By: David Gurney
It wasn’t a typical game for the Monroe Township High School boys soccer team.
Or, at least, a game they had been accustomed to playing.
They struggled to possess offensively. They were sluggish in the midfield and up front. Defensively, they were on their heels all game.
But head coach Steve McKenzie learned something about his team in the Falcons’ 1-0 overtime victory over Ridge last Saturday. Like past teams, the Falcons still found a way to win.
"It was a tough game against Ridge, they definitely outplayed us," McKenzie said. "We were very tired and played below our expectations. But we showed a lot of heart and worked through it. When you’re not playing your best, you have to find a way to win."
Monroe (3-0) found it through hard-nosed defense, stalwart goalkeeping play by junior Pat Perralla and a one-timed goal by junior midfielder Sean Lawrence in overtime off a feed from senior forward Ivan Barreto from about 20 yards out.
The starting defense consisting of three sophomores in Jason Chung, Tim Brix and Tim Gandy, and senior Jason Tady really held their own in the defensive third against the aggressive Ridge attack.
"The three guys in the back showed a lot," McKenzie said. "They were organized and disciplined back there. I told them at halftime that the result would probably depend on what our backs did. They were constantly pressured and didn’t give up many shots. They kept us in the game."
As ugly or as sluggish as the effort was for Monroe, it was still a win.
A win that McKenzie hopes canspark things.
"Games like this can jump start a team," McKenzie said. "Things happen for a reason. Maybe this is just a building block for what we’ve been able to do in the past. When you’re not playing your best, you have to find a way to win. Hopefully this continues."
It did continue on Monday, as Barreto scored two goals and Brandon Sebastian had a goal and an assist in the Falcons 3-0 victory over South Plainfield. Perralla notched eight saves for the shutout.
Monroe started its season in impressive fashion with a 4-2 victory over defending GMC White Division champs Sayreville.
Barreto, sophomore midfielder Eric Palisay and junior midfielder Brendan Sebastian each tallied goals while Barreto, Palisay and senior forward Derek Kulper registered assists.
Goalies Perrella and junior Chris Pritzlaff each collected six saves to preserve the win.
The Falcons jumped to a 3-0 lead at halftime and withstood two goals by Sayreville forward Kene Eze to win start out perfect in the White.
"I think the first half showed what we’re capable of doing," McKenzie said. "We played extremely well and it raised my expectations. It showed myself and the guys what we’re capable of."
Again, McKenzie had high praise for the defense, which smoldered a Sayreville attack that was one of the more high-scoring attacks in the area last year.
"Our backs did a good job and definitely set a positive tone to the game," McKenzie said. "It was huge for us to go out and set the tone against the defending division champs."
NOTES: On Monday the Falcons (3-0) defeated White Division foe South Plainfield 3-0. Barreto paced the effort with two goals and Sebastian added one. Perrella deflected eight shots to notch his second consecutive shutout.

