by Kyle Moylan, Sports Editor
The New Egypt High boys’ soccer team not only will compete in the state tournament later this month, it got a chance to make a trial run this past week.
New Egypt faced off against two other state qualifiers in games that had a playoff tension. If these contests were any indicators, folks around town better get ready to see some shootouts.
New Egypt came away with ties against both Bordentown and Palmyra. New Egypt then finished off the week with an 8-2 win over a Trenton Catholic team that wasn’t quite at the same caliber as the trio of playoffs teams.
New Egypt started the week with a 1-1 tie against Bordentown on October 16. If that game had been in the playoffs, it would have gone to penalty kicks. Rob Brown, assisted by Jorge Banuelos, scored the goal for New Egypt. Bordentown tied the contest with three minutes left in regulation.
”By comparison, it was a good result for us,” noted New Egypt Coach Sam Palumbo. “The last two times we played Bordentown, we lost 7-1 and 7-0.”
New Egypt followed that tie with a scoreless contest against Palmyra. The tie against Palmyra meant the two teams tied overall for the Freedom Division championship. This is the first time New Egypt has ever won or tied for a division title.
”Both of those game had a playoffs atmosphere,” Palumbo noted. “The Bordentown match was at night with a lot of fans against one of the best teams in the area. The Palmyra match actually was our first playoff game. If we won, we would’ve taken the division. If they won, they would have taken the division.”
Dave Wenskowski recorded five saves in the shutout against Palmyra. On Saturday, however, Wenskowski played out in the field and scored two goals in the win against Trenton Catholic. Banuelos scored three goals. Jim Bolton, Sam Hilburn and Nate Wolensky added a goal each.
While offense ruled against Trenton Catholic, defense was the key for the week. Whatever the team has needed, it has found a way to get it done. Palumbo points to Tom Carr (sweeper) and Kevin Stiles (center midfield) as the leaders.
”They set the tone on and off the field,” Palumbo said. “They’re everything you can ask for from a captain’s standpoint.”
New Egypt is now waiting to see what seed it will get in the South Jersey Group I field. Based on its superior record, it should be at home for the playoff opener.
”This is all just unbelievable when you consider this is the same cast of characters that went 7-12 last year,” Palumbo said. “We went up against some of the best teams in South Jersey and the kids played great. They even get to put up a banner for the first time.”
