Colts Continue Dream Soccer Season Advancing to National Tournament

A Dream season – capital D – has led the Middlesex College Mens’s Soccer team to another capital D – the city of Dallas. 

After going 14-2-2 in the regular season, the Colts are the No. 7 seed in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III National Tournament in Dallas. It is the first time in the program’s history that the team has advanced to Nationals.

Colts coach Javier Velasco, now in his sixth season, had a good feeling about this team from the start. 

“I saw what we had in preseason and told them that if we didn’t make the national tournament that we had underachieved,” Velasco said. “This was my goal when I came here, to make it a powerhouse, and I think we have been heading in the right direction.” 

The season didn’t start well for the Colts as they lost to rival Ocean County College 2-1 in their opener and then tied Union College. After those games the Colts went on a roll, putting together a historic 13-game unbeaten streak. 

“We had a lack of discipline in the first couple of games, but we fixed that,” Velasco said. “I’m glad it happened in the beginning of the year. I thought we were the best team in our conference, we just got unlucky in a couple of games.” 

The team lost to two-time defending champion Mohawk Valley in a first-round game on November 12. Though the elimination was a disappointment, the team is still beaming with pride. Getting a bid to Nationals is a significant milestone for the program. 

“I think it’s a huge achievement for the College, players, and coaching staff,” Velasco said. “I am happy that we are making history.” 

Freshman Chris Duran leads the Colts with 13 goals and six assists. His classmate Cristiano Costo has added 11 goals and five assists. Ten different Colts players have at least two goals this season, proof of a dynamic offensive attack.  

Freshman goalie Andrew Nieves has started 15 games and has 1.12 goals against average. 

In the Region 19, District B post-season tournament, the Colts blanked Sussex County College 6-0 in the semifinals, then rallied from a 2-1 halftime deficit to gain revenge on Ocean County College, 5-2, and win the tournament.  

The 32-player roster features 30 freshmen, so this could just be the start of a big run for the team. 

“We are hoping everyone comes back and we will be strong again next year,” Velasco said. “I give credit to our assistant coaches for putting in the work recruiting, but it comes down to the players. They are the ones performing. We teach and guide them, but at the end of the day, they’re playing. We’re lucky to have so many quality players on the field.”