Soccer
NJSIAA Lays Out Plan For When HS Sports in NJ Can Return
It’s been nearly three weeks since officials closed New Jersey schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 year to curb the spread of COVID-19. That effectively put an end to the spring sports season in 2020. Now the conversation turns to when high school sports in the Garden State can actually resume. New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) executive committee president Mary Liv Ivans penned a letter Friday laying out that plan in detail. It’s all centered around having a fall sports season this year. Ivans will chair the newly-formed NJSIAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Task Force, a collaboration of professionals tasked with the goal of making sports safe for New Jersey high school athletes this fall. “The goal of the task force is to identify and implement both general and sports-specific modifications that will be required by NJSIAA member schools,” Ivans wrote. “In the short-term, our efforts will be focused on returning the fall athletes to their sports for the 2020 season.” The formation of this new group comes only days after the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) released a 16-page guideline depicting how high school athletes can be kept safe when a return to sports is made. The NJSIAA’s new task force will look to “identify and implement both general and sports-specific modifications that will be required by NJSIAA member schools,” wrote Ivans. “The fewer cases there are today, the greater the likelihood we will play in the fall. And as we navigate the next few months, it is important that we prepare to be flexible with a new normal. Of course, the timing of our return to school will ultimately be determined by the State of New Jersey. And, it’s important to keep in mind that going back to our school buildings won’t necessarily guarantee an immediate return of athletics. It’s possible that some sports will follow different schedules than others,” she continued. The state athletic association announced members signed onto the task force. They are Kathy Whalen, NJ Department of Education; Dr. Lakota Kruse, medical director, NJ Department of Health, Division of Family Health Services; Dr. Jack Kripsak, chair of the NJSIAA Medical Advisory Committee; Dr. Damion Martins, team physician and director of Internal Medicine to the New York Jets and a member of the NFL COVID Taskforce; and Dr. Rob Franks, a team physician for USA wrestling and team consultant to the Philadelphia Phillies. NJSIAA assistant director Tony Maselli will serve as the NJSIAA liaison. “Many obstacles remain,” Ivans concluded. “Hard work, patience and flexibility will be required, and at times some may feel deflated. But I’m confident that together, we will help get our kids safely back in the game.” For the latest on how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact high school sports in New Jersey, continue to follow along with us here at JerseySportsZone.com.
How North Jersey Athletes Are Giving Back During COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has hit the United States hard and New Jersey is the second-most impacted state in the country. As the end of April nears, the Garden State has 116,264 positive cases and 6,770 deaths. High school sports in New Jersey have been shut down for over a month but that doesn’t mean student-athletes have stopped working to support their communities. Indian Hills senior Vicki Enright and Don Bosco Prep senior Christian Schmidhauser are just two of the hundreds of high school athletes going the extra mile to help aide frontline healthcare workers during this trying time all across the state. JSZ North Jersey MMJ Jay Cook highlighted the pair as their initiatives have helped supports nurses and doctors across North Jersey: Other North Jersey Teams and Athletes Giving Back Great job @CPHS__Soccer Staff!#NJThanksYou #RedRaiders #BL16 https://t.co/usAc2Vk9Tt pic.twitter.com/Lq9pIcYtpu— CPHS Athletics (@CPHS_Athletics) April 29, 2020 The softball team will be conducting a fundraiser to support The Valley Hospital Foundation 💜 if interested in purchasing a shirt or mask please follow the link below!https://t.co/tBPD1brdeJ pic.twitter.com/uuknoSUife— NorthernHighlandsSoftball (@NorthernHighla1) April 29, 2020 Excited, Proud, and Fortunate to be a part of helping the community that ALWAYS helps us…Ramsey Softball donates 1K to Ramsey Strong. Here’s to helping the local restaurants and first responders who are making a difference 🙏💙🥎💛🐏🙏 #RamseyStrong #RamseyPride pic.twitter.com/GWmRtssdfg— Ramsey Softball (@RamseySoftball) April 29, 2020 SW#5 with another big thanks to first responders and healthcare workers for their UNMATCHED dedication and sacrifice #team #together #FirstResponders #HealthcareHeroes pic.twitter.com/QQTGV6huzr— Westwood Card Hoops (@wwrsdboyshoops) April 29, 2020 We are partnering with ‘Feed it Forward.’ This group seeks out people who are unable to access meals in our and nearby communities. We will buy food locally to support our restaurants. If you would like to make a donation, pm us. Thank you and stay safe:) @whillsathletics pic.twitter.com/YhluE36wPq— Wayne Hills Track and Field (@WayneHillsTFXC) April 24, 2020 Our program was able to donate meals to the St. Barnabas ICU today. So happy to help out the brave men and women fighting on the front lines of this pandemic. Thank you to our parents & families for their generous donations and Fresco Market & Catering for providing the food! pic.twitter.com/fE5i7jIEOt— West Essex Boys Lacrosse (@WEBoysLax) April 25, 2020 Sponsor Shoutout! JSZ wants to thank its loyal sponsors for supporting New Jersey high school athletics so we can continue to tell meaningful stories during the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to Rothman Orthopaedics for sponsoring our coverage in North Jersey!
