From last place to a game out of first.That turnaround happened quickly for Brick Memorial’s boys soccer team — and with it, a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament.
“We started off with two losses, and a big part of our success is the leadership from our captains — John Havens, who keeps things under control in the midfield, and Ryan LeBarr, who holds everything together in the back,” said coach Kevin Bliem, who actually moved LeBarr from midfield to sweeper a few weeks ago.
Coming off a 2-1 thriller over Toms River East on Saturday to cap off a 4-0 week, the Mustangs on Monday had a crack at first place when they played at Toms River North, which was 8-2 in Shore Conference A South. However, Toms River North won the pivotal game on Monday, breaking out with two late goals at the 68th and 77th minutes for a 2-0 victory.
“We had the better of play,” said the coach, who praised the defensive effort of Jim Brady and Kevin Matthu. “We played our hearts out but there was one mental error on the first goal. We played well and had a lot of opportunities but didn’t finish scrambles in front of the net.”
Brick Memorial fell behind two back of TRN at 7-4 (7-5 overall) and followed it on Tuesday night at home against Jackson, which is 6-4-1 in the conference.
Brick Memorial caps off the regular season on Saturday evening at Manalapan in a 5 p.m. start and Tuesday at home against Middletown North.
Add to that a Shore Conference Tournament game in the days ahead, and Brick Memorial, with five games left, can make the NJSIAA Tournament again this year with one victory.
The scenario took shape after Brick Memorial’s torrid run in the last four games, including victories over Toms River South, 4-0, Southern, 6-2, and Brick Township, 3-0, a 15-3 scoring blitz in those last four games. Anthony Gomolka in goal has been integral to the surge, while Havens, John Lodice and Sean Maharsky lead a balanced scoring attack.
Even more than that, it’s been the team unity and chemistry that Bliem has impressed on Brick Memorial teams in the past that has helped continue that success of late.