New Jersey soccer notebook: Week 10

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BOYS SOCCER NOTEBOOK

OLD TAPPAN MAKES BOYS SOCCER HISTORY

The mission was not an easy one. Old Tappan, which had never won a county championship in the school’s history, had to not only defeat tradition-laden Ramapo, but a team that entered the final with a sparkling 18-0 record.

With the game tied 2-2, Ryan Walsh punched home a header with around three minutes to play to shock the Raiders, and give Old Tappan a hard-earned spot in the school history books. Goalie Frank Favata notched seven saves for the winners.

John O’Reilly and T yler Walsh delivered key goals for Old Tappan, which improved to 14-4-1.

But a few days later, Ramapo would make the most of their chance at revenge, knocking out Old Tappan from the state tournament with a convincing 4-1 victory.

The Raiders were lead by Mike Taranto, Sean Etheridge, James Ortiz and Brandon Alvarado who each had goals in the victory as Ramapo improved to 19-1 in its quest for a state sectional crown.

20 STRAIGHT FOR CBA

It takes plenty of talent and a little bit of luck to run off 20 straight wins, and Christian Brothers Academy has them both.

Zach Hicks and Michael Ramano had a pair of goals, while Dan Pizzimenti added another to lead CBA to a convincing 5-0 victory over St. Joseph’s of Metuchen to capture the South Jersey, Non-Public A championship.

In one other game, Gill St. Bernard's defeated Trenton Catholic, 3-2 in overtime.

Goalie Steve Donato had six saves in the win.

ROMANO LEADS ST. PETER’S PREP TO COUNTY GLORY

With a goal and an assist, Andrew Romano continued to do what he’s been doing all season – propelling his team to victory, with the eventual game-winner coming just two minutes into the game.

This time, it was on the biggest stage, as St. Peter’s Prep shut down a dangerous Union City squad to capture the Hudson County tournament championship in Harrison.

St. Peter’s Prep, now 21-2 on the campaign, received an insurance goal from Ajani Phillips in the second stanza and the defense did the rest. Rory Duffy and Romero earned the assists.

WILL THEY FINALLY PLAY THIS GAME?

We’ve been waiting a few weeks for this one – but soccer fans will finally get to see Delbarton and Chatham play for the Morris County championship on Sunday, November 13 at noon at Roxbury High School.

Between the recent storm and the state tournament games, the match had to be delayed, but it should be well worth the wait.

GIRLS SOCCER NOTEBOOK

TWO TITLES COME DOWN TO PENALTY KICKS

The winners were crowned in the North Jersey, Section 2 state tournament with two games coming down to penalty kicks.

West Morris defeated Scotch Plains 7-6 in penalty kicks after fighting to a 2-2 tie. Elsewhere, Ridge edged Bridgewater-Raritan in a penalty kick shootout after a 0-0 tie in regulation and overtime.

In Group 2, Parsippany fell to Madison 1-0 while New Providence held the trophy in Group 1 after its 2-0 triumph over Glen Ridge.

In North Jersey Section 1, Verona’s incredible ride continues with a 1-nil win over Midland Park, while Ramsey edged Glen Rock 3-2 in Group 2 play.

In the highest-scoring affair of the week, Northern Highlands defeated Ramapo 5-4 for the Group 3 crown, with Montclair surprised Livingston by a count of 4-1 in Group 4.

THE TIDE HAS FINALLY TURNED FOR PINGRY

Not since 2006 had Pingry’s girls’ team captured the state title. In between, Immaculate Heart won the last four crowns. But this year, the tide has turned back in favor of Pingry, which downed talented Immaculate Heart 3-0 to win the North Jersey, Non-Public A title.

Corey Delaney had a pair of goals for Pingry, while Alexis Chang and Shayna Blackwood each added a goal for the winners, who picked up assists from Emily Damstrom and Maggie Moras.

VERONA’S MAGICAL SOCCER RIDE CONTINUES

With the North Jersey, Section 1 crown on the line, Colleen Farrell had just one thing on her mind in the second half – to find the back of the net.

And Farrell delivered, scoring the only goal of the contest off an assist from Jill Sprong to propel Verona to a thrilling 1-0 win over Midland Park, giving Verona their first-ever state sectional title.

Allison Sprong was stellar in goal with seven saves, helping her team to its 14th win of the season.

Along the way, Verona upended top-seeded Pompton Lakes, making the improbable run to the top even sweeter.

Mike Curci covers boys and girls soccer for MSG Varsity.

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