PITMAN, NJ – Rowan has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2025 New Jersey Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Coaches Poll, receiving eight of the 10 first-place votes in balloting of the league’s head coaches.
Montclair State collected one first-place vote to land second, while Stockton was chosen third and Rutgers-Camden fourth. Ramapo, Rutgers-Newark, and Kean followed in the middle of the poll, with TCNJ tabbed as this year’s dark horse in eighth. William Paterson and NJCU rounded out the rankings.
The top six teams will qualify for the 2025 NJAC Men’s Soccer Tournament, which is scheduled for November 1 (quarterfinals), November 5 (semifinals), and November 8 (championship). The tournament champion will earn the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Tournament.
2025 NJAC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
(first place votes in parentheses)
1. Rowan (8)
2. Montclair State (1)
3. Stockton
4. Rutgers-Camden
5. Ramapo
6. Rutgers-Newark
7. Kean (1)
8. TCNJ (dark horse)
9. William Paterson
10. NJCU
ROWAN
Rowan enters 2025 as both the preseason favorite and a team recognized nationally, earning votes in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll. The Profs bring back reigning NJAC Offensive Player of the Year and All-American Johnny Troiano, who led the league in goals (16) and points (39), as well as three-time all-conference forward Ryan Cleary, who added nine goals. On the defensive side, Greg Ferreira and Aiden McGuigan return after logging heavy minutes for one of the NJAC’s top back lines. Rowan also adds significant depth with several Division I transfers, including players from Monmouth and La Salle. With a potent mix of proven scorers and experienced defenders, the Profs are built for another title run.
Newcomers to Watch: Evan Schlotterbeck (B; Cherry Hill, NJ/Muhlenberg College), Luke McNamee (F; Pearl River, NY/Monmouth University), Christian McGillen (M; Pennsburg, PA/La Salle University)
Head Coach Scott Baker: “The program returns the core of our team and adds in seven Division I transfers and one graduate transfer.”
MONTCLAIR STATE
Montclair State will look to retool after graduating two of the program’s most decorated players in recent memory, NJAC Midfielder of the Year Osbin Mendez and two-time NJAC Defensive Player of the Year Ian Chesney. Midfielder Diego Flores is among the returners expected to step into a bigger role, while defender Sebastian Lapczynski brings stability to the backline after starting 17 matches last fall. The Red Hawks also welcome a talented incoming class highlighted by midfielder John Carey and forward Danny Tobon, both of whom are expected to compete immediately. With a blend of new talent and experienced returners, Montclair State will aim to stay near the top of the standings.
Newcomers to Watch: John Carey (M; Norwood, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep), Danny Tobon (F; Clifton, NJ/Clifton)
Head Coach Todd Tumelty: “We are excited to get the new season started. This year’s team is a mix of returners and a big group of new faces. I’m looking forward to seeing the vets step up as leaders and help guide the newcomers in the Montclair way.”
STOCKTON
Stockton brings back an experienced lineup that reached the NJAC Finals last season, including offensive leaders Aiden Hoenisch and Ernst Louisius. Louisius ranked among the league’s top scorers with eight goals and led the NJAC in game-winners (5), while Hoenisch, a two-time all-conference midfielder, returns after missing most of 2024. Defensively, the Ospreys return Nicolas Calambas and Noah Jones, both of whom started every match and logged over 1,600 minutes while leading the Ospreys to nine shutouts. Two-time all-conference honoree Uche Wokocha also returns to anchor the midfield. With just two seniors graduated, Stockton combines veteran leadership with a strong group of first-year players ready to contribute.
Newcomers to Watch: Will Lynch (M; Bensalem, PA/Notre Dame HS), Christian Pereira (F; Jersey City, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep), Alexander Zuniga (M; Pompton Lakes, NJ/Pompton Lakes)
Head Coach Greg Ruttler: “Having only graduated two seniors, we have an experienced returning group that made it to the NJAC Finals last season. In addition to the experience of our returners, we have also added a very talented group of first-year players.”
RUTGERS-CAMDEN
Rutgers-Camden returns four all-conference players, highlighted by defender Eric Swen, a three-time honoree and the 2023 NJAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Midfielders Brandon Valeri and Joseph Lodise and defender Jason Garwood round out a strong veteran core that will anchor the Scarlet Raptors on both sides of the field. While scoring punch will need to be developed, Camden’s proven defensive unit and talented recruiting class provide a solid foundation for another postseason push.
Newcomers to Watch: Declan Capps (M/B; Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown), Judah Cooper (M; Essington, PA/Delaware County Christian), Antonio Yantas (M; Hopewell, NJ/Hopewell Valley)
Head Coach Tim Oswald: “We have a young talented team that's looking to build upon previous success after NJAC semifinal appearances in two of the last three seasons. With a tough out-of-conference schedule, we are looking to use that experience to prepare for the NJAC.”
RAMAPO
Ramapo boasts one of the league’s most dangerous duos in midfielder Kyle Allen and forward Gianfranco Ponce, who combined for 19 goals and 46 points last fall. Allen earned Second Team NJAC honors after ranking among the league leaders in goals and game-winners, while Ponce was named NJAC Rookie of the Year after a breakout 10-goal campaign. With that tandem returning to lead the offense and a solid nucleus of starters back across the field, the Roadrunners have the pieces in place to contend.
