Soccer season has returned! We welcome back high school soccer in style with a number of big-time games to open the 2023 season. Stay tuned for all the highlights as they roll in this evening.

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2 Monroe East Brunswick 1 | Boys

Monroe (1-0) opens the season with a 2-1 victory over GMC Red Division rival East Brunswick (0-1). The Falcons got on the board first with a goal from Nick Sousa midway through the opening half. Nathan Lopez would then score for East Brunswick with 10 minutes remaining in the first to tie the game at 1-1 heading into halftime. Altin Nikezi on a pass from Nick Sousa gave Monroe the go ahead score 10 minutes into the second half. Sousa finished with a goal and an assist.

JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights from East Brunswick:

Thank you to Princeton Orthopedic Associates for sponsoring our Monroe coverage.

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St. Augustine 2 Egg Harbor Twp. 1 (OT) | Boys

Ryan Wieand came through in the clutch with a golden goal in the 95th minute to give the Hermits a thrilling overtime win to open the season. Justin Ceccanecchio had a pair of assists, while Sal Coppola added a goal for St. Augustine (1-0). Gio Bongiorno scored a goal in the loss for EHT (0-1).

JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Egg Harbor Township:

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Ramapo 1 Immaculate Heart Academy 0 | Girls

The reigning Group 3 state champions got the best of the reigning Non-Public A state champions to begin the 2023 season. Abby Hendrickson’s goal in the first half was the difference as Ramapo (1-0) takes down Immaculate Heart Academy (0-1) on their home turf. Bridget Carr made six saves in the win for the Raiders.

JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Washington Township:

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Freehold Township 3 Middletown South 0 | Girls

Hailey Santiago scored in the opening minute of the game and added another first half goal to give the Patriots a 2-0 lead.  Dani Howard scored in the 44th minute to close out the scoring and give the state’s preseason #1 ranked team an impressive Shore Conference opening night win.  Freehold Township opens the season as defending state champs in Group 4 and ranked 7th in the nation by the United Soccer Coaches.

JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Freehold:

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Middletown South is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center

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