Mahwah, NJ:  The Ramapo College men's soccer team opens the 2016 season at home on Thursday afternoon on the Athletic Center Turf Field. The Roadrunners square off against non-conference rival Lancaster Bible College at 3pm. The Roadrunners traveled to Lancaster Bible for their first game of the 2015 season walking away with a 2-2 draw.

The Roadrunners are led by 13th year head coach DJ Pinton. "We have enjoyed a great preseason.  The incoming freshmen and transfers came into camp in very good shape and with a great attitude," said Coach Pinton. "The returning upperclassmen have been equally great as well and I am extremely happy on how they have helped make the transition for the new guys seamless.  Everyone is really excited for the start of the season."

Ramapo returns NJAC Second Team All-Conference junior forward Justin Olaya who Pinton is relaying to build on his performance from last season along last years team leading goal scorer sophomore Ryan Campbell. Roadrunner net minder junior Ryan Sprague will head into the season as the #1 goalkeeper.  His control of the area, shot stopping ability and excellent feet for a keeper gives the Roadrunners a well-rounded goalie in the net. Sophomore midfielder Trevor Albrecht returns to the squad in great physical shape and looks very sharp technically. Albrecht possesses excellent attacking ability. With the return of sophomore Malik Lopes from a season off due to injury and returning sophomore midfielders Jorge Castro and Leandro Gonzales there is a lot of depth at the central midfield position.

Newcomer Justin Charkowski looks to help anchor the Ramapo defense. He came into preseason meeting the expectation that he could step in and contribute right away. His athleticism, technical skill and defending ability will give the team a needed boost in the back. Rookie defender Ron Kestelboym displays all the qualities Pinton is looking for to help bolster out the lateral defending position. He is a solid defender with a very good soccer IQ and gets up the field to join on the offensive attack as well. Rookie forward Joe Fala is a really quick learner and has moved from his natural attacking central-midfield position in club soccer to a role as a forward with the Roadrunners. His height and length will obviously give the team a better chance on set pieces but he has also shown his ability to help the Roadrunners during normal course of play. Rookie midfielder Kyle Degroff has caught the eye of the coaching staff more and more as preseason progressed. Pinton praised Degroff saying he does everything quite well and seems to improve every time the team steps on the field. Even in a crowded midfield Pinton expects Degroff to significantly contribute this season.

The Roadrunners are home for their first two games of the 2016 season. Following their game Thursday afternoon against Lancaster Bible, Ramapo will take on non-conference rival Eastern Connecticut State University on Sunday, September 4th at 2pm.