Ewing, NJ … If anyone wonders how
Joe Russo spends his summer, it's very similar to what he does in the fall. He coaches soccer games and wins.
Russo, who is entering his 21st season as head coach of The College of New Jersey women's soccer team, recently led the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) U-17 state team to the regional championship. His squad reeled off five straight victories in the tournament and clinched the title with a 2-0 win over New York South in Kirkwood, Delaware.
“It was a very rewarding experience for the girls and I'm extremely pleased for this particular group,” Russo explained. “They've been denied the past couple years when they got to this point and ran into some misfortune, but they persevered. I give them a lot of credit. They went out and won it.”
The NJODP U-17 team won all three games in its pool play competition held at Rider University. They shut out Pennsylvania West 1-0 and Maryland 4-0 before defeating New York West 4-1 to advance to the semi-final match in Kirkwood. The NJ U-17 upended a tough Connecticut 2-1 squad en route to claiming the championship. During the tournament, they outscored their opponent 13-2.
The NJODP was well-represented in Kirkwood as both the U-16 and U-15 teams also claimed regional titles. Those two teams will travel to Phoenix, Arizona to compete for the national championship.
“It was a remarkable showing by New Jersey and indicates how good the level of girls' soccer is in this state,” noted Russo. “To be so consistent at a high level across the board was impressive. Winning all three age groups is something that has never been done before.”
The seven-team NJODP program trains throughout the year at Lions' Stadium and TCNJ's Soccer Complex. TCNJ women's assistant coach
Bob Turner is the NJODP State Administrator for girls' soccer and leads a program that comprises the finest young student-athletes in the state of New Jersey.
Russo has a career coaching record of 370-42-25 at TCNJ and has won three national titles during his tenure.
