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If
the Vikings’ only mission this year was to repeat as national
champs, they didn’t quite get there. They did, however, get
to the semi-final round of the NJCAA Tournament on Nov. 18 in Tyler,
TX, after breezing through the quarter-final against Jefferson College
(MO) with a 4-0 win on Nov. 17. The Vikings ended their season with
a stellar 20-1-1 record.
Said
Head Coach Charlie Inverso, “Of course we’re disappointed
not to repeat as champs, but we certainly have a lot to be thankful
for. In the past four years we have finished third, second (twice),
and were national champions in 2004. We continue to compete against
the monster schools that have scholarships, dorms, and full-time
coaches."
In
the semi-final Mercer faced Georgia Perimeter, the team that went
on to win the championship and the very same team that Mercer had
beaten in last year’s title game. Tied 2-2 after goals by
Refael Segal and midfielder Marius Kapxhiu, the Vikings came close
to scoring at the end of the first overtime. Unfortunately their
opponents found the goal in the second overtime and the Vikings
lost 3- 2. The Vikings played a consolation match on Nov. 20, beating
Louisburg (NC) 2-1 and finishing third nationally.
Along
the way to that slightly premature ending, Mercer played some beautiful
soccer thanks to a strong lineup of players who steadily improved
throughout the season. After defeating Essex County College (NJ)
3-1 on Oct. 28 to capture the Region 19 title, Mercer
proved a dominant force in the District Tournament held at Mercer
Nov. 5-6.
In the first district game, Mercer faced Massasoit (MA), a team
the Vikings had narrowly beaten 2-1 on Sept. 18. This time it was
all Mercer as the Vikings found the net again and again, tallying
five goals for a 5-0 win. Goals came from Jilmar Perez, Anthony
Moy, Refael Segal, and Nick Devine (2). Sophomore Tom DeStefano
ably defended the goal, while experienced defenders Felix Martey
and Jason James limited Massasoit to four shots. Awel Mohammed,
Marcus Price and Tom Fink also contributed. Facing Bryant &
Stratton on Nov. 6, the Vikings had a tougher time but still controlled
the action, winning 2-0 on a first-half goal from Price and a second-half
goal from Segal. Bryant & Stratton had only one good chance
to score, a shot that DeStefano deftly deflected.
Noting
the difficulty of repeating as national champs, Inverso said he
worked hard throughout the season to keep his players focused on
the game and not be distracted by the team’s no. 1 national
ranking. “We had amazing chemistry this year. I really believe
that the wear and tear of the season took its toll on our guys.
Key players were hurt down the stretch and played on sheer guts.
I believe we play the best brand of soccer in the country. Our guys
had tremendous heart. I am really proud of them and feel lucky to
have been associated with this team.”
All-Region/All-GSAC nominees included Kapxhui, James, Price, DeStefano,
Martey and Muner Hassen. Kapxhui and James were also selected as
NJCAA All-Americans. Assisting Head Coach Charlie Inverso, who completed
his 19th season, were Larry Povia, Bill Dailey, John Pietrowski
and Pat Snyder.
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