Athletic Honors & Career Stats (Bonus Video)

Look throughout his college career, Jata has managed to rack up several awards and accolades. To give you a better understanding of his progression from one year to the next, I broke down his college stats and various achievements from each season. With the honors listed below, it is clear that Jata is continuing to grow as a player. The only thing left to ask now is; how much potential does this kid really have?

Amazing header from the 2007 A-Sun Tournament



Jata has proven to his opponents that he is capable of scoring at will, but he has also shown the ability to create opportunities as well. If Jata continues to wreak havoc on opposing teams, he will be a great addition to any MLS team in need of an attack. With 12 game-winning goals in just three seasons at Campbell, it is obvious that Jata is comfortable with the ball at his feet when it matters most. He screams confidence, but his humility is stronger, giving thanks to the Lord, not only before and after the game, but during the game as well.

College Stats - GP (74) Goals (32) Assists (18) Points (84)

Freshman - 4 goals, 3 assists (led team in points)
Sophomore - 7 goals, 7 assists (led team in points)
Junior - 9 goals, 4 assists (led team in points)
Senior - 12 goals, 4assists (led team in points)

• 12 Game-Winning Goals (T-2nd All-Time in A-Sun)
• 71 points in 57 games @ Campbell (15th All-Time)
• Campbell has a 20-1-1 record when Jata scores

2008
NCCSIA All-State Team
NSCAA All-South First Team
NSCAA All-American Second Team
Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year
Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Player of the Year
Atlantic Sun Conference First Team
Atlantic Sun Conference All-Tournament Team
2-Time Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week
College Soccer News National Team of the Week - 11/2/08
15th in the nation in GPG (.71) - 1st in Atlantic Sun
19th in the nation in PPG (1.65) - 1st in Atlantic Sun
7 Game-Winning Goals (Tied A-Sun Single Season Record)
Game-Winning Goal vs. #7 UNC
Led team in total points (Campbell)
2007
NCCSIA All-State Team
NSCAA All-South Second Team
Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Player of the Year
Atlantic Sun Conference First Team
Atlantic Sun Conference All-Tournament Team
Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic Team
2-Time Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week
College Soccer News National Team of the Week - 11/4/07
Game-Winning Goal vs. UNC @ Chapel Hill
Led team in total points (Campbell)
2006
NCCSIA All-State Team
NSCAA All-South Second Team
Atlantic Sun Conference First Team
Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week - 9/25/06
College Soccer News National Team of the Week - 8/27/06
Led team in total points (Campbell)
2005
College Soccer News Top 100 Freshman
Led team in total points (Furman)

More Good News for Jata!!

Just days after the 2009 Addidas MLS Combine list came out, the NSCAA announced their yearly awards. First, the All-Region Teams were announced, and after making second team All-South the past two years, Jata stepped it up a notch. He was one of four midfielders named to the first team this year, a team that was dominated by Wake Forest. Campbell's Senior defender Stephen Oyuga also made first team along with Jata. (All-South team listed below)

It wouldn't be much longer until Jata was struck with more good news. Today the All-American Teams were announced, and once again Jata was recognized. After netting 7 game-winners and finishing the season with 12 goals and 4 assists, Jata's performance was good enough to earn him a spot on this years NSCAA All-American Second Team. In the last 31 years, only five other Campbell players have been named to an All-American team.

All-South First Team
K - Jimmy Maurer Sophomore South Carolina, Lawrenceville, Ga.
D - Darrius Barnes Senior Duke, Raleigh, NC
D - Ike Opara Sophomore Wake Forest, Durham, NC
D - Stephen Oyuga Senior Campbell, Nairobi, Kenya
M - Corben Bone Sophomore Wake Forest, Dallas, Texas
M - Michael Callahan Senior North Carolina, Cary, NC
M - Sam Cronin Senior Wake Forest, Winston-Salem, NC
M - Richard Jata Senior Campbell, Port Richey, FL
F - Cody Arnoux Junior Wake Forest, Wilmington, NC
F - Michael Grella Senior Duke, Glen Cove, NY
F - Marcus Tracy Senior Wake Forest, Newtown, Conn

All-American First Team
K - Jovan Bubonja Junior Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, Ill.
D - Calum Angus Senior Saint Louis, Portsmouth, England
D - Matthew Besler Senior Notre Dame, Overland Park, Kan.
D - Omar Gonzalez Junior Maryland, Dallas, Texas
D - Tennant McVea Junior Loyola (Md.), Belfast, Northern Ireland
M - Corben Bone Sophomore Wake Forest, Dallas, Texas
M - Sam Cronin Senior Wake Forest, Winston-Salem, NC
M - Andrei Gotsmanov Senior Creighton, Omaha, Neb.
M - Baggio Husidic Junior Illinois-Chicago, Libertyville, Ill.
F - Andre Akpan Junior Harvard, Grand Prairie, Texas
F - Mike Grella Senior Duke, Glen Cove, NY
F - Marcus Tracy Senior Wake Forest, Newtown, Conn.
F - Steve Zakuani Sophomore Akron, London, England

