Division champs off to strong start

Boys SoccerThe Hopewell Valley Central High School boys soccer squad has had some gut-wrenching games in recent history against Notre Dame.

By: Mike Molaro
   In their season opener on the road last Friday, the Bulldogs used an opportunistic offense and smothering defense to blank the Irish, 3-0.
   With the win, the Colonial Valley Conference Valley Division co-champs took a huge step in defending their crown.
   "I was pretty pleased with our effort," HoVal head coach Tony Suozzo said. "Notre Dame always gives us a great game. Last year, we had two ties and scored only one goal in those two games. Their goalie, Nick Hoover, is a very good goalie and probably the best in Mercer County. He always finds ways to deny us.
   "In this game we got three past him and our defense made those goals stand up."
   Junior midfielder Don Giovacchini gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead with a first-half goal off an assist from senior forward Dave Johnson. Senior defender Jason Pall added a penalty kick in the second half and senior midfielder Steve Berei provided an insurance goal with a free kick.
   Junior Emeka Ogbonna turned aside seven shots for the shutout as HoVal held a 17-7 advantage in shots.
   "This was a physical game," added Suozzo. "It’s nice to start out with a win, especially against a team the caliber of Notre Dame. A game like this does a lot for a team’s confidence.
   "Our defense was our strength throughout the game. Jason (Pall), (senior) Matt Kazior, and (senior) Kenny Paul did a great job for us in the backfield. Notre Dame didn’t have much room to work with."
   Given the history of closely marked contests between these teams, Suozzo knew nothing would come easy.
   "Don (Giovacchini) scored a big goal for us," said the second-year Bulldog coach. "We were pressuring Notre Dame and finally got a goal. We knew we were going to have to earn the win because Nick (Hoover) doesn’t give up too many goals. To get three goals against him is something.
   "This game tells me something about this team."
   What it says to Suozzo is that his guys are primed for another division title. It also sends a warning to the rest of the CVC that these Bulldogs are for real and come ready to play.