) took a 1-0 halftime lead and tacked on three more goals in the second half.

Arcadia, which didn't play in the 2004 Cialella Soccer Classic due to scheduling conflicts, also won the title in 2002 and 2003. Rutgers-Camden won it in 2001 and last season.

Arcadia broke a scoreless tie on an amazing shot by senior back Scott Wimsey (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge), who volleyed a shot on the left side of the box to hit a ball into the far right corner at 31:18.

The Scarlet Knights added an insurance goal only 1:24 into the second half when sophomore forward Dan McGarry (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast Catholic) had a one-on-one with Rutgers-Camden sophomore keeper Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) after a pair of Raptor defenders collided. McGarry tucked his shot into the right side of the net.

McGarry's cross assisted Arcadia's next goal at 60:35, which was scored on a shot by sophomore midfielder Pete Sokolski (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast Catholic) inside the left post. The Scarlet Knights' final goal came at 67:08, courtesy of junior midfielder Chris Brunetti (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast Catholic).

Arcadia outshot Rutgers-Camden, 14-13, and held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks to hand the Scarlet Raptors their first loss of the season. Rutgers-Camden drops to 4-1.

Giangiulio had seven saves for Arcadia to earn the Scarlet Knights' second shutout of the tournament. They also blanked Philadelphia Biblical University, 2-0, in the opener Friday night with Giangiulio and sophomore Ben Roller (Abington, PA/Abington Friends) combining on the shutout.

Grunow made four saves and allowed all four goals in 80:10 of playing time for Rutgers-Camden. Sophomore Chris Comuso (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township) played the last 9:50 for the Raptors without a save.

Philadelphia Biblical 4, Alvernia 2
In the first game of the day, Philadelphia Biblical University's Mosely scored three goals, including the clinching goal with 4:36 remaining to give the Crimson Eagles (1-3) their first win of the season.

Mosely scored the first two goals of the game at 4:44, assisted by sophomore midfielder Andy Miller (Chalfont, PA/Central Bucks West), and unassisted at 22:29 following his own steal at the top of the box.

Alvernia (1-4) cut the gap to 2-1 by halftime as junior back Greg Allegra (Philadelphia, PA/Archbishop Ryan) scored at 23:18 off a cross from freshman midfielder Ryan Rutherford (Fleetwood, PA/Fleetwood).

Miller made it a 3-1 game at 58:45, heading in a cross from senior midfielder Dave Booher (East Norriton, PA/Faith Heritage Christian School).

Alvernia cut the margin to 3-2 when junior midfielder Mike Allegra (Philadelphia, PA/Archbishop Ryan) ripped a shot in a crowded goal mouth that deflected into the net at 79:04, but Mosely wrapped up the game and his hat trick late in the contest.

Alvernia outshot Philadelphia Biblical, 26-12, and held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. PBU freshman goalie Mattias van't Hoenderdaal (Yardley, PA/Jan Arentsz) made eight saves to earn the win. Alvernia freshman keeper Richard Kessler (Reading, PA/Reading) had five saves.

Rutgers-Camden, Arcadia post
Cialella Soccer Classic wins

CAMDEN -The only two champions that the tournament has ever known will play for the title Saturday night in the Fifth Annual Cialella Soccer Classic.

Host Rutgers University-Camden and Arcadia University each posted opening-night victories here September 9 as the Scarlet Raptors toppled Alvernia College, 2-1, after Arcadia posted a 2-0 win over Philadelphia Biblical University.

In Saturday night's action, Alvernia College will face Philadelphia Biblical University at 5 p.m., followed by Arcadia University against Rutgers-Camden at 7:15 p.m.

Rutgers-Camden and Arcadia have each won two titles, with the Raptors winning in 2001 and last year. Arcadia, which didn't play in the 2004 Cialella Soccer Classic due to scheduling conflicts, won the title in 2002 and 2003.

