Glen Ridge 9 West Essex 8

The Ridgers created numerous turnovers Friday afternoon and the final one proved to be the biggest as it directly led to a thrilling ending.

Tied 8-8 inside the final 30 seconds of regulation, the Glen Ridge (1-1) defense extinguished a possession, immediately went on the attack and raced the field before Christopher Smith buried the game-winning goal with just nine seconds left on the clock. That shot secured a division win over West Essex (1-2) while giving the Ridgers a massive early season lift.

Smith, JP LaBadia, Brad Foster and Jimmy Benson each scored goals to power the Glen Ridge offense. Michael Corbo and Tyler Gann both buried two goals while Anthony Drago had a goal and an assist for West Essex in the loss. Drago, a five-star ranked junior committed to Duke, had a spectacular goal to tie the game up at 8-8 late in the third quarter.

JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from Watsessing Park in Bloomfield:

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Glen Ridge is brought to you by Clara Maass Medical Center.

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Westfield is brought to you by Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.