The Allentown United U14 co-ed soccer team began defense of its Jersey Coast Youth Soccer Premier Division championship against runner-up Tom’s River Outlaws on Sunday. Two late first-half goals by center forward Brian Pereira offset an early Outlaws’ score as United took a 2-1 lead into halftime. A third goal by Pereira on a penalty kick, followed by a mid second-half tally by right winger Thomas Barkley, gave United what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. However, the momentum turned on a penalty kick and the Outlaws came roaring back, scoring a match-tying goal with less than one minute to play. The 4-4 final was a disappointing fate for a United squad that played outstanding soccer for most of the match, only to fall victim to a lack of focus over the final five minutes.
Goalie Richard Switlik turned in a sensational performance in the net, and United also got solid performances from fullbacks Liva Glover, Dimitria Papageorge and sweeper Zach Strobino. On a positive note, United extended its Jersey Coast unbeaten streak to 10 matches. United hopes to get back on the wining track next Saturday when the squad visits the Beachwood Invaders for a 10:30 a.m. match.
The Robbinsville Cobras, a U10 travel baseball team featuring a trio of Millstone players, entered into a recent tournament in Allentown, Pa. The team had a very good first tournament, coming away with an impressive win over the Horsham Thunder by a score of 10-3 to win the ECTB March in the Park 10-year-old championship. By winning this tournament, the Cobras gain an automatic seed in the ECTB World Series in August. They also gain a berth in the USSSA/AAU tournament in June which, with a victory, can put the team in either Florida or Las Vegas. Overall, the Cobras combined for a 4-1 record in five games, only allowing 17 total runs and turning seven double plays.
The title that the Cobras won was a total team effort from every player. Playing five games over two days was very rough, but the boys came through. The Cobras’ roster includes Mark Maiorano (CF), Alec Schwartz (OF, 3B, P), Steven Todd (C, 1B), all from Millstone.
Upper Freehold/Allentown soccer is bringing back last year’s successful "Informal Get Together" spring program. Training drills specific for each age group will be followed by scrimmages. This will occur every Saturday, 9-10:30 a.m. at Upper Freehold’s Imlaystown School for anyone currently in kindergarten through eighth grade. The first Saturday is April 6 and the program will continue through May 18. Cost is $25 ($20 for additional family members).
Register at the field on April 6, or to pre-register, contact Steve Berwick at (732) 259-6548, or e-mail steveinuse@aol.com.