The 2022 season added another chapter to the history of Rosemont College Men’s Soccer, as the Ravens captured the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the second straight year. The team went 10-3-5 overall, while going undefeated in conference, posting a 5-0-2 conference record. Rosemont established itself as a disciplined squad, building its success on a defensive foundation that proved unmatched within the conference. The Ravens were led by Coach John Loiodice, as well as assistants Nick Hanuskin, Anthony Tarsatana, Ryan Dudek, and Zach Peterson. The Ravens allowed just 12 goals in CSAC play and recorded seven shutouts over the course of the season, showing both a strong defense and stellar goalkeeping. With their balance of defensive structure and timely attacking, they propelled themselves to the top seed entering the conference tournament, and positioned themselves as the team to beat.
While Rosemont was certainly a well-rounded team, they also were led by a few superstars. Freshman midfielder Malher Santiago-Possu emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the conference, leading the team with 10 goals and 10 assists for a total of 30 points. His ability to dictate the tempo of matches, create chances for teammates, and finish scoring opportunities made him the focal point of the Ravens’ attack. Possu’s remarkable debut season earned him CSAC Rookie of the Year honors, and his impact would become even more pronounced in the postseason, where he was named the CSAC Championship MVP. On the defensive side, Sean Rodriguez anchored a back line that became the backbone of the team’s identity. As CSAC Defensive Player of the Year, Rodriguez organized a unit that consistently limited attacks, shut down opposing gameplans, and delivered in crucial moments, particularly during the playoffs.
Rosemont carried its regular-season momentum into the CSAC Tournament, beginning with a semifinal matchup against fourth-seeded Saint Elizabeth. In that contest, the Ravens delivered a composed and professional performance, controlling possession and dictating the pace from the opening whistle. Their defensive unit set the tone early, preventing Saint Elizabeth from establishing any attacking rhythm, while the offense capitalized on key opportunities to secure a 2–0 victory. The shutout win advanced Rosemont to the championship match, where they would have a rematch against conference foe, the Highlanders of Cairn University.
The CSAC Championship game against second-seeded Cairn proved to be a far more tightly contested affair, with both teams demonstrating why they had risen to the top of the conference. Rosemont struck early to seize momentum, but Cairn responded with an equalizer, setting up a tense and tactical battle. In the second half, the Ravens regained control through strong midfield play, with Possu playing a central role in orchestrating the attack. A decisive goal gave Rosemont a 2–1 advantage, but in the final minutes, Cairn pressed for another equalizer. Rodriguez and the defensive unit rose to the occasion, making crucial plays under pressure to preserve the lead. When the final whistle sounded, Rosemont emerged with a 2–1 victory, clinching the CSAC Championship and securing their place in the NCAA Tournament.
Although the Ravens’ postseason run concluded with a narrow 1–0 loss to Christopher Newport in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the season’s accomplishments remained significant.
Be sure to check out Graduate Assistant Alona Stanley’s Article (link here), where she covers her interview with Coach John Loiodice.
Written By: Tyler Scarpulla, Athletic Department Intern, Men’s Basketball Team
