HoVal defeats Monroe, 3-0; play at Somerville Friday at 2 p.m.Editor’s Note: This article documenting the Bulldogs’ road to the semifinals was written prior to their victory over Monroe Wednesday.
By: Matt Nalbone
When the season began way back in August, no one knew what to expect from the Hopewell Valley Central High School boys soccer team.
Three months later the team is still going strong in the Group II State Tournament and looking to improve on the Bulldogs’ effort last year.
Because there were so many teams that qualified for the tournament this year, no team received a first round bye and that forced third seed Hopewell to play 14th seed Holmdel last Wednesday at home.
The Bulldogs overcame a slow start and went on to win 4-1. County scoring leader Matt Katz led the attack, scoring twice in the victory, while Steve Berei and Andrew Gavin also chipped in with goals. Andre Miguel, Justin Hall and Joe Bonacci had one assist each to contribute to the very balanced Hopewell scoring.
"We came out a little flat," head coach Tony Suozzo said. "We turned it on in the second half and did some good stuff. I told the guys it was important to stay focused."
They sent 33 shots on goal for the game, many of them coming in the second half after the game was tied at one at halftime.
Emeka Ogbonna got the start in goal and had a rather easy day, making only two saves. The only one that got behind his was put in by a Hopewell defenseman due to a miscommunication.
The win put the team into the second round where it would meet a good team from Raritan. The boys had little trouble in this one, as they jumped out early and cruised to a 4-0 win.
Hopewell (17-3-2) scored just 40 seconds into the game as Justin Gregory made an early run to put the Bulldogs up 1-0. They would strike again two more times in the first half to take a 3-0 lead into half-time but it was not as easy as it would seem.
"We went up 2-0 and then fell asleep," Suozzo said. They (Raritan) had some good opportunities but they didn’t cash in."
Donnie Giovacchini, Kenny Paul, and Hall were the other goal scorers for Hopewell as Hall, Gavin, Berei, and Matt Kazior had assists.
The game allowed Suozzo to do something that he might not have planned on doing for the tournament. With about 20 minutes left and the score being 4-0, he was able to remove most of his starters and give them rest for this week’s games.
"I was able to get most of my regulars out of the game and give some other guys an opportunity to play in a tournament game," said Suozzo.
Hopewell finished the game with 26 shots on net and Ogbonna made five saves for Hopewell to get the team’s 10th shutout of the year.
"We really didn’t give up any goals yet in the states," Suozzo said praising his defense. "The only goal was an own goal and that doesn’t really count."
The journey for a state title continued this Wednesday as the boys met Monroe.
"They have the ability to score," said Suozzo about Monroe. "They have two good forwards that we will have to shut down."
No matter what happens, the season has been a success for everyone involved.
"I am happy and its great for the kids," said Suozzo. "But when you make it this far, you want to go all the way."