Rutgers-Camden 2, Alvernia 1
Rutgers-Camden sophomore forward Onur Yilmaz (Giresun, Turkey/Delran) broke a 1-1 tie with a rocket off an Alvernia defender and into the opposite right corner of the net with 10:16 remaining in regulation. Yilmaz's goal, his fourth of the season, was assisted by sophomore midfielder James Fiorani (Bridgeton, NJ/Cumberland Regional) and helped the Raptors raise their record to 4-0.

Rutgers-Camden, which outshot Alvernia, 26-8, and held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks, built an early lead on a penalty kick by senior midfielder Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace) at 20:40 after Yilmaz was taken down in the box.

Alvernia came back to tie the game at 32:52 when junior midfielder Cody Gambler (Mohrsville, PA/Schuylkill Valley) chipped home a through ball from junior forward Moss Grande (Sinking Spring, PA/Wilson).

Rutgers-Camden had a chance to regain the lead earlier in the second half on another penalty kick after sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) was tripped in the box, but Burgin's shot bounded off the crossbar, setting the stage for the winning goal by Yilmaz.

Raptor junior keeper David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern) made three saves to earn his first win of the year. Alvernia freshman goalie Richard Kessler (Reading, PA/Reading) had eight saves and the Crusaders also added a backsave.

Arcadia 2, Philadelphia Biblical 0
In the opening game, powerful Arcadia University earned its first victory of the season after going 0-1-1 in its opening two games against top-ranked and defending national champion Messiah (a 1-0 loss) and No. 7-ranked Stevens Tech (0-0 tie).

The Scarlet Knights outshot the Crimson Eagles, 26-4, including 19-3 in the opening half, when they scored both of their goals. Arcadia also held a 12-1 advantage in corner kicks.

The Scarlet Knights scored the only goal they needed at 23:18 when Philadelphia Biblical University was called for a handball in the box. Arcadia junior midfielder Matt Abate (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) converted the penalty kick for the Scarlet Knights' first goal of the season.

Arcadia added a second goal at 40:51 when freshman back Matt Benner (Telford, PA/Souderton) scored after running onto a through ball in the box by junior midfielder Chris Brunetti (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast Catholic).

Arcadia senior Ralph Giangiulio (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) and sophomore Ben Roller (Abington, PA/Abington Friends) split the game in goal, with Giangiulio making the lone save and working the first half to collect the win. For PBU, freshman keeper Mattias van't Hoenderdaal (Yardley, PA/Jan Arentsz) made seven saves.

Scarlet Raptors improve to 3-0
with 4-1 win at Philadelphia Biblical

LANGHORNE, PA - The Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team scored three second-half goals to break open a tight contest and went on to defeat Philadelphia Biblical University, 4-1, here September 6 in a non-conference game.

The Scarlet Raptors, who improve to 3-0, took a 1-0 halftime lead behind a goal by sophomore forward Onur Yilmaz (Giresun, Turkey/Delran) early in the game. The tally, which was assisted by by junior midfielder Michael Reed (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East), marked the third consecutive contest in which Yilmaz has scored the Raptors' first goal. He leads the club with three goals.

Rutgers-Camden broke open a tight game with a pair of goals early in the second half, including a tally by senior forward Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) only 34 seconds after the break. It was the first goal of the season for Uslu, a senior captain who is Yilmaz's cousin. Senior back Brett Mattei (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township) assisted on the goal, which proved to be the game-winning tally.

The Raptors added second-half goals by Reed, assisted by sophomore forward Ryan Evans (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) and senior forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), assisted by Uslu. Those goals were sandwiched around an unassisted tally midway through the half by PBU sophomore forward Andrew Heath (Troy, NH/Monadnock Regional).

Scarlet Raptor sophomore goalie Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) made six saves to raise his record to 3-0. For the Crimson Eagles, 0-2, goalie Mattias van't Hoenderdaal (Yardley, PA/Jan Arentsz) made seven saves.

The Raptors outshot the Crimson Eagles, 13-9.

Both teams return to action when the Scarlet Raptors host their annual Cialella Soccer Classic Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9-10. On Friday, the Raptors will face Alvernia College in the second game of the day's doubleheader, following a 4:30 p.m. contest between Philadelphia Biblical University and No. 17-ranked Arcadia University.

