Rutgers 9 players recruiting class
5 from New Jersey
Rutgers Men’s Soccer Adds Ninth Player to Recruiting Class
The list of nine recruits includes: Mike Volk, a defender from Bear, Del.; Dilly Duka, a midfielder from Montville, N.J.; Chris Edwards, a defensive midfielder from West Orange, N.J.; Mike Handlin, a defender from Bealeton, Va.; Paulie Calafiore, a back/midfielder from Howell, N.J.; Ben Gery, a forward from South Dennis, N.J.; Andrew Kontra, a forward from Lancaster, Pa.; Justin Smith, a goalkeeper from North Brunswick, N.J.; and Chipungu, a forward from Randallstown, Md.
"We are delighted with our recruiting class; it's one of the best we have had in years," Reasso said. "We had needs to fill after graduating some outstanding seniors, especially in the back and in the midfield. We are very pleased with the way we were able to answer our needs by adding some excellent players in those positions."
Chipungu was a three-year varsity starter at Mount St. Joseph's High School. He is a two-time First Team All-Maryland selection and played club soccer with the four-time State Cup champion MSC Dragons. In addition, Chipungu is a member of the varsity lacrosse team at Mount St. Joseph's.
"Stafford is a gifted attacking player who can go by players and get goals," said Reasso. "He will be an outstanding addition to our team."
The 2006 Scarlet Knights, after starting the season with a 1-5 mark, ended the year with a nine-game unbeaten streak to finish at 10-6-3. Rutgers placed second in the Red Division of the BIG EAST and advanced to both the BIG EAST and NCAA tournaments. The NCAA Tournament bid was Reasso's 13th in his 26 years as head coach of the program.