Written by Alexis Barton
As part of the kickoff for family weekend activities, Roanoke’s men’s soccer team put on an incredible display of offensive talent against the visiting Eastern Mennonite Royals. The Maroons would go on to win 6-0 against the conference opponent, placing themselves third amongst the Old Dominion Athletic Conference standings. As the Maroons head towards the end of their season, this was an essential pickup for the Maroons on their way to another successful postseason.
The Maroons started off the game with a goal from Liam Camilleri just 12 minutes into the game. With an assist from defender Jordan Fiorani, Camilleri’s goal sparked the Maroons’ attack on the Royals goalkeeper, who faced 19 shots on goal throughout the course of the game. The Maroons held their lead for almost the entire first half, until senior forward Michael Chang scored his first goal of the evening. The Maroons left at the half with a comfortable 3-0 lead, which would only grow in the second half. A goal from Michael Ramsey, another goal from Chang, and two goals from Till Schumacher brought the Maroons to their 6-0 final score. Goalkeeper Zach Behe held his own once again in net as he stopped the only shot on goal that the Royals were able to muster.
The game was also a tribute to their December 2021 graduate, Joe Carman, and their spring 2022 graduates, Michael Chang, Joey D’Amour, Chris Jerrild, and Anthony Zarlenga. The 6-0 win was incredibly fitting, as all of these seniors have made unique, significant contributions to the program.
Joe Carman, who returned for a fifth season following the NCAA’s eligibility extension due to COVID-19, has played in 57 games during his tenure at Roanoke. He has been a staple of the team’s defense over that time, starting in 53 of those games. For his efforts at Roanoke, Carman has been recognized several times both at the conference and regional levels, where he most recently was named VASID Men’s Defensive Player of the Year.
The quartet of Chang, D’Amour, Jerrild, and Zarlenga are amongst several standouts of the Class of 2022, both spring and December. Chris Jerrild and Anthony Zarlenga have worked their way up through the program to become regular starters for the Maroons, with Jerrild at midfield and Zarlenga at forward. Jerrild has garnered both conference and state-level recognition, as he was named to VASID and All-ODAC second-team following his junior season, in addition to being named to the ODAC Men’s Soccer All-Tournament team.
The Maroons are headed into the last six conference games of their season where they will make their final preparations for a long run in the ODAC playoffs. As their season comes to a close, Roanoke fans will look forward to seeing these five seniors in action for the final time. Come see the Maroons take on Shenandoah on Saturday, October 9th at 5 PM at Kerr Stadium. Go Maroons!
