When David Janezic, the new men’s soccer coach at Brookdale Community College, got his first look at the team, he was impressed with the overall talent. However, he knew his team was a work in progress with a lot to do before things fell into place.
With the first month of the 2012 season more than halfway through, things have been working out pretty well for the Jersey Blues.
They are 7-1 overall and 5-0 in the Garden State Athletic Conference. They are ranked No. 6 in the country in the National Junior College Athletic Association poll. They also own a 2-0 win over No. 8 Union.
“They had to get a feel for each other,” said Janezic. “It’s rewarding to see them come together and play as a team. Guys are playing different positions. It’s great to see their hard work and commitment pay off.”
What has been working for the Jersey Blues is the ball possession game that Janezic emphasizes. He points out that by keeping possession, it can frustrate the opposition and, sooner or later, they get tired of chasing, which leads to scoring opportunities.
“We’re winning the ball in the back and in the air and we’ve been great in the 18,” said the coach.
Janezic said that players have to be “greedy” inside the 18 and no one has been better at finishing off scoring chances than freshman Ryan Morris (Freehold Township), who is currently second in the country in scoring. He has nine goals and seven assists for 25 points. His seven assists are tied for the most in the country among Division III junior colleges.
Sophomore co-captain Justin Gregory (Wall) is tied for sixth with 13 points (four goals, five assists). Freshman Andrew Lyon (Howell) is tied for 11th nationally with 11 points between four goals and three assists. Tom Vasguez (Middletown North), Kyle Annecchino (Neptune) and Marco Fernandez (Manalapan) have all chipped in to contribute to an offense that has scored 33 goals.
Gregory, Tyler Gilson (Red Bank Regional), Pat Holliday (Freehold Township), and Andy Caban (Red Bank Regional) have not only been protecting their end of the field, but they have also played a key role in maintaining possession of the ball for the team.
Goalkeeper Brad Bennett (Middletown South) is tied nationally in goals against average. 0.00.
The Jersey Blues’ next home match in Lincroft is Sept. 27 against Sussex County Community College starting at 3:30 p.m.
In October, Brookdale has three straight home matches against Camden on Oct. 2 (3:30 p.m.), Bergen on Oct. 4 (3:30 p.m.) and Gloucester on Oct. 6 at noon.