Every year, there are always those certain teams that turn up their play at the end of the season, and exhibit the type of quality team play that was lacking for most of the regular season.
At 6-6 entering last week, the Old Bridge High School girls soccer team has done just that, responded to an inconsistent regular season by winning four straight games, including a 3-1 decision on Tuesday against Colonia in the first round of the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Tournament.
The Lady Knights needed to win two of their three prior games to qualify for the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV playoffs. Old Bridge responded by winning all three (without allowing a goal), by beating J.P. Stevens, 4-0; Piscataway, 2-0; and Sayreville, 1-0 in double overtime.
The momentum carried into the GMC tourney, as Old Bridge dominated Colonia, out-shooting their opponent 23-2. Dara Nalven, Heather Connor and Marybeth Lyons scored for the Lady Knights, now 10-6 on the season.
The GMC victory set up a rematch with Sayreville yesterday afternoon, with the winner going to the finals on Saturday to face the winner of the Piscataway-East Brunswick game. The CJ Group IV tourney begins next Tuesday.
"I was concerned about making the state tournament, but the girls did what they had to do," coach Rob Lozzi said. "Since then, we’ve been getting consistent play from everyone in the lineup."
Nalven, a junior midfielder, has been one of the keys to her team’s success. She controls the middle well and gets the ball up to scorers Kim Johnston and Jen Rebelo. Johnston leads the team in scoring with 14 goals and three assists, while Rebelo has 11 goals and seven assists.
Junior fullback Kim Stengle anchors the defense along with senior goalie Stefanie Luicci, who has five shutouts to her credit, and is one of the steadiest goalies in the GMC.
Sophomore halfbacks Kim Cannon and Lauren Lavallo have proven to be solid two-way players, Lozzi said.
"The girls are in a good position right now," Lozzi said. "They have the opportunity and ability to get to the GMC finals. It’s up to them."
A month ago, the Knights looked like a long shot in the GMC title picture, but with their recent play, they have garnered some attention. Now, they are the team with all the momentum at just the right time.
Just another one of those teams that knew when to turn up its level of play at just the right time.