On Saturday, Alvernia and Philadelphia Biblical University will play at 5 p.m., followed by Rutgers-Camden against Arcadia at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Rutgers-Camden explodes
for 9-0 win over York

CAMDEN - Sophomore midfielder Rob Gambino (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) scored two goals and added two assists and junior midfielder Ian Simmons (Winslow, NJ/Winslow Township) had one goal and two assists to power the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team over York (NY) College, 9-0, in a non-conference game here September 3.

The nine goals scored were the most scored by the Scarlet Raptors since a 9-0 victory over Valley Forge Christian, September 22, 2001.

The Raptors, who raised their record to 2-0, received points from nine different players as they out-shot the Cardinals, 32-5, and held a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Rutgers-Camden scored only 1:58 into the game to take the lead for good against the Cardinals, who fall to 0-2. Sophomore forward Onur Yilmaz (Giresun, Turkey/Delran) headed in a cross from his cousin, senior midfielder Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) to put the Raptors on the board. It was the second goal of the season for Yilmaz, and the second consecutive game he has scored the Raptors' first goal. He also scored the first goal in a 2-1 win over 22nd-ranked Elizabethtown Thursday.

The Raptors notched their second goal at 26:09 when sophomore forward Rodney Guishard (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) scored off a corner kick by Ian Simmons. It was Guishard's second goal of the year, with the first being the game-winning tally against Elizabethtown.

A pair of newcomers notched their first Rutgers-Camden goals as the Raptors took a 4-0 lead into the half. Freshman forward Andrew Dorsey (Mt. Laurel, NJ/The King's Christian School) headed in a goal at 38:07 off a restart by Gambino. Only 2:30 later, Gambino assisted freshman forward Timothy Ennis (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), who chipped in his first Raptor goal at 40:37.

Rutgers-Camden made it a 5-0 game at 52:20 when senior forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), last season's leading scorer with 18 points, collected his first tally of 2005. He headed home a cross by Yilmaz to the far post.

Gambino notched a pair of unassisted goals at 67:04 and at 73:30 on long shots. The first came from about 35 yards out when he chipped a shot into an open net after York keeper Kafui Kouakou (Togo, Africa/CTC Ora Labora) got caught out of the net trying to break up a play.

Freshman forward Andrew Simmons (Winslow, NJ/Winslow Township) assisted his brother, Ian at 75:10. Ian returned the favor at 83:15, assisting on his brother's first collegiate goal for the final margin.

Kouakou made eight saves for the Cardinals. Rutgers-Camden received a combined shutout from sophomores Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) and Chris Comuso (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township), who each played half the game in goal. Grunow earned the win to raise his record to 2-0. Comuso had the lone save of the day for the Raptors.

The Scarlet Raptors return to action Tuesday with a 4 p.m. game at Philadelphia Biblical University. They host their annual Cialella Soccer Classic Friday and Saturday, Sept.9-10.

Guishard's goal, Baldiserra's assists
lift Raptors over #22 Elizabethtown

CAMDEN - Sophomore forward Rodney Guishard (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) collected the game-winning goal on a tough-angle shot near the baseline with 18:07 remaining and sophomore midfielder Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional) notched a pair of assists as the Rutgers University-Camden men's soccer team outlasted pre-season 22nd-ranked Elizabethtown College, 2-1, in the season opener for both teams here September 1.

The Scarlet Raptors rallied from a 1-0 deficit in a game which included one red card and one yellow card for each team.

After a scoreless first half, the Blue Jays notched the first goal at 57:12 following a corner kick by junior back Brennan Reichenbach (Selinsgrove, PA/Selinsgrove Area). Freshman back Wes Bunting (Lancaster, PA/J.P. McCaskey) scored from near the goal mouth, assisted by sophomore midfielder Michael Terry (Beech Creek, PA/Central Mountain) and Reichenbach.

