The Allentown United U11 soccer team defeated the Pinelands Jr. Wildcats this past Saturday by a score of 2-0. The United were missing three players going into the game due to various injuries. As a result of an infraction shortly into the game, the United were forced to play the game one player short.
The team pulled together and played one of its most determined matches of the season. Mic Sowa got the United on the board, banging home a corner kick from Connor Darrell early in the first half. The United continued to press the attack throughout the first half. The Wildcats generated numerous opportunities using their one-player advantage. Alex Fortsch made numerous key saves to keep the Wildcats off the board. Fortsch stopped a penalty kick near the end of the first half to keep the United ahead. The second half was played at a fast pace as the Wildcats tried to press the attack. The United used their speed to repeatedly counter the Wildcats’ attack. Darrell broke out off a quick counterattack and lofted the all important second goal over the Wildcats goalie’s head to seal the victory. The midfield play of Kelsey Glover, Ben Lawrence, Sean Miller, Charlie Nicholls and Danny Santos was superb as they were outnumbered throughout the match. The United will play the Lakewood Lazers in a battle for first place this Friday at the Jackson justice complex at 7 p.m.
The Millstone/Roosevelt Little League Golf Tournament and Banquet will be held on May 10 at Gamblersridge Golf Course and the Clarksburg Inn. For information on the tournament and/or the banquet, call Drew at (732) 786-0321.
The Allentown United U12 travel soccer team took the field against the Toms River Destroyers on April 27. Drew McGovern and Brandon Smith helped in the first half by scoring well-developed goals. The Destroyers came back late in the first half with a single goal which finished the first half of play at 2-1. United’s offensive attack was lead by Josh Howell, William Morris, Tony Mazzuca, Matthew Sargent, Jimmy Search and Amber Hoffman. United’s defense had another outstanding performance lead by Natalie Howell, Matt Wilhelm, Sam Florio and Saskia Hesselein. The elusive goal keeper, Joe Cook, was moved out of the net by Coach Christopher McGovern to start the second half at center forward. Shortly after the buzzer, Cook receive a beautiful lead pass from Brandon Smith and drove a 20-yard shot into the top right corner. Allentown United’s fourth goal was lead by a stellar right cross from Josh Howell and finished off with a one-touch rocket from Cook. The United finished the game with a 4-1 win over the Destroyers.
The Millstone Strikers girls’ U12 travel soccer team played in the Monroe Township 13th annual Spring Kick-Off. The Strikers won the first game, 4-0, beating the Manalapan All-Stars. Christine Lee had two goals while Taylor Lefebvre and Jackie Turner added the other two. Taylor and Jaclyn Gulino added assists. Great defense was played by Jessica Abramo and Alex Wolfe, while Jessica Nazzarrio and Marissa Chimento played well in goal. Great midfield came from Ashley Blair, Izzy Taglieri and Kristin Hum, while strong defensive play came from Carrie Sharroff, Jackie Fibus and Casey Nurko.
The Strikers beat the Toms River Tigers in the second game, 6-0. Once again, Chimento and Nazzarrio were brilliant in goal, while goals were scored by Lefebvre (2), Taylor, Turner, Nurko and Christine Lee.