The TCNJ men’s soccer team secured a 6-0 victory over Penn State Berks on Sunday afternoon in Ewing, New Jersey. The win marks the team’s second consecutive victory to open the season and extends their goal tally to 11 across two games, the highest for the program at this stage since 2007. This is also the first time since 2019 that TCNJ has started a season with a 2-0 record.
TCNJ (2-0) began the match aggressively, registering five shots within the opening 11 minutes before scoring in the 12th minute. Aidan Grund delivered a corner kick to Lawrence Mancino, who redirected it into the net for his first goal in a TCNJ uniform.
The home side increased its lead with two goals less than a minute apart late in the first half. Chris Meder scored after receiving an assist from Aidan Ayar and maneuvering past a defender. Shortly after, Massimo Rodio drew and converted a penalty kick to make it 3-0 by halftime.
In the second half, freshman Matt Will played a key role by contributing one goal and two assists. Will scored early in the half following another corner sequence involving Grund. He then assisted fellow freshman Manny Thacher on another set piece, with Thacher heading in his first collegiate goal.
Michael Pappas capped off TCNJ’s scoring in the 67th minute when he received a through ball from Will and finished past Penn State Berks’ goalkeeper for his first career goal as well.
Neither team added to their totals during the final portion of play, giving TCNJ its second straight shutout to start the season.
“TCNJ outshot Penn State Berks 28-1 including an 18-0 advantage in shots on goal,” according to information provided by TCNJ Athletics staff. “The Lions also held a 12-1 lead in corners.”
Additional notes from Sunday’s match include: “TCNJ’s six goals are the most in a single game since 2018. This is the first time the Lions have opened the season with consecutive clean sheets since 2015,” as stated by staff members. Three players—Mancino, Thacher, and Pappas—scored their first goals for TCNJ during this match. Chris Meder has already achieved personal bests for both goals (3) and points (8) this season.
Next up for TCNJ is an away fixture against Penn State Harrisburg at the Brick City Classic on Saturday, September 6 at 3 p.m.