Saint Rose guard commits to Lafayette
Abby Antognoli has been a fixture in the Saint Rose girls basketball machine over the last three years. The point guard has given a verbal commitment to play in the Patriot League. Watch her JSZ highlight reel now! Saint Rose point guard Abby Antognoli has given a verbal commitment to play Division I basketball at Lafayette. Antognoli averaged 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.4 steals a game in her junior season for a Purple Roses team that went 22-8. Abby has been a key contributor for one of New Jersey’s most powerful girls basketball programs over the last three years. She made her commitment official on Saturday via social media: 120% COMMITTED🐆🏀 pic.twitter.com/8LXGyVPrWk— Abby Antognoli (@abby_antognoli) April 11, 2020 Watch Jersey Sports Zone’s highlight reel of the Purple Roses guard:
NJ High School Athlete Speaks Out About Having Coronavirus
Red Bank Regional’s Liva Helt made headlines when the Division I soccer talent played football as a kicker for the Bucs football team last year. Now, the Columbia University commit very well could be the first high school athlete to test positive for the Coronavirus. Jersey Sports Zone talks with Liva about how she’s dealing with being an early example in this worldwide pandemic The Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is now in the thoughts of everyone around the world but that wasn’t the case just a couple of weeks ago. On March 9, 27-year old Little Silver native Emil Helt tested positive for the coronavirus after attending a BioGen Conference in Boston. Shortly after, Emil’s 17-year old sister, Liva, a senior at Red Bank Regional tested positive as well. RBR would shut its doors and shift to virtual learning days before the rest of the state followed suit. Liva is a Division I athlete who is set to play Ivy League soccer at Columbia University and made headlines last year when she was the junior varsity kicker for the Bucs football team. She returned to the soccer pitch for the RBR girls soccer team scoring ten goals and helping the team reach the second round of the state playoffs. Helt took time to talk to Jersey Sports Zone’s Rich Chrampanis updating her condition and delivers a powerful message on how to deal with this worldwide crisis: In case you missed it, JSZ’s Jay Cook profiled Liva’s time as a junior varsity football kicker with the RBR Bucs: A special thanks to Ryser’s Landscape Supply in Little Silver for supporting JSZ’s coverage of Red Bank Regional all year long
Vote Now for the JSZ 2019 Soccer Plays of the Year
The 2019 New Jersey soccer season has come to a close. The JSZ cameras have been able to capture some amazing moments from every part of the state. We have our nominees in five different categories – watch all the incredible goals and saves and cast your vote. We’ll keep the polls open until Tuesday at 2:00 pm. The winners will be presented with plaques from Jersey Sports Zone. Thank you again for the support and kind words from the soccer community throughout the 2019 season! Tuesday UPDATE Thank you to everyone who voted for the JSZ Soccer Plays of the Year. Our polls closed after 2pm due to overwhelming votes. Because of this, we will be awarding two plaques to the Boys Soccer Goal of the Year and Boys Soccer Save of the Year due to the voting being so close. We thank you for taking the time vote and the great passion showed by the New Jersey soccer community! Take Our Poll Take Our Poll Take Our Poll Take Our Poll Take Our Poll
Watch 11.17 Championship Soccer Highlights
It’s the final day of the 2019 high school soccer season in the Garden State and four teams from the public ranks will be crowned as champions at Kean University. Follow along with JSZ throughout the day as we’ll have all the highlights right here! Millburn 0 Wall 0 | Millburn (3-2) in PK’s | Group 3 Final It may have taken over 100 minutes, but the Millburn Millers are one of the happiest teams in New Jersey. Keeper Zach Barr was stellar in goal all afternoon long, snagging nine saves through regulation and overtime and then two more in PK’s to help seal the win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights and interviews: JSZ’s coverage of the state playoffs is made possible by QuickChek! Clifton 0 Hunterdon Central 0 | Clifton (5-4) in PK’s | Group 4 Final Clifton capped off their best season in recent history with a Group 4 State Championship. The Mustangs finish 22-0 thanks to a huge game from goalie Eryk Dymora who not only had nine saves, but scored two penalty kick goals in double overtime. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has all the highlights: JSZ’s coverage of the state playoffs is made possible by QuickChek! Glen Ridge 2 Bound Brook 1 (OT)| Group 1 Final The Ridgers scored on an own goal 2:51 into overtime to win the Group 1 state championship. Trailing 1-0 at the half, Travis Burnett fed Lucas Costa to level the match. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Kean University: Bernards 2 Delran 0| Group 2 Final Sophomore Nico Botti and freshman Greg Ferreira scored goals in the second half to give the Mountaineers their 5th state championship in school history. Botti scored off a corner kick that went off a Delran defender’s hand and Ferriera scored on a direct kick from 45 yards out. For Bernards coach Joe LaSpada he is a perfect 5-0 in state finals during his 40 year coaching career. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Kean University:
Mountain Lakes Claims First Group 1 Championship!
Mountain Lakes 4 Shore 2 – Girls – Group 1 Final Mountain Lakes Girls Soccer made history by claiming the program’s first ever State Championship with an exciting 4-2 win over Shore in the NJSIAA Group 1 Tournament Final. The underdog Lakers went ahead 3-0 at halftime thanks to a pair of assists from Henna Andacin who would finish with three total. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to RYPT Training for sponsoring our Shore Regional coverage. Jersey Sports Zone’s playoff coverage is proudly sponsored by Quick Chek.
