Men's Soccer: No. 1 Knights Gear up For 10th Straight Region Title Run
By Thad Pedzich
Rosedale, Md. -- The Knights finished up the regular season with a 14-1 record and undefeated in Maryland Juco Conference and Region 20 play.
Heading into tomorrow's Region 20 Division II Men's Soccer Tournament semifinal match against Potomac State at Howard Community College, the Knights have outscored opponents 86-10.
They have allowed just one goal to region opponents and are currently the No. 1 ranked NJCAA Division II men's soccer program as of Monday's weekly poll.
The Knights dominated the Catamounts 7-0 on August 26 in the season opener, which included a two-goal day for Andy Portillo (Laurel, Md.).
Since then, the Catamounts have gained some momentum, winning four of their last five games, including three shutouts.
A large part of the Knights 2021 fall success is a product of spring.
Essex welcomed back 14 returners to the field this year that were a part of the team this past spring that went 11-2 and finished as NJCAA Division II national runner-up.
Returners Toga Katsuma (Ohmi, Japan), Portillo, and Brenden LeMaster (Bowie, Md.) have contributed to the Knights aggressive, technically sound attack.
Katsuma so far has eight goals and leads the team with eight assists.
Portillo - who recently earned Region 20 Division II Men's Soccer September Player of the Month honors - has created opportunities for the Knights all season, using the open field leading to quick transitions. He also has seven goals and leads the team in total shots (50).
LeMaster has totaled 34 saves in 13 starts, averaging just 0.82 goals allowed per game and has a .733 save percentage.
Additions to the team this year include freshman Michael Adekanmbi (Bowie, Md.), who leads the team in goals (10), despite coming off the bench most of the season.
Midfielder Kazuma Ishizuka (Toin Gakuen, Japan) was another quality addition who has contributed eight goals and five assists.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Knights have 10 shutouts thus far on the season.
Kota Tsuchisawa has been a huge reason for the success of the Knights backs.
"Kota is a calming influence on our defense," said head coach Joe Fiedler. "He positions himself very well and aligns our defense."
In addition to stellar defensive play, Tsuchisawa has added five goals and an assist.
Another factor in the back is returning back Ethan Stweart (Fairfax, Va.). He has started in all 15 games and has two assists.
The Knights begin their quest for a 10th straight Region 20 title tomorrow at Howard. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.