A few minutes later -- with 29:46 left in regulation -- the Blue Jays received a red card for running into Raptor sophomore goalie Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional) and Rutgers-Camden took advantage of the man advantage. The Raptors tied the game at 61:43 on a chip inside the box by sophomore forward Onur Yilmaz (Giresun, Turkey/Delran), assisted by Baldiserra.

Rutgers-Camden scored the winner at 71:53 when Baldiserra head-flicked the ball to the baseline to the left of the goal and Guishard drilled a shot across the goal mouth inside the far right panel.

Elizabethtown had several scoring opportunities in the last five minutes, with one thwarted on a diving save by Grunow, who made five saves in his first career game at Rutgers-Camden. Elizabethtown junior goalie A.J. Fleisher (Kutztown, PA/Kutztown Area) had three saves.

The Blue Jays outshot the Raptors, 13-8, including 10-3 in the second half. Rutgers-Camden held a 5-3 margin in corner kicks.

The Scarlet Raptors return to action Saturday with a 1 p.m. home game against York (NY) College.

Rutgers-Camden men's soccer
looking for banner season

CAMDEN - How do you improve on the best season in school history?

That's the question facing head coach Greg Ogden and his Rutgers-Camden Scarlet Raptors after a phenomenal 2004 campaign in which they posted a 15-2-4 record, setting a mark for the most wins in program history. They opened the season with a 13-0-4 mark for the longest undefeated string in Rutgers-Camden soccer history, were tied for 23rd among the most improved teams in Division III (going from 10-6-4 in 2003 to 15-2-4 for a 4.5-game improvement) and finished among the Division III national leaders in both goals-against average (19th at 0.64) and winning percentage (20th at .810). Both marks are school records.

Along the way, Rutgers-Camden broke into the NSCAA Div. III national poll at No. 20 (Oct. 19) on the same day it raised its record to 13-0-4 with a 4-0 win over Albright College. The Raptors' season finally ended with pair of games in the New Jersey Athletic Conference playoffs, where Rutgers-Camden posted a 1-0 win over Kean University (Oct. 30 to set the program record with its 15th win) on a penalty kick by Devin Burgin (Pennsauken, NJ/Bishop Eustace). The banner campaign ended in the conference semifinals with a 1-0 loss at eventual NJAC champion Richard Stockton College (Nov. 2).

The Raptors posted a 4-2-3 record in nine games against teams which appeared in the NSCAA Top 20 during the season.

Rutgers-Camden quickly served notice that 2004 would be a special year. The Raptors opened their campaign on the road against perennial power Elizabethtown College, posting a 3-1 victory (Sept. 1) against a team which went on to finish 15-3-4 to record its 53rd consecutive non-losing season, the longest Division III streak in the country.

The Raptors followed with back-to-back wins over McDaniel College (1-0) and Alvernia College (3-1) to capture the championship of their own Cialella Soccer Classic (Sept. 4-5). Senior midfielder Tom Magoffin (Sewell, NJ/The King's Christian School) earned tournament MVP honors.

The Scarlet Raptors' fast start included a trio of 1-1 ties against three of the top teams in the country: home against Arcadia University (Sept. 8) and on the road at Richard Stockton (Sept. 18) and at Rowan University (Sept. 22). The tie with Rowan left the team at 4-0-3 for the first undefeated mark after seven games in program history.

From Sept. 27 through Oct. 6 Rutgers-Camden recorded five consecutive shutouts, tying the program mark accomplished in both 1981 and 1987. The team posted 11 shutouts overall, one shy of the school mark from 1981.

The young team continued its roll, including a 1-0 home win over Kean (Oct. 16) on a goal by senior Mike Hannings (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson). That win gave Ogden his 50th victory with the men's program and marked the end of a 21-game losing streak against the Cougars. The last time Rutgers-Camden had defeated Kean was Sept. 15, 1982.