Watch 11.14 JSZ Boys Soccer State Semifinal Highlights
Sectional champions squared off on Thursday night for the right to advance to Sunday’s state finals at Kean University. Check back throughout the night for all of the highlights! Clifton 3 Elizabeth 2 (2OT) | Group 4 Semifinal This head-to-head matchup of two undefeated teams delivered one of the most wild, roller-coaster games there’s been in 2019. After battling to a 2-2 score late in the second half, a fight broke out with :01 remaining in regulation. Each team had a player ejected after red cards were doled out. Clifton, however, battled through the adversity and came out with the win courtesy of a Danny Tobon golden goal (96′). The Mustangs will face Hunterdon Central in the Group 4 title game Sunday afternoon. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Franklin High School: JSZ’s coverage of the state playoffs is made possible by QuickChek! Hunterdon Central 2 Toms River North 1 | Group 4 Semifinal The Red Devils fell behind 1-0 early before storming back to take down the Mariners. Ali Baish opened the scoring for Toms River North, before Central’s Brady Mullins tied the game before halftime. Marc Costa gave the Red Devils the lead early in the second half, and they hung on for the victory. Hunterdon Central will face Clifton in the Group 4 state final on Sunday at 12:30. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Washington Township: Wall 1 Triton 0 (OT) | Group 3 Semifinal Nico DellaPietro’s half-volley five minutes into overtime gives Wall a spot in the state championship game for the first time in 15 years. The Crimson Knights girls’ soccer team reached Kean University on a golden goal one day earlier and now the boys are heading to Union as well. Wall picks up its 16th shutout of the season. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Toms River North: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Triton is made possible by Cooper University Health Care Millburn 1 Montville 0 | Group 3 Semifinal Millburn advanced to the Group 3 State Championship for a second consecutive year following a close 1-0 battle with Montville. The Millers scored in the 58th minute when Malcolm Migoya found brother Alex for the games only goal. Keeper Zach Barr finished with 12 saves. Millburn will look to take home their first title since 2012 after falling to Ocean Township in the big game last season. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Delran 2 Rahway 0 | Group 2 Semifinal Frankie Taylor scored twice in the first six minutes to give Delran a spot in the Group 2 state championship and a matchup with Bernards in the state finals this Sunday at Kean University. Delran lost in the state semifinals the previous four years, but the fifth time is the charm. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Hopewell Valley High School: Thanks to Quick Chek for sponsoring JSZ’s state playoff coverage! Bound Brook 4 Lindenwold 1 | Group 1 Semifinal The Crusaders trailed 1-0 midway through the first half before going on a 4-0 scoring run to close out Lindenwold and advance to the Group 1 Final. Marco Martinez scored twice for the Crusaders, including the go-ahead goal late in the first half. Bound Brook faces Glen Ridge in the Group 1 Final on Sunday at Kean University. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Paul VI: Coverage of the NJISAA Playoffs is brought to you by QuickChek.
Watch 11.13 JSZ Girls Soccer State Semifinal Highlights
The state championship matchups are set in New Jersey high school girls soccer. The weather forced games to go from neutral sites to home fields around the Garden State. JSZ has action from four state semifinals. Hunterdon Central 1 Eastern 0 | Group 4 Semifinal Emily Mason’s header on a corner kick from Maddy Brennan in the 13th minute was the game’s lone goal as the Red Devils avenge last year’s overtime loss to the Vikings and end a 42 game unbeaten streak by the current #1 ranked team in the national polls. Mason, a junior committed to Rutgers, was able to crash the net after Brennan’s corner hit off the crossbar. Hunterdon Central will play Scotch Plains-Fanwood in the state title game this Saturday at Kean University. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from the upset Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Eastern Vikings is made possible by Cooper University Hospital Wall 2 Haddonfield 1 (OT) | Group 2 Semifinal After battling back from a 1-0 deficit in the second half, Wall senior forward Mackenzie Tranberg hammered home a golden goal with :47 seconds left in the first overtime period to punch the Crimson Knights a ticket to the Group 2 championship game. Freshman Kiersten Brown also scored for Wall in the win. Wall will face Parsippany Hills in the Group 2 final on Saturday. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Wall: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Haddonfield athletics is proudly brought to you by NJM Insurance. Shore Regional 6 Audubon 0 | Group 1 Semifinal Julia Eichenbaum had a hat trick, the seventh of her senior season as Shore avenged a loss to the Green Wave in last year’s state semifinal. Barbara Grimm got the scoring started in the 5th minute and Lauren Sapanaro gave the Blue Devils a 2-0 halftime lead. Sydney Sears had three assists including a cross to Meli Pekmezian to make it a 3-0 game before Eichenbaum closed out the scoring with three straight to give her 34 for the year. Shore will face Mountain Lakes in the Group 1 state championship this Saturday. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from West Long Branch: Why did we have highlights from Shore’s huge win in the state semifinal? Because of the support of Reach Your Potential Training who is our partner on Shore Regional coverage on JSZ. The Shore girls soccer team trains at RYPT and it showed! Ocean City 1 Hopewell Valley 0 | Group 3 Semifinal After a dominating 23-1-1 season Ocean City advanced to their first ever Group 3 Final with a close 1-0 win over Hopewell Valley. The Red Raiders got a lift from Summer Reimet who found net in the 70th minute for the games only score. Ocean City more aggressive on offense won the shots on goal 14-8 and goalie Abbey Fenton finished with eight saves. They will take on Rampo at Kean University on 11/16. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Hopewell Valley coverage.
