Johnny Troiano capping historic Profs career with deep tourney run

Johnny Troiano came to Glassboro with feeling like he had something to prove and as his college career enters its final lap with the Profs into the Sweet 16 of the Division III men’s soccer tournament the documented proof of what he’s been able to accomplish would stretch longer than a CVS receipt.

“I came here because (head coach Scott Baker) told me I wouldn’t start,” Troiano said earlier this month after the Profs won the NJAC title for the third time in his four seasons. “I wanted to prove him wrong.”

He’s done far more than prove he could start as a freshman. The NJAC Offensive Player of the Year is third all-time in program history in goals scored with 55 and could move into a tie for second with Pat LaCroix with a pair of goals this weekend. His 19 goals on the season have him in the top 5 in the nation.

While the goals have helped his name become synonymous with not only Rowan soccer but college soccer in the region over the past four seasons, the Hazlet, N.J. native’s work rate and dedication to his craft will be his legacy for years to come.

When he was recruited to come to Glassboro he wasn’t a shoe-in for any of the accolades he’s earned over the years but by the time conference season rolled around in 2022 he was an everyday starter. He went on to finish second on the team in goals and assists in 2022 and has increased his production ever since.

“He’s one of the all time leading scorers in a program that has over 70 years of tremendous success and such talented players,” Scott Baker said. “To be one of those top guys is just absolutely incredible. It’s hard to put into words, but his successes come from his hard work. When no one’s watching, he’s training and working and shooting. He created it, he created himself into an absolute stud.”

Rowan soccer hadn’t won an NJAC title in 20 years when Troiano arrived along with talented classmates Davide Caputo and outside back Aiden McCuigan and they’ve won three conference titles in that span, most recently with a 1-0 win over TCNJ at home. They’ve added other experienced players along the way to solidify the squad and playing one of the toughest schedules in Division III has battle tested them.

Shutout out wins over Bridgewater State and Wesleyan put the Profs through the first weekend of the tournament since 2019. As much as Troiano gets attention for goals, the defense has been the story of Rowan’s run.

“I trust our back line like no other,” Troiano said.

Sunday’s 2-0 win over Wesleyan was the Profs’ fifth straight shutout in postseason dating back to their 1-0 win over William Patterson in the NJAC quarterfinal. Since their 4-3 loss to Rutgers-Camden in early September, the Profs’ defense has conceded just six goals in 18 games. Experienced defenders Ryan Cleary, McGuigan, Greg Ferreira and Evan Schlotterback in front of goalkeeper Travis Holiday have helped to lead the team into a showdown with No. 6-ranked Emory on Saturday afternoon.

Emory has outscored opponents 6-1 in their first two tournament matches. A win would extend Troiano’s career another day and set up a regional final with the winner of Dickinson and Lynchburg.

“I don’t want my season to end,” Troiano said. “I have so much belief in this group that we can go far.”

Saturday’s game will be streamed live at 3:30 p.m.