By the time the season ended, Ogden had earned NJAC Coach of the Year honors and six of his players captured All-NJAC recognition, including a trio of First Team members in goalie David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern) and midfielders Michael Reed (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and Pat Baldiserra (Milmay, NJ/Buena Regional). Forward Kevin Ridgway (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) earned All-NJAC Second Team honors, while both midfielder Burgin and back Shawn Cunning (Collingswood, NJ/Collingswood) were named NJAC Honorable Mention.

Cunningham and Reed also earned NCAA Div. III Metro Region First Team honors, while Baldiserra made the Second Team and Ridgway was a Third Team member. Another Raptor, back Brandon Bond (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) was named to the Academic All-District II Second Team.

The Raptors' amazing season was sparked by a young squad which lost only a pair of seniors - Magoffin and Hannings - to graduation. Another player, solid backup goalie Tim Giacobbe (Stratford, NJ/Sterling), transferred to Rutgers-New Brunswick to pursue his academic major in Pharmacy.

Hannings, the lone four-year senior on the squad, helped the Raptors post a 41-29-12 record during his career for the best four-year run in program history.

One player who spent the 2004 season nursing an injury - Baris Uslu (Giresun, Turkey/Triton Regional) - had his eligibility restored and returns for his senior season this fall. A talented midfielder, he will serve as a tri-captain with Reed and Burgin as the Raptors try to improve upon an amazing season.

"This is a year we've built for," Ogden said. "We have seven seniors. We took our lumps a bit when they were freshmen, but we knew they could play and they've developed into the kind of team we knew they could be. Besides our seven seniors, the classes under them are pretty solid as well, giving us the best depth we've ever had."

The nucleus of the Raptors' 2004 team returns intact, anchored by star junior goalie Cunningham, who finished 28th nationally with a 0.742 goals-against average.

"David's record speaks for itself," Ogden said. "If he's healthy, we're expecting him to have an outstanding year."

Backing up Cunningham will be sophomore letterman Chris Comuso (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township), who didn't allow a goal in 68:23 of playing time last year, and sophomore Brent Grunow (Estell Manor, NJ/Buena Regional), a transfer from Camden County College who was a high school teammate with Baldiserra.

Rutgers-Camden also returns all of its fullbacks, with center backs Cunning and Bond flanked by Brett Mattei (Turnersville, NJ/Washington Township) and Tom Blumenstein (Audubon, NJ/Paul VI). All are seniors except Cunning, a junior.

"They played very well last year," said Ogden of his four starting backs, who own 11 Rutgers-Camden letters among them. "Their defense and build up out of the back was excellent. They start our attack, while at the same time they defended well enough to give us one of the better defenses around."

With the 6-1 Cunning and 6-0 Bond as the two center backs, Rutgers-Camden has a pair of strong, athletic players who are hard workers and tough to beat in the air. Bond "is a solid center back who is good in the air and holds his position well," said Ogden, while Cunning is "a workhorse. He defends from touchline to touchline and gives unbelievable effort."

On the outside, Mattei is a hard-working left back who hustles and "starts a lot of our goal-scoring opportunities with nice crosses," according to Ogden.

Blumenstein, meanwhile, not only defends well, but is one of the quickest players on the team.

"We consider him more of an offensive player," said Ogden of the senior who owns eight goals and eight assists in his three-year career. "He's good with room to run."

The Raptors won't skip a beat when going to their bench as they return senior Tom Guida (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and sophomore Patrick Dougherty (Pittsgrove, NJ/Schalick). Dougherty played in 21 games as a freshman back. Guida, who was limited to nine games by injuries last season, has appeared in 45 games during his three-year career, starting 29.

The Raptors also have senior transfer student Garrett Fry (Pemberton, NJ/Northern Burlington) in the back. Frey earned team MVP honors at Burlington County College last season.

The Raptors have one of the top midfields in the conference with Reed and Burgin in the center, flanked by Baldiserra and Uslu. Burgin finished second on the team in scoring last season with 17 points (seven goals, three assists), followed by Baldiserra with 13 points (four goals, a team-high five assists). Reed, a tremendous play-maker, had four goals and three assists for 11 points. Uslu had 15 points (six goals, three assists) two years ago before being sidelined last season.