All-American Second Team
K - Milos Kocic Junior Loyola (Md.), Leskovac, Serbia
D - Joel Gustafsson Junior St. John's, Queens, NY
D - Ike Opara Sophomore Wake Forest, Durham, NC
D - Chris Schuler Junior Creighton, Omaha, Neb.
M - Alejandro Bedoya Senior Boston College, Weston, FL
M - Michael Callahan Senior North Carolina, Cary, NC
M - Richard Jata Senior Campbell, Port Richey, FL
M - J.T. Noone Junior Temple, Harrisburg, Pa.
F - Quincy Amarikwa Senior Cal-Davis, Bakersfield, Calif.
F - Doug DeMartin Senior Michigan State, Mason, Mich.
F - Mike Fucito Senior Harvard, Westford, Mass.
F - Daniel Revivo Senior Winthrop, Richmond Hill, Ontario
F - Chris Salvaggione Senior Charlotte, Monument, CO

Jata Invited to the 2009 MLS Combine

Well, it's official. Today Richard Jata was listed as one of the 65 Seniors invited to attend the 2009 Addidas MLS Combine. The event will take place at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL from Jan. 9th - Jan. 13th. The players will be divided into 4 teams and compete against one another on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. Monday will be an off day for the players to rest. The games will take place at Lockhart Stadium and the players and coaching staff will be staying at either the Sheraton Yankee Clipper Hotel or the Harbor Beach Mariott.

Here is a list of the 65 players invited to attend the 2009 MLS Combine along with their school and position:

Goal Keepers (7)
Defenders (20)
Midfielders (24)
Forwards (14)

Boston College - Chris Brown - GK
Boston College - Paul Gerstenberger - D
Brown University - Rhett Bernstein - D
Campbell University - Richard Jata - M (Game-winner vs. UNC)
Coastal Carolina University - Kyle Russell - D
College of Charleston - Wes Knight - D
Creighton University - Andrei Gotsmanov - M
Creighton University - Seth Sinovic - D
Dartmouth University - Sean Milligan - GK
Duke University - Darrius Barnes - D
Duke University - Mike Grella - F
Duke University - Pav Castaneda - M
Florida International University - Juan Guerra - M
Furman University - Patrick Murray - M
George Mason University - Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe - F
Harvard University - Michael Fucito - F/M
Indiana University - Brad Ring - M
James Madison University - Nick Zimmerman - M
Liberty University - Josh Boateng - M
Loyola College - Milos Kocic - GK
Loyola University - Keum Sung Kim - M
Michigan State University - Doug DeMartin - F
Michigan State University - David Hertel - D
Old Dominion University - Trevor Banks - D
Providence College - Ryan Maduro - M
Quinnipiac University - Graciano Brito - M/F
Saint Louis University - Calum Angus - D
Saint Louis University - Brandon Barklage - F
Saint Louis University - Kyle Patterson - M
Santa Clara University - Babajide Ogunbiyi - D
Southern Methodist University - Jeffrey Harwell - M
Southern Methodist University - Ryan Mirsky - D
St. John’s University - Neal Kitson - GK
University of Akron - Evan Bush - GK
University of Albany - Steward Ceus - GK
University of California - Davis - Quincy Amarikwa - F
University of California - Davis - Dylan Curtis - M/F
University of California – Santa Barbara - Nick Perera - F
University of California – Santa Barbara - Chris Pontius - F
University of Connecticut - Oscar Castillo - D
University of Connecticut - Akeem Priestley - M
University of Evansville - Alec Dufty - GK
University of Louisville - Aaron Clapham - M
University of Maryland - AJ Delagarza - D
University of Maryland - Graham Zusi - M
University of Norte Dame - Matt Besler - D
University of Norte Dame - Jack Traynor - D
University of North Carolina – Charlotte - Chris Salvaggione - F
University of North Carolina – Greensboro - Jokull Elisabetarson - M
University of Pennsylvania - Alex Grendi - M/F
University of Portland - Bryan Irwin - F
University of South Florida - Yohance Marshall - D
University of South Florida - Jordan Seabrook - F
University of Tulsa - Chris Clements - D
University of Virginia - Matt Poole- M
University of Washington - Raphael Cox - M
University of Washington - George John - M
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay - Tosaint Ricketts - F
Wake Forest University - Lyle Adams - D
Wake Forest University - Evan Brown - D
Wake Forest University - Sam Cronin - M
Wake Forest University - Michael Lahoud - M
Wake Forest University - Marcus Tracy - F
Winthrop University - Otto Loewy - D
Winthrop University - Daniel Revivo - F

Addias Generation players will be announced at a later date.

