NJAC

[stlawus]

It's not to say they won't make your team worse, you're most likely  better off with than without. But it can create significantly unrealistic expectations.

[BigSoccerFan]

It's not to say they won't make your team worse, you're most likely  better off with than without. But it can create significantly unrealistic expectations.

What expectations?  Many played and contributed. Does this make the team better?

[Kuiper]

Montclair State going DII in soccer - sort of

I haven't seen this kind of merger before, but the changing landscape demands new ideas.  Bloomfield College, a historically black college in NJ, merged into Montclair State over the summer, while retaining a separate identity as Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.  From an athletics perspective, the problem is Bloomfield has DII sports and Montclair State has DIII.  Plus, they have a lot of duplicate teams.  So, now they have announced that they are doing both in a few sports and closing others and increasing club sports.

The interesting twist to this is Bloomfield's soccer team was 1-12-2 in DII last season.  I wonder if a Bloomfield player could shift over to Montclair State's roster in the offseason (and potentially upgrade the quality of their team).  Would it require a transfer?

Montclair State University is pursuing a bold new vision for collegiate athletics designed to strengthen its commitment to student-athlete wellbeing and expand opportunities for participation while responding to emerging trends and opportunities. 

This includes the incorporation of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University as part of a unified athletics and recreation program. Preserving the athletic traditions of New Jersey's only four-year Predominantly Black Institution was a priority in the design process.

The newly merged Athletic and Recreation Department will aim to foster a campuswide healthy lifestyle by providing comprehensive tools, programs, and activities throughout the year, ensuring all students have opportunities to engage and thrive.

Montclair will sponsor 21 intercollegiate athletics programs at the NCAA Division II and Division III level and increase recreational and club sports opportunities, offering what the University sees as a national model of a dynamic response to the changing landscape of college athletics. Subject to NCAA approval, the new approach will become effective for the fall 2025 semester.

Four Bloomfield programs – men's and women's basketball, men's soccer and softball – will continue to compete at the NCAA Division II level, with Bloomfield maintaining affiliate membership in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).

The remaining Bloomfield sports, baseball and women's volleyball, will transition to club status to ensure more access to all students to participate in the sports at a competitive level.

"Preserving Bloomfield College's athletics program solidifies our commitment to honoring its rich history and unique identity," says Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Meza Soufleris. "We are dedicated to upholding the mission of Bloomfield College and ensuring that students continue to have access to transformative opportunities both on and off the field.

Expanding Access to Athletics Opportunities

The new model will also significantly expand opportunities for all students to participate in club sports and recreation programs to help foster a collaborative, student-centered athletic environment and cross-campus participation.

In addition to the new club programs, the University will also seek to develop additional club and recreational programs based on student need and demand.

Bloomfield's successful ESports program will also remain a cornerstone of the Bloomfield experience, and Montclair will make additional investments into the program for future expansion to respond to growing student demand.

Student-athletes in all discontinued programs will have an opportunity to try out for existing NCAA teams or to participate in expanded club sports. The University will also review their individual situations to ensure they receive all financial aid for which they qualify.

To update the end result of the Montclair acquisition of Bloomfield college, it now appears that Bloomfield is cutting women's volleyball and baseball and moving the rest of its athletic department from DII to USCCA for 2025-2026

https://bcbearsathletics.com/news/2025/7/15/general-bloomfield-college-of-montclair-state-university-athletics-to-transition-to-uscaa-affiliation.aspx

Serving as the latest development in Montclair State University's vision for the future of athletics and recreation in higher education, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will transition four of its intercollegiate athletics programs from NCAA Division II to the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA) for the 2025-2026 academic year.
 
Bloomfield's men's and women's basketball, men's soccer and softball teams will move to the USCAA, which creates national competition for small colleges of similar size to develop the minds, bodies and spirits of student-athletes.
 
Bloomfield's USCAA sports will be scholarship eligible, continuing the institution's sports tradition as part of Montclair's reimagined athletics and recreation model designed to create more opportunities for competition at all levels.
 
"This transition represents a significant step forward for our athletic program, allowing us to better align with our mission and values," says Deputy Director of Athletics Sheila Wooten. "Our student-athletes will benefit from increased opportunities for competition and growth, and we are excited to build new rivalries and traditions within the USCAA. We believe this change will enhance the overall experience for our athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to this new chapter in our athletic journey."
 
The Bears will compete in the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA) against schools including Bryant and Stratton College (Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, Ohio and Rochester campuses), Berkeley College, Five Towns College and Villa Maria College.
 
Bloomfield's women's volleyball and baseball programs will be discontinued. All Bloomfield students interested in playing these sports will have the opportunity to try out for Montclair State University NCAA Division III programs or participate in club sports offerings.
 
"This move allows us to preserve and reimagine Bloomfield's athletics legacy in a way that reflects both our commitment to student opportunity and our responsibility to sustainability," says Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Soufleris. "Competing in the USCAA ensures that our student-athletes continue to grow, thrive, and represent Bloomfield College of Montclair State University with pride. We're excited about this next chapter and the new pathways it opens for athletic excellence and engagement."

[Kuiper]

Rowan picked to win the NJAC.  The NJAC also picks some team to be the "dark horse" and they chose TCNJ this season.  After only winning two games last season with an assistant basketball coach running the team, it's hard to believe they can get much worse now that they have hired a soccer coach.

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

The individual team previews are worth reading.  Rowan has 7 DI transfers, plus an All Region V and Centennial Conference 2nd team centerback from Muhlenberg, Evan Schlotterbeck, who started 52 of 59 games over three years (including 2g/4a in 2024) as a grad transfer?!  If their GK, Dylan Aportela left (he only played 3 years, but he was listed as a senior), GK would be one of their only holes to fill.

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."