"They are solid offensively and defensively," Ogden said. "They attack in a hurry. We're hoping to at least replicate the amount of goals we scored last year (45). Baris gives us a shot in the arm by returning from his injury. He's one of the better attacking players on the team. Baldiserra is a solid flank midfielder who can score goals. More importantly, he's very creative on the touchline. Burgin is a four-year starter who we are counting on to be a team leader as a captain. He has developed into one of the better inside midfielders in the conference. Reed is one of our captains and a leader by example and verbally. He's already one of the best midfielders in the NJAC."

The Raptors have plenty of depth in the midfield, led by sophomore James Ono (Bridgeton, NJ/Cumberland Regional), who had an outstanding freshman year, starting six of his 21 games, scoring five goals and adding one assist (11 points). He "can get forward quickly," Ogden said. "With the year's experience, we expect he'll do even better. He can start or play a key role off the bench."

Also returning are junior Ian Simmons (Winslow, NJ/Winslow Township) and sophomore James Fiorani (Bridgeton, NJ/Cumberland Regional), who were both impressive in their first year at Rutgers-Camden in 2004. Simmons, who notched one goal and four assists, "sees the field well and makes good decisions in changing the point of attack," according to Ogden. Fiorani is "more fit and more confident on the ball this year."

Two freshmen who will play key roles in the midfield are Nick Forte (West Deptford, NJ/West Deptford), an All-State player as a high school senior last season, and A.J. O'Malley (Westmont, NJ/Haddon Township), an All-Colonial Conference star who has impressed Ogden with his touch. Two other newcomers are sophomores Neil Boghean (Florence, NJ/Northern Burlington), a two-time scholastic South Jersey All-Group performer, and Rob Gambino (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee), a former scholastic star who played for NJAC rival William Paterson in 2003 and is "a very good offensive player" according to Ogden.

Up top, the Raptors have a potent four-man rotation which includes senior letterman Ridgway, the team's leading scorer last year with seven goals and four assists for 18 points, sophomore veterans Ryan Evans (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) and Rodney Guishard (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) and talented sophomore Onur Yilmaz (Delran, NJ/Delran), Uslu's cousin who is a former All-Region XIX player at Camden County College. Guishard had four goals and four assists for 12 points (fourth on the team in scoring) last year, while Evans had four goals and three assists (11 points).

"Ridgway has picked up his level from an outstanding season last year," Ogden said. "We hope he can at least match his total of goals. Evans scored some big goals last year and we think he'll be even more productive this year. Guishard is more fit - he's the most athletic player on the team and we think he'll play an integral part in a lot of goals this year. Onur is our best player running at people with the ball in the final 20 yards. He can, on his own, make a goal happen."

Talented newcomers up top include freshmen Andrew Dorsey (Mt. Laurel, NJ/The King's Christian School), Timothy Ennis (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), and Andrew Simmons (Blue Anchor, NJ/Winslow Township), Ian's younger brother. Ogden notes Dorsey "probably hits the ball better from long range than anyone on the team."

The Raptors spent a pre-season weekend training in the Poconos in preparation for what they believe will be a big year.

"The coaches appreciate the support of the athletic department," Ogden said. "They've gone to great strides to give us the best facilities. The money they spent on equipment and uniforms is giving us a professional look. The training session at the Pocono resort will help with team bonding and be the last piece of the puzzle. To replicate last year's record isn't enough. The guys set their goal to win the conference and make the NCAAs."

Scarlet Raptors among
final 2004 national rankings

CAMDEN - The Rutgers-Camden men's soccer team was among the leaders in the final NCAA Division III statistics for 2004.

The Raptors' sophomore goalie David Cunningham (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern) finished 28th nationally in goals against average at 0.742. As a team, the Raptors finished 19th in the country in goals against average (a school-record 0.64) and were 20th in the country with an .810 winning percentage. The Scarlet Raptors posted a 15-2-4 record, setting a program mark for victories.

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Last updated: December 12, 2005 11:45 a.m.