Mustangs getting closer to first win

Boys squander lead on Senior Night

by John Beisser, Sports Writer
   In a classic case of learning how to crawl before you can walk, the goals are starting to come for the Manville High boys’ soccer team and if this offensive consistency continues, wins are sure to follow.
   While Manville has lost its first four games, the Mustangs’ scoring pace is well ahead of last year as they have scored four goals already this season. After opening the season with 3-1 and 4-0 losses to Bound Brook and North Warren, respectively, the Mustangs were more competitive against Belvidere (4-2) and Hackettstown (2-1) last week.
   The latter game was on last Thursday and it was Senior Night with the game being played on the football field at Ned Panfile Stadium. Senior Night always promises a festive atmosphere and when Xavier Bolanos buried a rebound off the Hackettstown keeper, the Mustangs had themselves a 1-0 first half.
   ”When we take the lead in a game, it really energizes us,” second-year head coach Tim Moore said.
   Alas, the Mustangs were unable to hang on as Hackettstown posted a pair of second half goals to pull out the win.
   ”We can gain a lot of confidence out of this game,” said Moore, who singled out senior goalie Matt Zangara for his fine play. “Hackettstown is one of the most talented teams we’ll play.”
   Manville entered the week with a busy schedule On Monday, the Mustangs were slated to travel to Delaware Valley. Thursday, Manville is scheduled to play host to Bernards before hosting North Plainfield on Friday. With the a first round Somerset County Tournament on tap Friday (seedings and matchups were not available at press time), Moore was of the belief early in the week that one of the two games at the end of the week would be postponed.
   ”There’s a rule where you’re not supposed to play three games in a row,” Moore said.
   One player who embodies the new spirit surrounding the team is junior Richie Hernandez. He’s a versatile athlete who has the ability to play virtually any position on the field. It was his mental toughness, however, that most impressed Moore last week.
   ”He was sick on Thursday, the day of the Hackettstown game, but he didn’t want to tell me because he thought I would make him sit out the game,” Moore said. “I didn’t know he wasn’t feeling well until after the game. You never would have known by his play. He played the entire 80 minutes and gave a great effort. He was all over the field.”
   Hernandez confirmed Moore’s take on the day’s events.
   ”I had a cold and a fever and really wasn’t feeling well,” he said. “I went to the nurse and she said I could go home. I didn’t want to tell coach. I wanted to play the game and try to help us get that first win. I was wheezing a little bit out there but was able to get through it.”
   While Manville is still in search of that elusive first win, Hernandez can sense a difference among the team this season.
   ”We’re a close team and try to play as one unit,” he said. “I’ll play anywhere coach wants me. I start the game on defense but he moves me up to midfield and even to forward. I like forward the best because I like trying to score on other teams’ defenses. It’s a lot of fun up front.”