Suffolk CC men's soccer national title prologue

Suffolk Community College (19-0-1) won its first NJCAA men's soccer national title last Sunday, defeating Herkimer County Community College, 2-1. Suffolk advanced to the title game with a 1-0 win over five-time national champ Richland (Texas).

The roster of championsF Christopher Posillico, Fr., Deer Park. Team-leader in goals (11) played under coach Frank Vertullo as a teenager on the Commack Premier travel team.

F Joseph DiGiglio, Fr., Northport. Tied with Posillico and Ricky Rada for the team lead in points (25), finishing with 10 goals and five assists, and earned a spot on the all-region team. Had two assists in national championship game against Herkimer.

G Jesse Nulty, So., Babylon. A transfer from Tompkins-Cortland CC, the "Suffolk Rock" allowed only seven goals and was voted to the all-region team in addition to being named NJCAA tournament MVP.

D Zacchious Ogoo, Fr., Gambia, West AFrica. One of the linchpins of a defensive unit that allowed only eight goals this season. He is an All-American nominee and was voted to the NJCAA all-tournament team.

F Ricky Rada, Fr., Francis Lewis. Tied for the team lead in points, he tallied two assists in Oct. 30 win against Nassau CC.

M Dimas Escobar, So., Bay Shore. Scored both of his team's goals in the national championship, earning a spot on the all-tournament team.

D Javier Rodriguez, So., Rocky Point. Following an All-Region freshman season, the aggressive defenseman helped anchor the Clippers' back line.

D Eddie Hackett, Fr., Pendleton School (Bradenton, Fla.). Originally from Manchester, England, Hackett scored two goals in Oct. 23 win over Westchester CC.

D Raffaele Sorbara, Fr., Valley Stream South. Tenacious defender earned a spot on the All-Region team.

D Athanasios Vlahos-Kitas, Fr., Hicksville. A late addition to the back line, he was a vital presence during NJCAA tournament.

M Guiseppe Buffolino, Fr., Commack. Totaled four goals and three assists at outside midfield. Had two goals in 10-0 win against Rockland CC on Oct. 9.

M Ryan Murphy, Fr., Sachem East. Suffered a broken foot during preseason but should play key role next season as outside midfielder.

G Marcelo Guardado, So., Huntington. Backup goalie allowed only one goal all season. Also saw time in 4-0 win over Bunker Hill CC in NJCAA quarterfinal.

D Raul Flores, Fr. Started at outside back for most of the season and helped save a ball off the line to preserve National semifinal win against Richland.

F Lucas Santise, Fr., Huntington. Saw time as a defender and striker and notched an assist against Dutchess CC on Oct. 27.

M Charles Paracat. So., Centereach. A team captain, Paracat scored two goals in NJCAA quarterfinal win.

M Ronald Pressley, Fr., Longwood. The walk-on earned his spot on the team, making an immediate impact with his speed and tenacious defense.

D/M Christopher Alesci, Fr., Aviation. Earned first point of season with assist in 3-1 win over Bunker Hill CC on Sept. 4.

D Maximiliano Navarro, Fr., Uruguay. Had two assists in team's 10-0 win over Bronx CC on Sept. 22.

M/F Kurtis Seaton, So. Victory Christian Academy (Patchogue). Scored five goals and played a major role in NJCAA finals win.

M Rafaele Rajo, So. Lindenhurst. Transferred to Suffolk from St. Francis College and scored the winning goal in national semifinal win over Richland.

M Elhadj Alpha Diallo, Fr., Robeson. Saw time during the regular season, but an injury limited his effectiveness during the postseason run.

D/M Mamadou Diallo, Fr. International Community. Played a significant role off the bench, chipping in at both midfield and defense.

D Brian Recuero, So., St. Anthony's. A steady defensive presence during the season.

M Julian DiVietro, Fr., Northport. A versatile player who was used at numerous positions.

Coach Frank Vertullo (fourth season, 67-3-6). Vertullo came to Suffolk after serving as an assistant at Dowling for six years. He is a four-time Region XV coach of the year.

Assistants coaches: Tom Burke and Billy Grady.