The second winter tryout session for the Ocean City Nor'easters took place at Rutgers-Camden University on Saturday, Jan. 2 as the club continues to look for new talent for the upcoming 2016 season. Players competed at Rutgers Community Field with the eyes of the Nor'easters coaching staff, as well as some special guests, looking on to identify players to join the club's roster. Ocean City is not only looking to add to the Premier Development League (PDL) roster, but also the Under-23 and Under-20 teams.

It was surprisingly warm in Camden that Saturday, which was strange considering the calendar had just switched to January less than 18 hours prior to the tryout. More than 30 players from all over the region took part in a possession game, a small-sided game and a big picture scrimmage.

Nor'easters head coach Tim Oswald, who also runs the men's soccer program at Rutgers-Camden, was thrilled with the event.

"Our second open tryout was exellent and truly a great day for our organization," said Oswald, who became the Nor'easters' all-time PDL wins leader last season. "The level of talent was very balanced and of high quality. The number of players was perfect for players to showcase themselves."

Oswald and assistant coach Skip Roderick are expecting to see more of these players at the Beach House when the season kicks off in May.

"I believe there were several players that instantly put themselves on our PDL radar for this summer and the event also helped us build a larger foundation for our Under-20 and Under-23 team as well," said Oswald. "I expect to see many of these players back this summer performing on the pitch for our club and we are excited for that new journey and challenge."

Joining the tryout for this session was Philadelphia Union assistant coach BJ Callaghan. One of his players with the Union is former Ocean City goalkeeper John McCarthy who he works very closely with. Callaghan brought his goalkeeping expertise, along with his experience as a Major League Soccer coach to the event and was impressed with what he saw.

"Over the past couple of years, I have closely followed the rise of the Ocean City Nor'easters," said Callaghan. "The professional environment created by Tim (Oswald) and (general manager) Kevin (Nuss) make it a great venue to evaluate players and it comes as no surprise that players are moving on to successful professional careers. Today's open tryouts was just another example of a well-organized environment where aspiring professional players get to compete. I fully expect to see some of these players wearing the Ocean City jersey at Carey Stadium this summer."

Former Nor'easters goalkeeper Keasel Broome, who spent last season with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL), spent his time at the tryout working with the aspiring netminders.

"It was great to work with all the goalkeepers who came out on Saturday," said Broome, who played for Ocean City during the 2013 season. "Their skill level, hard work and character showed through the entire day. I look forward to following their progress."

Team president John Granese was pleased with the talent that the tryout brought to Rutgers-Camden as he contines to strive for the club's first championship in 2016. 

"I want to thank all of the participants who came out to our tryout this weekend," said Ocean City Nor'easters team president John Granese. "General manager Kevin Nuss and assistant GM Giancarlo Granese Jr. did a great job of organizing the event. I'm proud of our coaching staff, with Tim (Oswald) and (assistant coach) Skip (Roderick) really brought a high level of coaching to these hopeful players. And a special thanks to Keasel Broome and BJ Callaghan for being a part of it too."