JSZ kicks off our 2026 soccer coverage with a trio of great season-openers from around the Garden State. Check back as the highlights are posted throughout the night!
Cherokee 3 Haddon Twp. 1 | Boys
After a scoreless first half, Braydon Housel scored his first varsity goal in the 59th minute to give Cherokee the lead. Haddon Township’s Bobby McIlvaine quickly responded in the 67th minute, but Kyle Wallace restored the Chiefs advantage with 10 minutes remaining. Wallace then delivered the highlight of the game, launching himself into the air for an incredible finish off a Housel assist to seal the victory. The spectacular goal capped off a strong opening-day performance and gave Matt Acciani his first win as the Chiefs’ varsity head coach.
JSZ’s Tyler Mroz has the highlights & post-game reaction from Haddon Twp:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Cherokee is made possible by Kwartler Manus Personal Injury Attorneys
Scotch Plains-Fanwood 2 North Brunswick 1 | Boys
No. 12 Scotch Plains-Fanwood opened their season on the right note Tuesday as the Raiders defeated their fellow Raiders from North Brunswick 2-1. Scoreless after the first half, SPF’s Logan Moser assisted on two corner kick goals early in the second by Nicolas Violante and Braden Steer. Right after Steer’s goal, North Brunswick went down and got on the board with a Johnny Trejo free kick that made it 2-1. That goal would prove to be North Brunswick’s only shot on goal of the entire game.
JSZ’s Ryan Sudol has the highlights from Scotch Plains:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Scotch Plains-Fanwood is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Rahway.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of North Brunswick is made possible by JAG Physical Therapy.
Shawnee 1 Kingsway 0 | Boys
On a day where chances came at a premium and with overtime looming in the 69th minute, Declan Bracken’s first varsity goal proved to be the difference as the senior gave the Renegades a quality win in their season opener. Connor Byrne earned a clean sheet in net in the victory for Shawnee (1-0). Talan Vannelli had a pair of saves in the loss for Kingsway (0-1)
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Medford:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Shawnee is made possible by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
St. John Vianney 6 Bayonne 2 | Girls
Lily Fitzpatrick had two goals and South Carolina Gamecock commit Kennedy Wallace had a goal and three assists as the Lancers raced out to a 6-0 lead on the way to an impressive opening victory.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Holmdel:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bayonne is brought to you by Jersey City Medical Center.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of St. John Vianney is made possible by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
