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The Stockton men's soccer team captured the college's first national championship in any sport with a 3-2 victory over Redlands (CA) in the NCAA title game on a rainy November 24 evening. Stockton also became the first NCAA men's soccer team in Divisions I, II or III to win 25 games in a season as it finished with a 25-1-1 record. The Ospreys took a one-goal lead on three occasions and were able to sustain the advantage for the final 31:12 of the second half to earn the championship.

John Epley (Franklinville/Delsea) opened the scoring at 3:41 with a shot from eight yards out after a feed by Greg Ruttler (Atco/Edgewood). Less than eight minutes later, Redlands tied the score by converting a loose ball that goalkeeper Brett Steinberg (Hohokus/Northern Highlands) was unable to corral in the rainy conditions. Ruttler then gave Stockton a 2-1 lead by chasing down a long chip by Rashid Hawkins (Cherry Hill/CH East) and scoring from a sharp angle to the left of the net. After three goals in a span of less than 16 minutes, the game settled down and the Ospreys held a 2-1 advantage at the half.

Just 4:56 into the second half, Redlands knotted the score at 2-2 with a goal on a header off a restart. The Ospreys again regained the lead at 58:48 on a goal by NJAC Defensive Player of the Year Mike McAlarnen (Upper Twp./Ocean City). Jeff Moore (Gloucester Twp./Triton) lofted a corner kick into the penalty area where McAlarnen headed the ball into the goal for the eventual game-winner. The Ospreys were on the defensive during the latter stages of the second half, especially the final 10 minutes as Redlands pressed for the tying goal. Brett Steinberg finished with six saves as Stockton was able to hold off the Bulldogs to win the NCAA championship 3-2.

The NCAA crown capped a remarkable season for head coach Jeff Haines and the Ospreys. Stockton established new school records for wins (25), consecutive wins (20), least losses (1), best record (25-1-1), shutouts (16) and goals scored (88). In addition, the team played the nation's toughest schedule and defeated opponents from nine different states. The Ospreys also won their third NJAC championship (1996, '99, 2001) and gave Richard Stockton College its first NCAA title in any sport.