Mighty Oaks Men’s Soccer Ready To Start The 2022 Campaign

Carneys Point, NJ – The Salem Community College men's soccer team will return to the pitch for the start of their 2022 season when they scrimmage Nuemann University on Tuesday August 23 at 2:00PM. The match will mark the start of a new era for Mighty Oaks soccer, as the scrimmage will open up their new home venue located next to Oldmans Township School at 10 Freed Rd., Predricktown NJ. Salem Community College entered a partnership with the school to renovate the soccer complex and make it the permanent home for Mighty Oaks Soccer.

On the field, however, there is a sense of eagerness to build on the success of the 2021 season, which marked the program's first playoff appearance since Salem returned to intercollegiate play. SCC finished the regular season with seven wins and five losses. The Mighty Oaks faced off against Ocean County College in the first round of the Region 19 postseason, dropping the match 3-1, ending a very successful 2021 season.

"Last season provided a lot of opportunities that we look forward to build on," said Head Coach Matt Murray.  "Making the post season tournament was a big goal last season and we hope to make a run this season."

The Mighty Oaks return six players from last season's roster. The Mighty Oaks will return Mateus Lopes De Silva between the pipes. In 7 games last season the goal keeper registered 34 saves with a .739 save percentage. Lopes had a 2.31 goals against average in 2021. Also returning are Joao Pedro Cubas and Joao Pedro Gusman. Both players were regular starters for SCC and will be relied on this season to log critical minutes. Also returning is Yorhan Martins. Martins scored two goals on eighteen shot last season. Rounding out the sophomore class are Branden Visser and Savio Neri, who will both be relied on a key contributors to this season.  Neri will serve as team captain. 

"Region 19 is loaded" added Murray. "From the talented rosters to the top-level coaching staff, I expect this season to be more difficult as we aren't the unknown program anymore".

The Mighty Oaks will open up their regular season on the road when they will face off against Region 19 opponent Montgomery County Community College with a 3:30PM kick off. With expectations high and the anticipation of a new playing venue higher, the 2022 season should make for exciting season of men's soccer at Salem Community College.