BCC jells on the road, playing winning soccer BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer Brookdale Community College's men's soccer team has given new meaning to the term "road warriors." With only one of their first eight matches being played in the state of New Jersey, let alone at home, the Blues have earned their road stripes. With a 6-1-1 overall record, the Blues are no worse for wear and tear. Besides picking up wins, the long bus rides and overnights to New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania have brought together a team with many new faces. "That's why I did it," said head coach Michael Costa in explaining the plethora of early road games. Looking to bounce back from a sub-par 6-8 campaign in '06, Costa and the Blues are certainly on the right road, and much of the credit goes to goalie Greg Gantt, a Neptune High School grad. "Greg Gantt has been the big difference," said Costa. "Last year we didn't have anyone who had played goalie. He has six shutouts in eight games." Gantt's goals-against average is 0.50 and ranks third in the country. He's stopped 48 of the 52 shots on him. In front of him, the Blues defense has been flawless, led by Vic Masino (Howell). When Brookdale won the Finger Lakes Tournament in New York earlier this month, the sophomore was named the Most Outstanding Defender. He is not only the key to the defensive effort but the link to the team's offense, with his four assists. Up front, the Brookdale offense has been sparked by Joe Shan (Central Regional) and Diego Huerta (Ocean Township), both of whom are ranked nationally in scoring. Shan, a sophomore, has eight goals and an assist and is ranked No. 9. Of his eight goals, three have been game-winners. Brian Fernandes (Holmdel) has been the team's top playmaker with five assists, one more than Masino. He also has one goal. Jimmy Pineda (Keyport) is second in goal scoring with three. Brookdale begins its only home stand of the season on Tuesday when Middlesex makes a call for a 3:30 p.m. start. Del Tech Stanton (Del.) will be in Lincroft on Oct. 4 (3:30 p.m.) and Ocean makes a stop on Oct. 6 (noon). Two of the top-10 ranked teams reside in the Garden State Athletic Conference, reason enough for Costa to call the GSAC the best in the country. Yesterday, Brookdale visited No. 10-ranked Burlington. On Oct. 13, Union, ranked No. 2, is in Lincroft (noon). The Region XIX Tournament begins Oct. 19.