(Central Jersey) - The Real Central NJ Soccer (RCNJ) women’s team is continuing to build off last season’s success by claiming the WPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference Championship and hosting the East Region bracket of the WPSL National Playoffs.
The semi-final matches will be held Saturday, July 16th at Mercer County Community College’s Soccer Stadium. The 5:30 pm game features Metropolitan Conference winner Downtown United Soccer Club (New York) versus the Colonial Conference representative, SJEB FC (South Jersey). The 8:00 pm game features RCNJ hosting Northeast Conference winner, VT Fusion (Vermont).
Similar to RCNJ, VT Fusion has placed itself as the leading team in its conference with 19 points during only its second operating season in WPSL. Both teams have endured one loss in their regular seasons this year and have come out undefeated for all home matches which will make for a thrilling match for all who attend on Saturday.
The East Region Final game will be held on Sunday, July 17th at 7 pm, featuring the two Saturday winners, determining the East Region representative to the WPSL National Finals in Oklahoma.
“We are honored to be hosting this event and showcasing the long-standing tradition of soccer excellence in the Greater Trenton region,” said Ben Chrnelich, Women’s Program General Manager and Club Partner. “We are all so proud of the players for their success and commitment, thankful to all the area fans for their support, and truly appreciative to all the local businesses who have sponsored the program”.
Tickets for the weekend’s games can be purchased here.
It has been an exciting and rewarding season for the team! With a combination of new faces and returning players, the women navigated their way to success after making it to the 2021 WPSL Metropolitan South Championship in their inaugural season. The team has found its playing style after dealing with a number of early-season weather-related game cancellations.
However, with an increase in training opportunities to work on the team’s chemistry and guidance from head coach Brian Thomsen as well as assistant coaches Jake Nesteruk and Kim Maurer, the team has become a challenging opponent not to be underestimated.
Real Central NJ led the WPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference with 19 points and held the record for the least amount of goals allowed during league play. The women have shown a lot of heart this season as they developed team cohesiveness through contributing playing styles and game strategies, from leading collegiate soccer programs, including hometown powers, Rider University (MAAC), and The College of New Jersey (NJAC). With the players also representing the Patriot League, the Atlantic 10, Conference USA, PSAC, and many other elite college conferences, these athletes represent a diverse group who share the same passion for the game.
Real Central NJ is also pleased to announce that its 2022 season presenting sponsor, Capital Health, has extended its investment in central New Jersey and women's sports by becoming the presenting sponsor for this tournament.