Richard Jata is going PRO

Richard Jata has decided to finish his senior year of school via online classes and devote all of his time towards playing soccer at the professional level. Jata has set a goal to be a first round draft pick in the 2009 MLS Superdraft and he expects nothing less.

Campbell head coach Doug Hess had this to say about Jata. "He is very much a soccer player. In this day and age we look too much for the 'athlete' before the guy that can play. Richard thinks the game. Strong with either foot, excellent sense for the game; can beat you off the dribble, with his movement, on the pass or with a dead ball. I do believe he is that diamond in the rough coaches are looking for."

Friend and former teammates Shea Salinas and Jon Leathers were selected 15th and 25th last year, and Jata, who was recruited to Furman the same year, looks to follow in their footsteps.

I expect Jata to perform well at the combine and impress all of the coaches with his ball skills, shooting, passing and his ability to read the game extremely well at all times. If all goes according to plan, look for Jata to move up the draft board as the Superdraft grows closer. There's no telling how high he could get selected. It really just depends on what team needs a player, who one day, has the ability to play in Europe.

Here is another video that shows the incredible power and accuracy in Jata's shot. Honestly, I don't know any other college soccer player who is capable of hitting a shot like this. Do you?

Unstoppable Free Kick Bent Around the Wall



Check out the link below to see how good Jata is with the ball at his feet.

Richard Jata - Ball Skills

You Want More Goals......You Got It!!!

Today I was able to find some more footage of Richard Jata putting the ball in the back of the net, as usual. The first two clips are from the Atlantic Sun Tournament Semifinal match on Nov. 13th. Campbell dominated the entire game and Jata finished with 2 goals and 1 assist. He was also named Player of the Game. The third clip is a free kick just outside the box vs. Jacksonville.

Even though CU was robbed of an at large bid, Jata is still gaining exposure at the professional level. MLS teams are starting to realize the potential this kid has, and at the combine they'll finally get the chance to see him in action face to face. Unlike Wake Forest, Campbell has had very little said about them, even though they have beaten North Carolina the past 3 years in a row. Their games were never televised and therefore, only online viewers with a paid subscription got to see how good Jata really is. Ask anybody who has seen him play in person and I doubt they'll disagree.

Anyways.....you wanted more, so here it is! Enjoy.

Jata Beats Defender And Finishes Far Post



Direct Free Kick 30 Yards Out = Upper 90



Direct Free Kick Just Outside The Box



Much more to come....check back soon!

Jata Prepares for MLS Combine

Richard Jata isn't going to let missing the NCAA College Cup stop him from pursuing his dream. The Sr. Center Midfielder from Port Richey, Florida knows that the next couple months are the most important of his career yet. Jata is dedicated to working out and training hard in preparation for the MLS combine. His mind is set on being a first round draft pick and he truly believes that nothing is going to stand in the way of that.

Jata has one of the best shots I've seen in division 1 college soccer. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself.....

Direct Free Kick Approximately 30 Yards Out



Game-Winning Goal With 11 Minutes Left

Campbell Hoping for a bid to the College Cup after 4-3 loss in Atlantic Sun Final

Campbell(14-6) gives up a goal to Jacksonville in the 89th minute of play ending their 12 game winning streak. The Atlantic Sun Finals hosted the two top seeds in the conference, but this time the underdog prevailed. Campbell came into today's game with an 8-0 record at home and giving up only one goal in its last 7 matches.

Richard Jata earned All Tournament Team honors, but was hoping for more. Jata scored twice on a well placed header and a 35 yard blast to give his team a 3-1 lead at halftime, but JU's constant pressure paid off in the end. Campbell is looking for a bid to the College Cup, but if their season ends here Jata ended it on a fine note, scoring 12 goals and assisting on 4 more to lead the team with 28 points.

Jata's Stock Is On The Rise As Campbell's Winning Streak Continues

Richard Jata scored 2 goals(9,10) and added an assist(4) in Campbell's A-Sun semifinal match vs. Belmont Thursday night. Jata has 10 goals in his last 8 games and leads the team with 24 points. CU really controlled the game, outshooting their opponent 17-7 with a 12-3 advantage in SOG. With this victory Campbell is undefeated in their last 12 games and has secured a spot in the Atlantic Sun Conference Final on Nov. 15 vs. Jacksonville University. Jata recorded his 7th game-winning goal on the year and the 12th of his career. Campbell is now 20-0-1 when Jata scores since he joined the team in 2006.

