On April 11, the Allentown United U12 soccer team lost 1-0 against the Lakewood Blue Blazers. The Blazers took the lead with less than five minutes remaining in the second half of play. Allentown’s defense lead by Matt Wilhelm, Sam Florio and Natalie Howell was outstanding. United lost again on April 13 in a 4-3 heartbreaker against the Pinelands Redhots. Allentown was leading 2-1 at the end of the first half. Drew McGovern scored both first half goals followed by Jimmy Search scoring a third goal quickly at the beginning of the second half. The Redhots played aggressive soccer the second half and scored three goals very quickly to take the 4-3 win. Allentown played its rival, the Toms River Bulls, on April 20. Each teams’ offense and defense played well while completing a scoreless first half. Allentown was determined not to walk away with another tie against the Bulls. Brandon Smith fired the first goal from the 18-yard line, followed by Jimmy Search scoring from close range. United’s defense never faltered, registering its third shutout of the season. Goalkeeper Joe Cook played a flawless game, helping Allentown to a 2-0 win over the Bulls. The Allentown United’s next game is Saturday at 10 a.m. at Jackson’s Patriot’s Park against the Toms River Destroyers.
The Allentown United U14 (co-ed) soccer team encountered a cool, damp and breezy home venue for its Saturday match against the Lakehurst-Manchester Hurricanes, the last team to defeat United in Jersey Coast competition.
United responded with a team effort to come away with a 1-0 victory, extending its unbeaten string to 14 matches. The victory improved the squad’s record to 4-0-1, allowing United to maintain sole possession of second place in the Premier Division.
United’s offense was relentless for the entire match, but the Hurricanes’ determined defense was up to the task as they thwarted shot after shot from United’s front lines. The only goal of the match, midway through the second half, was set up by a huge punt from goalie Richard Switlik. United’s defense, marked by aggressive, smart play, got outstanding performances from sweepers Matt O’Hare and Ben Koontz, stopper Zach Strobino and fullbacks Liva Glover and Dimitria Papageorge. The offense was directed by impressive efforts from forward Jen Taylor and midfielder Danny DiRocco.
The United next sees action on Saturday as the squad travels to the Jersey Pinelands to take on the Falcons in a 10 a.m. matchup.