Watch Sunday 11.10 JSZ Championship Soccer Highlights
Championship Sunday at Kean University features four exciting soccer matchups to determine who are the garden state’s best Non-Public teams. We have coverage from all four finals on Sunday. Come back throughout the night and enjoy the highlights! Seton Hall Prep 1 St. Augustine 0 (2OT) | Boys Non-Public A Final It took 91 minutes and a battle against one of the state’s best defensive squads, but Seton Hall Prep is state champions for the first time in a decade. A 50/50 service into the box was contested by Seton Hall Prep’s Lucas Ross early in the second half – that pass ultimately went through the keeper’s hands into the back of the net. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the state playoffs is sponsored by QuickChek! Gill St. Bernard’s 3 Moorestown Friends 0 | Boys Non-Public B Final Micaah Garnette scored twice to reach the 30 goal mark and the Blue Knights won their second straight Non-Public B state title. Garnette scored in the 5th minute to set the early tone and ten minutes later Jordan Canica weaved around three defenders to find the net for his 17th of the season. Garnette sealed the title in the 76th minute on a penalty kick. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-match reaction from Kean University: Thanks to QuickChek for partnering with Jersey Sports Zone to bring you state championship coverage! Pingry 6 DePaul 0 | Girls Non-Public A Final For a second straight year Pingry was crowned Non-Public A Champions following a dominating 6-0 win over DePaul Catholic. Big Blue was led by Columbia University Commit Madisyn Pilla who scored twice in the first half. Pilla has reached 48 goals this year with 11 of those coming in the postseason. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Quick Chek for sponsoring all of our 2019 postseason soccer coverage! Rutgers Prep 2 Saddle River Day 0 | Girls Non-Public B Final The Argonauts put the finishing touches on the greatest season in program history with an impressive 2-0 win over the Rebels. Shots came early and often for Rutgers Prep, who dominated possession all afternoon, but could not get on the board in the first half. Micah Livingston scored in the 46th minute to break the tie scoreless. Asia Hankerson followed up in the 47th minute with a rocket that beat Livia Davidson. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Kean University: Thank you to QuickChek for sponsoring all of our 2019 postseason soccer coverage!
Watch Thursday 11.7 Sectional Championship Soccer Highlights
There was plenty of hardware to hand on on Thursday, with sectional champions hoisting trophies all around the state. Check back throughout the night for all of the highlights and reaction! Seton Hall Prep 5 Pingry 3 | Boys Non-Public A North Final The term “instant classic” gets thrown around quite often after a wild game, but it couldn’t fit a single game this season any better than Thursday afternoon in West Orange. Seton Hall Prep junior striker Lucas Ross netted a second-half hat trick to power his Pirates to their seventh sectional championship in program history. Pingry, who defeated top-seeded Delbarton to reach the final, fell short late in the second half. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from West Orange: JSZ’s state playoff coverage is brought to you by Quick Chek. Head to QuikChek now and use our coupon to get a buy one get one free Ciabatta! Gill St. Bernard’s 1 Montclair Kimberly Academy 0 | Boys Non-Public B North Final Finlay Turnbull’s header off a corner kick in the 61st minute was all that GSB needed to win a second straight Non-Public “B” North championship. Gill St. Bernard’s will face Moorestown Friends in the state title game this Sunday at Kean. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-match reaction from Montclair: JSZ’s state playoff coverage is brought to you by Quick Chek. Head to QuikChek now and use our coupon to get a buy one get one free Ciabatta! St. Augustine 1 Christian Brothers 0 | Boys Non-Public A South Final The Hermits captured their first sectional title since 2010, beating the four-time defending sectional champion Colts. Owen Kitch headed in a goal off of an assist from Antonio Matos in the first half for the only tally of the game. St. Augustine keeper Anthony Libero earned the clean sheet in net. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Richland: Eastern 3 Toms River North 0 | Girls Group 4 South Final The undefeated Vikings scored three goals in the first 40 minutes to take all of the drama out of this one by halftime. La Salle commit Kelli McGroarty broke through with a goal off of a corner kick from Cami Silvestro. Devyn Shapiro scored a few minutes later when her header deflected off of a Mariners defender and in. Then Rutgers commit Riley Tiernan scored off of a pass from McGroarty late in the first half. Olivia Alves earned the clean sheet for Eastern in net. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction, as the Vikings celebrate back-to-back sectional titles: Coverage of Eastern is sponsored by Cooper University Health Care. Hopewell Valley 4 Allentown 2 | Girls Group 3 Central Final A year after tasting defeat to Brick Township in the Central Jersey Group 3 final, Hopewell Valley avenged its loss to take home its first sectional title since 2016. The Bulldogs were able to beat Allentown 4-2 thanks to a big day from captain Nicola Mosionek, who would finish with two goals and an assist. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Allentown and Hopewell Valley coverage! Haddonfield 3 Cinnaminson 0 | Girls Group 2 South Final The Pirates ended the Bulldogs season two years in a row, but this time the Bulldogs had the last laugh. A tight, defensive first half led to an all-Bulldogs second half as Haddonfield takes home the Group 2 South title. Senior Jordan Siok opened the scoring for the Bulldogs early in the second half before juniors Katie McCormick and Keegan Douglas added insurance goals late in regulation. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Haddonfield: Coverage of both Haddonfield and Cinnaminson is brought to you by NJM Insurance.