Newcomers to Watch: Dylan Perez (M; Clifton, NJ/Clifton), David Oh (F; Northvale, NJ/Northern Valley Old Tappan)
Head Coach DJ Pinton: “Ramapo returns a good nucleus of returning starters from last season.”
RUTGERS-NEWARK
Rutgers-Newark returns one of the NJAC’s most prolific scorers in forward Erick Cortes, who finished tied for second in the conference with 13 goals and ranked third with 28 points. Midfielder Edgar Silva adds balance with six goals and five assists, while defender Michael Reis brings stability to the backline after logging over 1,000 minutes last year. The Scarlet Raiders also welcome a deep recruiting class highlighted by Gabe Gomez, Chihiro Suenaga, and goalkeeper David Bejarano, each of whom is expected to push for playing time. With a core of all-conference returners, Rutgers-Newark has the firepower to stay in the mix.
Newcomers to Watch: Gabe Gomez (F/M; Kearny, NJ/Kearny), Chihiro Suenaga (M; Hasbrouck Heights, NJ/Hasbrouck Heights), David Bejarano (GK; Old Bridge, NJ/FDU-Teaneck)
Head Coach Kevin East: “We brought in a number of players that will add depth to the squad in all positions. Several should push for immediate playing time and increase overall competitiveness.”
KEAN
Kean brings back two-time all-conference forward Donte East, the Cougars’ leading scorer, along with veteran Marvin Munoz, who started 11 matches a year ago. On the backline, David Camargo and Daniel Nigro return as reliable defensive anchors, with Camargo earning all-conference recognition after starting every game. The Cougars also add young talent in forward Matthew Sarfo and midfielder Matthew Moya, providing energy to complement the experienced group. With a strong blend of returners and newcomers, Kean looks to be competitive across the conference slate.
Newcomers to Watch: Matthew Sarfo (F; Little Egg Harbor, NJ/Pinelands Regional), Matthew Moya (M; Oradell, NJ/Bergen Catholic)
Head Coach Jairo Munoz: “We have a solid team with a good combination of experience and young players.”
TCNJ
TCNJ will rely on a pair of forwards to lead the attack in junior Matias Hornos, a Second Team All-NJAC honoree who paced the Lions with 14 points, and Chris Meder, who added two goals and three assists. In the midfield, seniors JJ Zaun and John Ramos return after combining for nearly 40 appearances and will provide leadership for a young roster. With several talented newcomers ready to contribute, including defender Lawrence Mancino and forward/midfielder Matthew Will, the Lions are a team to watch.
Newcomers to Watch: Lawrence Mancino (B; Holmdel, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy), Matthew Will (F/M; Collingswood, NJ/Moorestown Friends), Aidan Grund (M; West Windsor, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South)
Head Coach Steven DeMatteo: “We’re excited for the season to start and to continue building on where we left off this past spring. There’s a great energy and motivation within the team right now as we get ready to compete. We’re looking forward to blending what we feel is a strong incoming class with an experienced and driven group of returning players to make for a competitive and dynamic squad.”
WILLIAM PATERSON
William Paterson will look to replace the scoring production of Diego Navas, who tallied 34 points last fall, but the Pioneers return a strong supporting cast. Midfielder Matthew Escobar, a Second Team All-NJAC honoree, tied for fourth in the league with six assists, while forward Davide Zamuner is the team’s leading returning scorer with six goals. Defensively, Jimmy Bruno and Delvin Nketia return after logging more than 1,000 minutes apiece, bringing experience to the backline. The Pioneers also add international talent in goalkeeper Riccardo Prati from Italy and several promising freshmen.
Newcomers to Watch: Adrian Qira (F; Paramus, NJ/Paramus), Niko Pierce (M; Westfield, NJ/Westfield), Riccardo Prati (GK; Settimo Milanese, Italy)
Head Coach Matt Heitmann: “We're excited about the leadership group we have this season. We're impressed with the performance and potential of our incoming recruiting class. This group is motivated and focused on building on the progress we made last season.”
NJCU
NJCU enters 2025 looking to rebuild with a mix of returners and transfers. Forward Kevin Alves started all 17 matches last season and will be a key piece offensively, while Dominic Celi will look to step into a bigger role after earning minutes in reserve. Defensively, Jonathan Cabellero returns with experience, and goalkeeper Dominic Cunha anchors the back after logging nearly 1,500 minutes with four shutouts. The Gothic Knights also welcome an international recruiting class, including Jose Orozco from South Africa and goalkeeper Camilo Pascual from Spain, both of whom bring college experience.
Newcomers to Watch: Augusto Viera (M; Kearny, NJ/Kearny), Jose Orozco (M; Johannesburg, South Africa/West Virginia Tech), Camilo Pascual (GK; Alcog, Spain/Felician University)
Head Coach Brendan Guzman: “This year’s squad will be a rebuild using a great foundation. We were able to put a competitive team together amidst being in such a transitional period for the University and team. We look forward to creating some chaos in the NJAC standings.”