By: Kyle Moylan
It would probably take a poll of former players and a historical analysis to officially call Allentown’s 3-2 win over Steinert High last Friday the biggest one in the history of the boys’ soccer program at the school. The mere fact it’s even up for consideration, however, should let everyone know this was a good one.
"Some people may not have expected us to be in that game because Steinert always beats Allentown," Allentown’s first-year coach Tigana Dalce said. "They probably figured we don’t have enough talent to win a game like that."
It is true Steinert has made a habit of beating up Allentown. Then again, Dalce would have gladly told anyone who listened that the 2006 Allentown squad is very talented.
"I’m proud of the players because we worked hard to get there," Dalce. "When Steinert scored, we answered right back. We didn’t win because of luck. We worked hard."
Goals by Piero Mancini and Chris Katzman allowed Allentown to finish regulation tied at 2-2. A goal by Mancini in the final seconds of overtime proved to be the game winner. Mancini scored off a cornerkick by Brandon Smith.
"It was almost like a party on the field," Dalce said about the way his team reacted to the win. "It was almost like winning a championship. It was that big of a win for us. Maybe this was the biggest win ever for Allentown. They never beat Steinert before."
Connor Darrell played a big part in the win, playing a solid game in goal.
"He’s just a freshman, but he’s very good," Dalce said. "By his second or third year, he’ll be one of the greatest goalies in the conference."
Although this win came on Friday, Allentown was still ready to come back and put out a great performance against Life Center on Saturday. Mancini scored three goals in Allentown’s 7-0 win. Smith, Jason Ciely, Austin Neuberger and Chris Katzman added a goal each. Ryan Provost had two assists and mancini, Katzman and Dean Search added one each. Darrell and Adam K. each made two saves in goal.
Allentown was scheduled to face Robbinsville on Tuesday. Allentown will be at Princeton for a game today. Allentown will be home to face Bordentown on Monday.
Allentown will not get a bigger win this week than the Steinert one, but they all still count the same.
"It was a big win to open the season," Dalce said. "Steinert is a very good team. I respect them very much. This was a very good win. It’s a great way to start."
NEHS
Sam Palumbo never thought for a second Burlington City would be an easy opening opponent. He was, however, expecting more than a 5-1 loss.
"A lot of people are picking (Burlington City) to win our division," Palumbo said. "But to be completely honest, I thought we would perform better. It wasn’t our greatest game."
Andrew Konop, assisted by Rick Mackesy, scored the lone goal for New Egypt.
New Egypt was a lot closer to what Palumbo was hoping for in a 3-2 win over Ranney Prep this past Monday. Palumbo was particularly happy with the win because New Egypt had struggled against Ranney Prep in recent meetings.
"They beat us 5-3 last year and we were a playoff team," Palumbo said. "This was a big win to get. We didn’t want to start 0-2."
Rob Brown (assisted by Chris Bette and Mackesy) scored two goals for New Egypt. Konop (assisted by Mackesy) also scored. Dave Wenskowski had eight saves in the first half and Mark Delannoy had five saves in goal in the second half.
"We were down 2-0 with about 20 minutes to go before we caught fire," Palumbo said. "I was like a raving lunatic on the sidelines. I was trying everything to get them motivated to play. I know they have the skill. I was just waiting to see it."
Palumbo credits sweeper Tom Carr as one of the guys that helped get his team going.
New Egypt was scheduled to face Riverside yesterday. New Egypt will host Florence at 3:45 p.m. this Friday. On Tuesday, New Egypt will play at Morrisville.
RHS
Last Friday the Robbinsville High boys’ varsity soccer team lost a 1-0 decision to Trenton in its home opener. Nevertheless Robbinsville’s Mike Delre and Nick Wilczynski both played well in goal for the Ravens.
Robbinsville was scheduled to have played a game at Allentown this past Tuesday. And Robbinsville is scheduled at Hopewell Valley today (Thursday).