Watch Tuesday 11.5 JSZ Boys Playoff Soccer Highlights
Tuesday is jam-packed with sectional semifinal action all over the state. Check back throughout the night for all of the amazing highlights! Clifton 1 Kearny 0 | North 1 Group 4 Semifinal This battle between two North Jersey county champions didn’t disappoint Tuesday as Clifton edged out Kearny. Amer Lukovic’s header in the second half proved to be the game winner in a tight, 80-minute matchup. The Mustangs are set to face No. 1 seed Ridgewood in the sectional final Friday. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Clifton: JSZ’s coverage of the NJSIAA state playoffs is made possible by QuickChek! Christian Brothers 2 Notre Dame 1 | South Non-Public A Semifinal (2) Christian Brothers Academy defeated (3) Notre Dame 2-1 to advance to the South Non-Public A Tournament Final. Despite the Irish scoring in the first ten minutes CBA countered with goals from Brett Seig and Connor Anderko to lead 2-1 at halftime. Notre Dame continued to come close in the second act but was unable to connect on any shots thanks to goalie AJ Pinto who would finish with five saves. The Colts will take on (1) St. Augustine on 11/7. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Notre Dame coverage. Egg Harbor Twp. 1 Washington Twp. 0 | South Group 4 Semifinal Ahmad Brock’s first half goal held up, as the Eagles ended the Minutemen’s reign in South Jersey Group 4. Jeffrey Castro earned the clean sheet in net. Washington Township had won five consecutive sectional titles, but second-seeded EHT advances to Friday’s title game against #16 Toms River North. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Washington Township coverage is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Triton 1 Mainland 0 (2OT) | South Group 3 Semifinal Sophomore Maxwell Hawk’s double-overtime golden goal sends Triton to the South Group 3 Final. Triton found itself in the defensive third for much of the match against Mainland, but a Tyler Guadagno steal opened the door for the game-winning counter attack. Goalkeeper Joe Bilgic was tremendous in net, racking up six saves to earn the shutout. Triton now hosts 9-seed Ocean City in the championship match on Friday. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Runnemede: Coverage of Triton is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Ocean Township 0 Lawrence 0 (Spartans win 5-4 in Pks) | Central Group 3 Semifinal Isaac Greenspan made a save in the 6th round of PK’s setting the stage for Eli Brandimarte to make his second penalty of the round and give the Spartans a spot in the sectional championship for a third straight year. Ocean is the defending state champ, but a rebuilt roster had them as a #11 seed, yet they have made a run to the finals again. Ocean will face #1 seed Wall for the title. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-match reaction: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Lawrence is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates
Watch Monday 11.4 JSZ Girls Playoff Soccer Highlights
The week begins with huge sectional semifinal games all over the state. Check back throughout the night to find out which teams punched tickets to Thursday’s sectional finals! Eastern 2 Shawnee 1 (OT) | South Group 4 Semifinal It was the fourth meeting of the season between the Vikings and the Renegades, and the nation’s number one team survived and advanced. Rutgers commit Riley Tiernan finished off a long run with a golden goal for Eastern in overtime. Brooke Steel gave Shawnee the lead early in the second half, before St. Joseph’s commit Sara Brocious tied it up for the Vikings with 17 minutes left to force OT. Undefeated Eastern (24-0) will host Toms River North for the sectional title on Thursday. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Voorhees: Coverage of Eastern and Shawnee is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Hopewell Valley 2 Burlington Township 1 |Central Group 3 Semifinal Hopewell Valley (1) defeated Burlington Township (5) 2-1 Monday evening to advance to the Central Jersey Group 3 Sectional Final. Despite falling behind 1-0 at halftime, Hopewell would tie the game in the second half with a goal from Charlotte Hare that would send the game into overtime. A solid performance from freshman keeper Lucy Fleming forced another overtime and Andie Capucci’s golden goal would set a date with Allentown (3) for a championship bout on 11/7. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Hopewell Valley coverage. Middletown South 4 Millburn 0 | North 2 Group 3 Semifinal Middletown South’s stellar ride through the sectional tournament keeps getting better and better. The top-seeded Eagles, led Monday by Notre Dame commit Katie Coyle, are advancing to the title game after another first-half outburst. Coyle, Haley Nicholas and Kiera Prince scored goals in the win. Middletown South faces No. 2 seed Cranford in the sectional final Thursday. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Middletown: Red Bank Catholic 5 Mt. Saint Mary 0 | Non-Public A South Semifinal Morgan Cupo scored two goals to lead a Caseys scoring barrage in Red Bank. The sophomore has 25 goals on the season and has scored in 14 straight games. Aubrey Silverman, Reagen Pouwels and Gianna Romeo also scored for RBC who will play Pingry this Thursday with a spot in the state championship game on the line. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Red Bank: Thanks to the Jersey Shore Institute of Health & Wellness for supporting JSZ’s coverage of Red Bank Catholic
St. Benedict’s Hits Milestone Number of State Titles
St. Benedict’s Prep — the consensus No. 1 team in America — doesn’t disappoint, especially not over the last three years. They Gray Bees captured their 30th Prep A Championship in the last 31 years Friday after a 5-1 win over Mercer County foe, Pennington. St. Benedict’s Prep finishes 2019 with a 19-0-1 record, improving their unbeaten steak to a staggering 57-straight matches. JSZ’s Jay Cook and Kenneth Bradley have the highlights from Riverfront Park: Sponsor Shoutout! JSZ’s coverage of Pennington is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates
Watch Thursday 10.31 JSZ Girls Playoff Soccer Highlights
No tricks; just treats for you on Halloween! Sectional quarterfinal action across the state, and our cameras were on hand to catch some amazing highlights. Grab some candy and check back throughout the night for all of the action! Delsea 7 Haddon Heights 0 | Group 2 South Quarterfinal The defending sectional champion Crusaders managed just one goal in the first half, but they found the net early and often in the second half. Monmouth commit Brianna Russo scored a hat trick to lead the way. Freshman Kylee Reissek scored two goals. Peyton Gilmore and Leah Marsh chipped in with one goal apiece. Delsea advances to face either Cinnaminson or West Deptford in the sectional semifinals on Monday. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Franklinville: Coverage of Delsea is made possible by NJM Insurance. Freehold Township 1 Monroe 0|Central Group 4 Quarterfinal Freehold Township (6) defeated Monroe (3) 1-0 to advance to the Central Jersey Group 4 Semifinals. Despite a 14 save day from Monroe Goalkeeper Emma Bodmer, the Patriots prevailed late thanks to a penalty kick goal from Anna Priborkina in the 78th minute. Freehold Township will play Old Bridge (7) on 11/4. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Monroe coverage. Middletown South 3 Red Bank Regional 1|North 2 Group 3 Quarterfinal Emma Laudisi’s pair of first half goals, along with another tally in between from Katie Coyle, powered No. 1 seed Middletown South to a 3-1 victory over fellow Shore Conference squad, No. 9 Red Bank Regional. The Eagles have proven to be one of Group 3’s top programs this season and will look to keep their hot play alive next week against No. 5 Millburn in the sectional semifinals. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from The Swamp: JSZ’s coverage of all Red Bank Regional athletics this year is brought to you by Ryser’s Landscape Supply. Shore Regional 7 Palmyra 0 | Central Jersey Group 1 Quarterfinal Julia Eichenbaum scored her 100th career goal as the Blue Devils scored six goals in the final 15 minutes to cruise into the Central Jersey Group 1 semifinal. The University of Illinois commit had three goals and three assists in a sensational performance. The Blue Devils will host #12 seed Point Pleasant Beach in the semis on Monday. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from West Long Branch: Why did Jersey Sports Zone capture Julia Eichenbaum’s INCREDIBLE milestone? Because our Shore Regional coverage is made possible by RYPT in Tinton Falls. The Blue Devils girls soccer team trains with coach Bobby Smith and Reach Your Potential Training!
Burlington Township Girls Reach CJG3 Semifinals
Burlington Twp. 2 Steinert 0 – Central Group 4 Quarterfinals Burlington Township (5) advanced to the Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals with a 2-0 upset win over Steinert (4). The Falcons got on the board early thanks to a Jiselle Daniels goal in the first half. Madison Poole would add another score in the second half to accompany an eight save day from keeper Erin Turpin. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Steinert coverage.
Watch Monday 10.28 JSZ Girls Playoff Soccer Highlights
The state playoffs are officially underway on the girls side, with opening round action all across the Garden State on Monday. JSZ has you covered with some fantastic match-ups to kick off the postseason! Clearview 1 Jackson Memorial 0 – Group 4 South It didn’t take very long for the upset of the postseason to happen. Clearview entered the playoffs as the No. 15 seed with a sub – .500 record, but none of that mattered as the Pioneers knocked off No. 2 seed Jackson Memorial on their home pitch. Katie Pirrotta knocked in the match’s lone goal in the first half, while keeper McKenna Dalfonso was lights out in net. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from Jackson: Sponsor Shoutout! JSZ’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is brought to you by the Louro Chiropractic Center. Old Bridge 1 Princeton 0 – Central Group 4 Following a tough loss in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament Final, 7th seed Old Bridge advanced to the Central Group 4 Quarterfinals with a close 1-0 win over Princeton. Senior Lauren Corless’ 60’ goal was the only score of the day and the Knights set up a rematch in the next round with East Brunswick (2) who bested them in the County Title game. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Princeton coverage. Washington Twp. 5 Cherokee 0 – Group 4 South The sixth-seeded Minutemaids took it to the 11th-seeded Chiefs from the start, scoring four goals in the first 40 minutes. Amanda Attanasi registered a first half hat trick, with Megan Smith scoring a goal as well. Giovanna Castorina added a goal in the second half, as Township advances to face third-seeded Rancocas Valley in the S.J. Group 4 quarterfinals. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Sewell: Coverage of Washington Township is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Rumson-Fair Haven 2 Manasquan 1 – Central Group 2 Samantha Cesario and Katie Aglione scored to give the Bulldogs a first-round win in the state playoffs. Cesario scored off a great feed from Chase Boyle in the 39th minute to give RFH a 1-0 halftime lead. Aglione followed with a goal early in the second half. That goal proved to be the game-winner as Sarah Barnes would score in the 56th minute to get Manasquan on the board. Rumson-Fair Haven will host Matawan in the second round. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights:
Watch Thursday 10.24 JSZ Soccer Tournament Championship Highlights
