NJAC Preseason Poll

PITMAN, N.J. – The TCNJ men's soccer team checked in at eighth in the NJAC Preseason Poll released Tuesday morning by the league office.

Montclair State claimed the top spot in the poll with seven first-place votes from the league's head coaches, while Rowan was runner-up and grabbed the other three first-place ballots. Rutgers-Newark was tabbed third, followed by dark horse Rutgers-Camden, Kean, and Stockton in the projected playoff field. Ramapo was seventh, followed by TCNJ, NJCU, and William Paterson.

The Lions were a green squad last season, with eight freshmen and sophomores starting at least five games. Now, with a year of experience under their belts, the time is ripe for a return to the NJAC playoffs.

Senior Luke Pascarella anchors the middle of the pitch following a second consecutive All-NJAC campaign in which he topped the team in both goals (6) and points (13). The Lions are well-stocked in the midfield, with senior Bobby Hunter (3G/3A), juniors Julien Carraha (12 starts) and Gavin Siengsanaoh (13 starts), and sophomores Colin Kenville (3G/1A), Massimo Rodio (3G/1A), and Daniel Grund (3G/1A) all coming off productive rookie seasons.

Junior Ryan Phillips started all but one game on the back line last season, where he'll be joined by junior Sebastian Hernandez in front of senior keeper Julian Franco, a two-year starter between the pipes. Junior Walker Smith earned five starts in net a year ago.

Head coach George Nazario will also look to integrate a large batch of newcomers into the fold, as 11 freshmen hope to make their mark in preseason camp.

The Lions kick off the season at Catholic University's Turk Emekli Classic, where they'll take on preseason No. 12 Messiah in the opener on Friday, September 1.