The second half of the A North schedule has begun and the Marlboro girls soccer team is still hanging around.
Anyone who thought that the Mustangs’ quick start was a fluke has been mistaken at their own cost. The Mustangs (7-1-2 overall and 6-1-2 in the division) are not going away.
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position,” said coach Tim McGeough. “The girls are determined.”
Marlboro is locked in a three-way battle for first with Middletown North (7-1-1) and Howell (6-3).
Wednesday, the Mustangs suffered their first loss of the season, 2-1, to Middletown North. The loss, however, was not alarming. It was an evenly played game, with the Lions managing to get the winning goal off a direct kick by Julie Lancos with under a minute left in regulation.
“It was a good match,” said McGeough. “We knew it was going to be a tough one. We beat them 2-1 the first time. It was their time.”
The game went back and forth with the Lions striking first on Jess Davila’s goal in the first 3:30. The lead held up for more than 70 minutes before Ariel Mandel tied it for Marlboro on a deflection.
Marlboro bounced back from its first loss of the year to beat crosstown rival Manalapan, 1-0, on Friday. Perri Fuerst scored in the 26th minute assisted by Lauren Kirsch. Panfile stopped 16 Brave shots to make that goal stand up.
Throughout their surprise run, which has the Mustangs on the verge of qualifying for the Shore Conference Tournament and state playoffs for the first time in years, what has stood out has been the lack of a standout.
“We’re playing as a team,” said Mc- Geough. “We have no one outstanding star.”
What has stood out, however, according to McGeough, has been the defense and goalie Panfile. They have been the biggest reason that Marlboro has won a number of 1-0 games.
The defensive quartet of sweeper Andrea Rehr, stopper Mandell and backs Jocelyn Bellemare and Nicole Pecora have proven to be quite a cohesive unit. Now, Melanie Scaccio has been added to the mix.
Rehr injured her ankle the second week of the season, threatening the defensive chemistry. McGeough moved Jocelyn Bellemare from outside back to sweeper. Scaccio was then inserted into Bellemare’s slot and the defense didn’t miss a beat.
“It [defense] remained consistent,” said McGeough.
Scaccio’s play has made Marlboro’s strength even stronger. When Rehr returns to action, McGeough will be able to confidently go to his bench. He now has a defensive rotation that will keep fresh legs out on the pitch at all times.
Offensively, the Mustangs have been scoring by committee. It’s been a collective effort. Midfielders Chelsea Buttacavoli, Logan DiCicco and Lauren Kursh have been creating scoring chances for their forwards. Thus far, Heather Roe has had the magic touch for Marlboro scoring three game-winning goals. Maria Antonios has also been capitalizing on her scoring chances.

