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 Pompei Named NJAC Defensive Player of the Week
Duarte Named NJAC Offensive Player of the Week
Nelson Named to Academic All-District Team
Five Players Collect NJAC Postseason Honors
Duarte Earns Second NJAC Offensive Player of the Week Award
The Stockton men’s soccer team seeks to build upon the success of last season and rise to a higher level in 2009. Expectations are high for an Ospreys’ squad that returns seven starters and its top six scorers overall from a 2008 team that propelled Stockton back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004 and reached the NCAA second round. The addition of some talented newcomers should give head coach Jeff Haines a deep arsenal of weapons at his disposal in 2009.
Stockton will have plenty of offensive firepower, led by former NJAC Rookies of the Year Rafael Duarte and Sean McCallum who paced the Ospreys with 11 and nine goals respectively last season. Duarte, a 2008 All-Metro Region First Team selection is a natural goal scorer who has netted 28 markers in 36 career games. McCallum, a 2008 All-Metro Region Third Team player, pressures defenders with a level of speed and quickness that is unmatched in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
All-Metro Region Second Teamer Pat Tolomeo is one of the NJAC’s premier setup men. The senior has led the Ospreys in assists for two consecutive seasons and also scored 11 goals for 41 points in 44 games at Stockton. Sophomore Zak Hughes returns after a solid freshman year in which he played all 23 games, made seven starts and tallied two goals and an assist. Junior Felipe Duarte is back after missing last season with an injury. Bryan Hutches is a freshman to watch after red-shirting at UMass in 2008, and freshman Jason Berlinger adds to Stockton’s depth at forward.
 Junior Sean Nelson is a relentless force who should continue blossoming in the middle of the field. Nelson came into his own with four goals and six assists in 22 games last year. Senior Butch Huff is a dependable veteran who notched career highs of six goals and 13 points in 2008. Junior George Hamilton consistently has given Stockton solid minutes off the bench as a flank midfielder. Sophomore Daen McMichael adds to the Ospreys’ depth on the outside after a rookie year in which he recorded a goal and two assists in 12 games. Senior Jeremy Borrero is a mature player who is coming back from knee surgery in 2008. Freshmen Devin Reilley, Cody Letsinger and Jeff Weitz are rookies to watch at midfield, with junior transfer Rich Stone and freshman Rich Haggerty also newcomers who will be in the mix for playing time.
Stockton should have the freedom to be aggressive on offense while relying on a sturdy defense corps led by 2008 NJAC Rookie of the Year Brennen Fitzsimmons. Only a sophomore, Fitzsimmons plays like a veteran, and showed he can also contribute offensively with three goals and three assists last season. Sophomore Sal Pistone is an intimidating presence with the size to dominate in the air and power to clear balls far down the field. Senior Mike Alonzo moved into the starting lineup last year and responded to a huge increase in playing time with solid play throughout the season. Juniors Travis Albert and Harry Middleton are dependable reserves with over 30 games of experience apiece. Freshman Tom Parkinson and junior transfer Sean Coggins are key additions on defense for the Ospreys, with freshmen Chris Hayman and Ryan Hornibrook also enlisting as Stockton backs this year.
Stockton’s goalkeeping situation is somewhat unsettled at the outset of the season. Sophomore Lou Herring is hoping for a fresh start because he was hampered by injuries and played in just four games during his rookie year. Junior Anthony Pompei also returns after playing two matches in 2008, which was his first season on the Stockton team. Freshman Brian McDonough completes the trio of goalies on the roster, all of whom will be competing for minutes as the Ospreys sort out their goalkeeping status.
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