Toms River, NJ - Ocean County College Men's Soccer's sophomore captain Cory Branz blasted a goal (assisted by Justin Alves) in the 83rd minute of play to lift the Vikings past RCSJ Gloucester on Tuesday (9/24), in a 1-0 final.
The Roadrunners, ranked #10 nationally in the NJCAA's most recent polling, were stymied early and often by Ocean's shut-down defensive unit, who allowed just 5 scoring attempts in the match's 1st half. The Vikings' backline, led by sophomore captain Kevin Miller, along with Justin Alves, Jorge Araiza, Jimmy Pari, Oliver Peluso-Nora, and Evan Walters, were aggressive and organized, greatly limiting any scoring opportunities.
After a hard-fought 1st half ended in a scoreless tie, the Vikings regrouped at the intermission and returned to action re-energized, limiting the Roadrunners to just 1 shot in the 2nd half, while generating 11 opportunities of their own, including what would become the game-winner by Branz, scored before a raucous home crowd.
Ocean freshman goalkeeper Riley Fahnholz recorded his 4th win and 1st shutout of the season in the win, making 5 saves on the day.
OCC Men's Soccer improves to 5-1 overall, with all wins coming in Region XIX play. The level of competition will remain high in their next match, as the team heads to Camden County College on Thursday, September 26th to take on the #6-ranked Cougars at 4:30 p.m. in what will be a fantastic Region XIX/GSAC matchup.