The Jersey Sports Zone team was on hand to capture exciting championship soccer. Nery Rodriguez has the Mercer County boys and girls finals, Jay Cook brings us the Union County boys final and Rich Chrampanis was in Sayreville for the GMC boys title game. Stay tuned throughout the night for all the highlights! Pennington 4 Notre Dame 3|Mercer County Tournament Boys Championship 80 minutes was not enough to decide the best boys soccer team in Mercer County. After falling behind 3-1 at halftime, Pennington managed fight back to tie the game at 3-3 on a score from Stas Korzenowski and a penalty kick from Babaccar Niang in the closing moments of the second. In double overtime Ousmane Gueye would find net for a golden goal to help the Red Raiders capture a fifth straight MCT Tournament crown. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez was there for all the action: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of both Pennington and Notre Dame is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates. East Brunswick 2 South Brunswick 2 (Bears win 4-3 in PKs)|GMC Boys Championship Srihari Sudhir scored two first-half goals and delivered the clinching goal in PK’s to give East Brunswick a second straight GMC title and the 17th in the program’s history. Corey Peterson got the scoring started with a goal in the 10th minute to give South Brunswick an early 1-0 lead before Sudhir scored a pair of first-half goals. Jake Stump’s 26th goal drew the match even and after 20 minutes of extra time, penalties determined the title for the first time. Ryan McSwieney made a save in the second round that put the Bears ahead for good. East Brunswick made four straight PKs to deliver the championship. Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Sayreville High School: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of South Brunswick is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates. Pennington 2 Allentown 0 | Girls Mercer County Tournament Championship For a second year the Mercer County Tournament Girls Final saw Pennington and Allentown squaring up. The Red Raiders struck first on a goal from Shealyn Tirenddi to go ahead 1-0 at halftime. Early in the second, Villanova commit Kylie Daigle added another score to help Pennington repeat as MCT Champions. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Allentown and Pennington coverage. Elizabeth 2 Summit 2 | Boys Union County Tournament Championship After 100 minutes of hard-fought soccer and multiple changes in momentum, the Union County Tournament final ended in a tie for the third straight year. No. 1 seed Elizabeth jumped out to a 2-0 lead at the half but No. 2 Summit battled back in the second half to tie the match as both teams earned Co-Champion honors. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights of this thriller from Kean University:
Watch Wednesday 10.23 JSZ Soccer Highlights
Tournament action continues to intensify before the state playoffs begin next week. JSZ has plenty of exciting action for you, including both semifinal games from the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association Tournament. Freehold Township 2 Manasquan 2 (FT wins 4-3 on PKs) – Boys Shore Conference Tournament Final John Wilhlem turned away three penalty kicks to give Freehold Township the 2019 SCT championship. The Freehold Township keeper had a PK stop in regulation and then stopped the final two Manasquan attempts setting the stage for Josh Leonetti to kick the game winner. Zach Orrico scored both goals in regulation for Freehold Township while Manasquan got goals from Drew Greenblatt and Tyler Gaugenty. The championship game did not disappoint. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-match reaction from Shore Regional: Red Bank Catholic 2 Toms River North 0 – Girls Shore Conference Tournament Final Junior Emma Bruther came off the bench and delivered a goal and an assist to give RBC the seventh Shore Conference title in school history. Bruther’s long left foot from 30 yards out hit the crossbar that allowed Morgan Cupo to head in the rebound to give the Caseys a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute. Five minutes later, Bruther ran down a ball in the left corner and delivered another lethal left foot. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from West Long Branch: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of RBC is made possible by the Jersey Shore Institute of Health and Wellness East Brunswick 1 Old Bridge 0 – Girls Middlesex County Tournament Final Top seeded East Brunswick captured its fourth straight Middlesex County Tournament Title with a thrilling 1-0 win over rival Old Bridge. Following a scoreless first half, recent IMG Academy transfer Kayla Reed would find net in the 50’ for the game’s only goal. The Bears have now won 36 MCT Titles. JSZ’s. Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Moorestown 1 (7) Kingsway 1 (6) – Boys SJSCA Tournament Semifinal It took nine rounds of penalty kicks, but the Quakers advanced to the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association Tournament title game. Moorestown led 1-0 thanks to a first half goal from Joe Delconte. Sean Fatiga scored an equalizer for the Dragons with ten minutes to go in regulation. In the ninth round of PKs, Quakers keeper Kevin Muhic made a diving save, before Alex Lopacinski coverted to end it. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Cherry Hill: Coverage of Moorestown is brought to you by NJM Insurance. Clearview 2 (4) Washington Township 2 (3) – Boys SJSCA Tournament Semifinal The Pioneers found a way to survive and advance to the SJSCA tournament final. Washington Township took a 1-0 lead in the opening minute of the match with a goal from Ryan Cleary. Kevin Donahue scored twice in the second half to give Clearview a late 2-1 lead in regulation. Cleary found the back of the net again in the 79th minute to force overtime. Clearview trailed 3-2 in penalty kicks but were able to get goals from Pearse Costello and Cody Scully. Zane Martin shut the door on Giogio Tasiopoulos in the final round of the shootout to secure the victory for the Pioneers. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Cherry Hill: Coverage of Washington Township is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.