Campbell(14-5, 10-0 in A-Sun) will face Jacksonville University in the finals of the A-Sun Tournament this Saturday at 3pm in Buies Creek, N.C. Last year the Camels beat JU 5-4 in penalty kicks after ending overtime still tied 1-1. This year Campbell will look to cap off their season by winning their second straight Atlantic Sun Conference Championship and an automatic bid into the NCAA College Cup.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Atlantic Sun Conference

Richard Jata was named Player Of The Year by the Atlantic Sun Conference today after ending the season 2nd in goals (8) and 4th in points (19). 6 of his 8 goals this year were game-winners, including one in an upset win over North Carolina. He missed the first few games due to an injury, but really turned it on late in the season, scoring 8 goals in his last 7 matches to lead the team. Jata was also named to the 2008 All A-Sun Conference 1st Team for the 3rd year in a row. He has accumulated 62 points in just 55 games since joining the team in 2006 and his 11 game-winning goals rank him 3rd all-time in the Atlantic Sun. CU has won their last 11 games after starting 2-5 and went undefeated (9-0) in conference play. Jata has led Campbell to a #22 National ranking in this weeks socceramerica.com poll and a #3 ranking in the South Region (NSCAA), right behind North Carolina, a team that they have beaten the last 3 years in a row.

Aaron Johnson received Defensive Player Of The Year honors and Doug Hess was named Coach Of The Year for the 2nd time in his career.

Campbell will play the winner of Stetson vs. Belmont at home this Thursday in the semifinals of the A-Sun tournament.

Richard Jata - Player Bio

This Senior Center Midfielder from Campbell University is not getting the recognition he should be. Jata was heavily recruited by Furman University where he led the team in total points as a Freshman. Jon Leathers and Shea Salinas were both on that team and last year they were selected in the early rounds of the MLS superdraft. After his freshman year he left Furman, Wake Forest was interested, but at the time they could only offer him a half ride. Campbell, on the other hand, offered Jata a full ride and he hasn't looked back since.

Let me go back a few years now to high school. Jata attended IMG Academy as a sophomore where he played under Coach Tom Durkin and was the youngest player ever to play for the IMG PDL team at age 16. Mike Parkhurst, Heath Pierce and Marco Valez were also on that team as well. He scored 35 goals and totaled 19 assists in two years at IMG. Jata trained with the U.S. U17 National Team under Coach John Hackworth and played club soccer for Peter Mannino with the Clearwater Chargers, earning MVP honors at the 2001 Coca-Cola Clearwater Classic. He was a member of the Florida State and Region III ODP teams and captained Florida's ODP team in 2002-03. As a senior in high school, Jata led his squad to a 17-3-4 record and a #5 ranking in Florida. He earned All-State honors and was named 2003-04 Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year while accumulating 33 goals and 17 assists (83 points). Jata was also named the Tampa Tribune Pasco County Player Of The Year and earned All-Conference recognition. He was named Ridgewood's Outstanding Male Athlete and was selected to the Florida Coaches Senior All-State and All-Star teams. Jata also lettered in football at Ridgewood and earned Tampa Tribue First-Team All Conference recognition as a punter.

For the last 3 seasons he has contributed largely to the success of CU. Last year Campbell won the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament and earned its 1st ever bid to the NCAA College Cup. This year they went 9-0 in conference play to secure the conference title and the #1 seed in the A-Sun tournament.

Jata was named Preseason Player of the Year two years in a row by the coaches of the Atlantic Sun Conference and has rapped up several other awards including multiple College Soccer News National Team of the Week and Topdrawer.com Player of the Week ending Nov. 2nd 2008.

This year Campbell started out the season 2-5, but finished off the season with 11 straight victories. Jata missed the first few games this season due to an injury, but has really turned it up when they needed it the most. All 5 of their loses have come on the road and by 1 goal margins. Currently they have 9 shutouts and haven't been scored on in over 570 minutes. CU ended the season with a 13-5 record, including an upset win over, then ranked #7 North Carolina. Richard has scored the game-winning goal the last 2 years in a row against North Carolina and this year he had 6 consecutive game-winning goals bringing his career total to 11. That ties him for 3rd all-time in the A-Sun Conference and he has only played there for 3 seasons.

Campbell is an astonishing 19-0-1 when Jata scores since he joined the team in 2006. A majority of his goals have come from his direct free kicks, which should give Jata a clear edge over the other midfielders you will see at the MLS Combine. He is a true Center Mid with great defensive skills as well. His ball control and ball skill is far superior to any other player in the A-Sun Conference and right now I would seriously consider him a 1st or 2nd round selection in the upcoming MLS Superdraft.

Jata has started for the Carolina Dynamo PDL the last two seasons, a team which included Marcus Tracy, Sam Cronin, Shea Salinas and many more.

Check out gocamels.com and atlanticsun.org for more info