Contributions from Kevin Boyle
Lawrenceville, NJ … A pair of local college soccer programs joined together to create a memorable evening for eight children from the Mercer County Special Services school district.
The College of New Jersey and Rider University men's soccer teams participated in an exhibition match that integrated eight kids at Ben Cohen Field on Rider's campus on Monday night. The event featured a lot of smiles, laughter, and ten goals scored as the Lion and Bronc players each took the field with four, fresh-faced recruits on each side.
"It was a great experience and having two colleges come together to make it happen for them is awesome," said Steve Cukar, a junior defender and special education major at TCNJ. "Getting to see the kids smiling makes it all worth it. An event like this is something you can't learn in the classroom, so it is a great learning experience for me."
The Lions were joined by 11-year old Ayanna Wright-Hailstock, 11-year old Zachary Vena, 12-year old Noah Ward, and 11-year old Theodore "Ty" Lewis. Alongside the Broncs' squad were 10-year old John Lewis, 12-year old Davon Baxtor-Davis, 13-year old Coby Gunning Mackie, and nine-year old Dhruv Jainmen. The match ended in a 5-5 draw as Rider netted a pair of goals in the final 1:38 to draw even in an exciting finish.
"I famous!" shouted Zach Vena, who was not at a loss for words throughout the night. "I scored a goal! I love the people of New Jersey. I want to be the King of New Jersey."
Ayanna Wright-Hailstock tallied the game's first goal, while Ty Lewis also rippled the back of the net. Noah Ward made several impressive saves in net for the Lions, but Lewis, Baxtor-Davis, Jainmen, and Gunning Mackie each deposited a shot between the posts during the 26-minute exchange.
TCNJ soccer assistant and alum Matt Karsh '02 provided game jerseys, shorts, and socks for their latest roster additions. He also presented the players with soccer balls signed by the entire Lions' roster.
"The most important part of tonight was that the kids were happy and having fun," said TCNJ head coach George Nazario. "Whenever you have the opportunity to be involved in something like this, you see how truly special these kids are."
The concept for the exhibition was spearheaded by Rider head coach Charlie Inverso and Mercer County Freeholder Pat Colavita. Inverso is a 1979 graduate of the College, while Colavita also earned his master's degree in education in 1971. Angie Cacciabaudo, vice president of Mercer County Special Services Educational and Therapeutic Association, was also instrumental in making the game a reality.
The exhibition was followed by a preseason scrimmage as the Lions and Broncs squared off in a 90-minute match.
TCNJ opens its regular season schedule this Friday, August 30 when they take on John Jay College in the Ramapo College Tournament. Rider hosts Robert Morris University on Sunday, September 1 at 1 p.m.
