Men’s Soccer Team Wins Big Against Montclair

Photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics

The Roadrunners men’s soccer team is 6-0-0 for the first time since 2006.

After a thrilling overtime victory against Montclair on Saturday.

Ramapo’s 13th-year head coach, DJ Pinton, stated that the Roadrunners came to the field ready to play against Montclair, which is especially crucial in NJAC games.

“It’s a very important thing; starting the conference is an exciting time for the guys, and they get amped up for it, but it’s super important to come out and compete well, and the guys did that,” said Pinton.

In the onset of the game, the Roadrunners fouled within their 18-yard penalty area, awarding Montclair a penalty kick opportunity. Montclair took advantage of this opportunity as Lucas Terci fired a shot past Ryan Sprague to give Montclair the early 1-0 lead. This was Terci’s 10th goal of the season.

A minute later, Ryan Campbell came to life as he scored his first of three goals in the game on a header that was assisted by Jorge Castro to tie the score at one.

Campbell would do it again in the 34th minute of the game, with the assist by Justin Olaya to give the Roadrunners a 2-1 lead.

Just a little over five minutes into the second half, Mike Taranto tied things up at two, followed by a goal by Castro to give Ramapo a 3-2 lead.

In the 71st minute, Terci hit another penalty kick to tie it up at three.

In overtime though, Campell struck again, capping off his best game of the season thus far. It was just a little over four minutes into the overtime period when he knocked in the game-winner for his eighth goal of the season and completing his second hat trick of the year. Olaya would earn his second assist of the night on the play.

The Roadrunners have revitalized an excitement and intensity in Ramapo College men’s soccer that has not been seen in quite some time, and Campbell along with many others have all played vital roles in accomplishing that whether it’s changing the culture in the locker room, bringing a winning attitude to the team, playing hard every minute, etc.

Campbell said that the play that led to the game-winning goal in overtime was a well-executed play, and that it was a moment where the team really had something to prove.

“Well, it was obviously a great working play,” said Campbell. “Justin got it on the wing, and crossed the ball in, and I couldn’t really see the ball at first, and it just hit me, and I was like, ‘This is my chance; this is our chance to make a name for ourselves, our chance to really prove that we’re here to play, and we can play with anybody.’”

Senior captain Bayley Young said it felt incredible to finally get a win against Montclair.

“It felt amazing being here; this is my senior year; it felt great to finally beat them and overcome one of the top teams in our conference,” said Young.

The Roadrunners took home another victory last night against the College of Old Westbury to more to 7-0-0 for the first time in the program’s history. They’ll look to stay hot against Stockton at home at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

pmcguire@ramapo.edu