Watch Tuesday 10.22 JSZ Soccer Highlights
Tournament time is alive and well in New Jersey and JSZ has you covered with more county semifinal action, this time from the Greater Middlesex Conference. Enjoy the highlights! South Brunswick 4 Middlesex 0 – Boys GMC Semifinals Jake Stump and Tony Iovine each netted two first-half goals and keeper Joe Mastromonica earned the clean sheet as #3-seed South Brunswick cruised past #10-seed Middlesex in the county semifinals. The Vikings will face East Brunswick in the GMC championship game Thursday night at Sayreville. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from South Brunswick: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all South Brunswick athletics is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates. East Brunswick 2 New Brunswick 0 – GMC Tournament Semifinals Zane Taha had a goal and an assist to give #4 seed East Brunswick a spot in the GMC finals and a matchup with South Brunswick in the championship game. Following a scoreless first half, Taha had a free kick in the 45th minute that was stopped but Lewen Trussler pounced on the rebound to give the Bears a 1-0 lead. In the closing minutes, Taha sealed the deal with a goal on a free-kick from the left side just outside the 18-yard line. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from the GMC Semis:
Watch Monday 10.21 JSZ Soccer Highlights
The state playoffs haven’t started yet, but there’s still plenty to play for this week. JSZ has exciting tournament action from all over the Garden State. Check back throughout the night for all of the highlights! Pennington 3 Hightstown 0 – Boys Mercer County Tournament Semifinals No. 3 seed Pennington has won the last four Mercer County tournaments and punched a ticket to their fifth-straight final Monday in a 3-0 handling to 10-seed Hightstown. Pennington star Mansour Diop netted a pair of first half goals to build a lead, and Babacar Naing tacked on one more in the final minutes. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Pennington: Sponsor Shoutout! JSZ’s coverage of all Pennington athletics is proudly brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates! Notre Dame 5 Princeton 2 – Boys Mercer County Tournament Semifinals Danny Bensch scored two goals to lead the Notre Dame attack giving him 22 for the season and the Irish won their 11th straight game to reach the MCT finals and a matchup with defending champ, Pennington. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Hopewell Valley: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Princeton and Notre Dame is made possible by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates Washington Twp. 2 Egg Harbor Twp. 1 – Boys S.J. Coaches Tournament Quarterfinal Minutemen pressure led to an Eagles own goal with ten seconds left in the game, as 11th-seeded Washington Township advanced to the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association Tournament semifinals. Ryan Cleary scored on a set piece to give the the Minutemen a 1-0 lead, before E.J. Martin answered with a goal for the third-seeded Eagles with five minutes remaining. Washington Township will face second-seeded Clearview in the semifinal round on Wednesday night in Cherry Hill. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Coverage of Washington Township is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Moorestown 2 St. Augustine 0 – Boys S.J. Coaches Tournament Quarterfinal The Quakers stun the top-seeded Hermits in the quarterfinals of the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association Tournament. Junior Evan Buckley broke a scoreless tie in the 73rd minute with a goal off a rebound. Sophomore Cade McGrath iced the game in the final minute with a breakaway goal. Moorestown advances to face fourth-seeded Kingsway in the SJSCA Tournament semifinals on Wednesday night in Cherry Hill. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Richland: Coverage of Moorestown is brought to you by NJM Insurance Group.
Watch Thursday 10.17 JSZ Soccer Highlights
With county tournament play underway this week and the regular season wrapping up, Jersey Sports Zone has you covered with all the best soccer action from across the state! (4) Steinert 4 (13) Hun 0 – Mercer County Tournament Round 1 – Girls After closing out the regular season on a loss to Hopewell Valley, Steinert opened the first round of the Mercer County Tournament with a dominating 4-0 victory over Hun. Kailey Conner and Margarita Ivanova each scored twice for the Spartans as they advance to take on (5) Allentown next. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Hun and Steinert coverage!
Orrico’s goal and assist lead Freehold Township into Shore Conference Tourney Semis
The rain came down in Freehold but it didn’t slow down the Patriots from securing a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. JSZ has the highlights! Freehold Township 2 Wall Township 1 Zach Orrico had a goal and an assist to give Freehold Township a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. On a rainy day in Freehold, all of the scoring came late in the first half. Zach Orrico took a feed from Shane O’Malley at the end line to put the Patriots in front 1-0 with 6:21 to go in the half. Wall responded just 54 seconds later on Jake Pepe goal to draw even. At the two minute mark, Orrico made a sensational play at the end line to keep the ball in and passed over to Joe Lardaro for what proved to be the game-winner. Freehold Township will take on Colts Neck with a spot in the SCT final on the line this Saturday night at Shore Regional:
Watch Tuesday 10.15 JSZ Soccer Highlights
With county tournament play underway this week and the regular season wrapping up, Jersey Sports Zone has you covered with all the best soccer action from across the state! CBA 2 Jackson Memorial 2 (Colts wins on PKs 4-1) A wild game in Jackson saw the Colts earn a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals and a matchup with Manasquan. CBA scored two goals in the span of three minutes to take a 2-0 lead in the final 10 minutes, but Jackson drew even thanks to two penalties including a controversial call that saw the Jags get a second attempt on their first goal after CBA keeper AJ Pinto was called for leaving the line early. The Colts never lost their composure and were a perfect 4 for 4 in penalties to get the victory. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-match reaction: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is brought to you by Louro Chiropractic Center Delbarton 6 Morristown 3 Although Delbarton knocked Morristown out of the Morris County tournament Sunday, these two cross-town rivals still had plenty on the line in their final of three matchups this season. Morristown led Delbarton 2-1 at the break for the Green Wave’s first deficit at halftime this season. A five-goal tidal wave in the second half powered the Green Wave to their N.J. best 14-0-1 record. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Parsippany-Troy Hills: West Windsor-Plainsboro North 5 Lawrenceville 1 With three spots remaining in the Mercer County Tournament (15) West Windsor-Plainsboro North punched their way in with a dominating 5-1 victory over (17) Lawrenceville. The Knights would strike first with a goal from Jean Anthony-Portuguez just 5 minutes in, then Luke Finkielstein would find net as time expired to take a 2-0 lead at halftime. Anthony-Portuguez along with Ayo Allison and Marc Chiriac all scored in the second half to send North to the MCT where they will take on second seed Steinert in the first round. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Lawrenceville and West Windsor-Plainsboro North coverage.