Toms River, NJ - The Ocean County College Vikings men's soccer team defeated the Owls of Union County College in a thrilling penalty kick shootout to win the 2017 NJCAA Region XIX Championship on Saturday (10/28). After conceding a goal early in the match's 2nd half, Ocean fought back relentlessly, and executed a set play in the 78th minute in which Scott Larsen delivered a well-driven ball into the box, which was then headed toward goal from Kyle Unger, and blasted into the back of the net by Chandler Gibbons for the equalizer. Ocean, who outshot Union 18-11 on the day, continued to press forward in pursuit of the win through regulation and both golden goal overtime periods, before heading to their second consecutive postseason PK shootout. Vikings goalkeeper Robert Andrade was outstanding again, stopping two Union shots, while teammates Andrew Jozwicki, Doug Jensen, and Ryan Cheslock sealed the victory (and Region XIX Championship) by converting their kicks. Vikings outside back Chandler Gibbons was named Most Valuable Player of the Game, while Robert Andrade, who saved two penalty kicks against Sussex in the Region XIX semifinals along with two more in this match, was named Outstanding Defensive Player of the Game.
With this victory, the Ocean County College Vikings secured their 2nd Region XIX title in 5 years (they last won in 2012), and advance to the national stage, when they travel to Herkimer, NY for the 2017 NJCAA National Championship tournament, which runs from November 9-12.