On Saturday night at Mercer County Community College, the Ocean City Nor’easters (0-0-1) kicked off their 25th season against Real Central New Jersey (1-0-1) for the start of the 2022 USL League Two season. The Nor’easter briefly played at Mercer County Community College in 2003.
Nor’easters forward Alessandro Arlotti scored for Ocean City in the 25th minute with a nice kick inside the penalty box past the left arm of Eric Wnorowski, putting them up 1-0. Nor’easters midfielder Nick Pariano assisted Arlotti’s goal.
However, in the 32nd minute, Real Central NJ forward Wesley Leggett tied the game 1-1. He was awarded a penalty shot that Nor’easters goalkeeper Ben Martino blocked, but Leggett rebounded his shot and scored. The game was tied 1-1 at halftime.
After several substitutions, the Nor’easters had the ball for the final ten minutes of the game but were unable to find the net, and both teams played to a draw 1-1.
The Nor’easters had 22 shots, and goalkeeper Ben Martino made five saves. Ocean City remains unbeaten in season openers (4-0-2) and (7-0-1) at MCC Soccer Stadium dating back to 2003.
The next game for the Nor’easters is their home opener next Friday at Carey Stadium against the Philadelphia Lone Star FC at 7 pm on Eleven Sports. Tickets for the game can be purchased on the Ocean City Nor’easters website.
