Girls Soccer
By: Mike Molaro
If the Lawrence High School girls soccer squad continues its stellar play, it won’t be long until the Cardinals receive that coveted invitation to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III Tournament.
Lawrence has come "oh so close" the past two years to earning the postseason berth, but this season the Cardinals are doing everything in their power to ensure that they are included in the elite field.
Continuing their superb defensive play, the Cardinals (5-3-1) blanked Colonial Valley Conference-rival Hamilton, 3-0, at home on Sept. 27 and came back the next day on the road to blank CVC-newcomer Allentown, 4-0, for their third consecutive shutout and third triumph in a row.
Lawrence at home on Monday dominated Hightstown but had to settle for a 1-1 tie. The Cardinals have allowed just 10 goals in their nine games.
Junior fullback Lisa Coyle, senior halfback Amanda Costello and sophomore halfback Christine Rivera each scored a goal against the Hornets as Lawrence opened a 1-0 halftime lead and senior goalie Theresa Vitale recorded three saves for the victory.
Senior forward Anna Zablocka had two assists and sophomore midfielder Kathleen Rivera added an assist.
"We played an outstanding game," said Cardinal head coach Dave Boggs of the win over Hamilton. "It was a great effort by our team. We controlled the play from start to finish. We scored three minutes into the game (Coyle) and that showed me the girls were ready and really wanted to win this game.
"Hamilton has been a thorn in our side. Last year we outshot them 26-10 and lost 1-0. Two years ago at Zimmer Field we were winning and then the lights went out. When play resumed they scored with two minutes to go in the game. It’s nice to play well enough to win against them. The girls really deserved this win."
After Zablocka gave the Cardinals a 1-0 halftime advantage against the Redbirds, senior sweeper Tiffany Robert (penalty kick three-and-a-half minutes into the second half), Costello, and Christine Rivera each scored a goal in the second half.
Zablocka also had an assist while senior fullbacks Erin Picarello and Dana Verdi each contributed an assist and Vitale turned aside nine shots. It was Robert’s second penalty kick goal of the season.
"After Tiffany’s penalty kick we really picked it up," Boggs added. "That goal took the pressure off us. It was a tight game up to that point. Anna (Zablocka) had a beautiful goal as she took a pass from Erin (Picarello) at her feet and fired a beautiful shot."
In extending their unbeaten streak to four games, the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead against the Rams when Coyle followed up a Verdi shot that hit the crossbar eight minutes into the game. Hightstown scored early in the second half as Lawrence surrendered just its 10th goal of the season and Vitale made four saves.
"We really dominated this game," said Boggs. "We held a 20-6 advantage in shots and controlled play. We hit the post twice and had the ball inside the 18 so many times. We had tons of chances, we just couldn’t finish the plays.
"I really think that Hightstown was holding on for dear life. Even in the overtime sessions we had our chances. We had five shots in OT and held Hightstown without a shot. We did everything but win the game. This was another strong team effort."
Lawrence, which was searching for its offense early in the year, now has a consistent scoring attack to go with a stingy defense. Add to that a growing feeling of confidence and the Cardinals have the making of a team that can do some wicked damage come state tournament time.
"The girls have a taste of being competitive and they feel like they can win every time they step onto the field," Boggs added. "The parts are in place-we have solid defense, good goaltending, and a potent offense. We also have good young players who are gaining confidence with each game.
"Anna (Zablocka) coming back gives us confidence and really takes the pressure off Amanda (Costello) and Christine (Rivera). Christine is our leading scorer with six goals and one assist. She is an intelligent player and a consistent player.
"Our defense is proud of what they’ve done so far this year. They wanted to make it four straight shutouts against Hightstown. The girls went over 280 minutes without giving up a goal. We have been limiting teams to the number of scoring chances they get. We told the girls that you keep a team under 10 shots, you have a good shot at winning the game. We’ve been doing that this year."