The Saint Joseph High School soccer team improved to 5-3 on the season after ending last week with a 3-2 win over South Brunswick.
St. Joseph’s Evan Marques clears the ball in front of East Brunswick’s Joshua Alvarez during a game on Sept. 23 in Metuchen. East Brunswick won 4-3. The win over South Brunswick came on the heels of a disappointing loss to East Brunswick. Behind two goals from Dmitri Vassillides and one from Brandon Allen, the Falcons looked ready to claim victory over East Brunswick.
“We led for about 70 of the game’s 80 minutes, so it was disappointing to end up losing,” St. Joe’s head coach Mike O’Boyle said. “I have to give East Brunswick a lot of credit because they never gave up and kept fighting. We had a lead, but we just couldn’t finish them off. “fter losing the tough 4-3 contest to East Brunswick, the Falcons got more production out of Allen and Vassillides to beat South Brunswick. This time around Allen netted a pair of goals and assisted on the other, the game-winner off the foot of Vassillides.
“Dmitri scored a really fantastic goal,” O’Boyle said. “We set up play on a free kick and Brandon Allen set up Dmitri for the score. didn’t know they would execute the play with such precision. It was pretty special all right.”
The Falcons fell behind early, 1-0, but managed to take a 2-1 lead before South Brunswick scored the equalizer with 20 minutes remaining. Vassillides’ game-winner came with eight minutes to go.
“I thought we played pretty well, but we did give up some silly goals,” O’Boyle said. “Every coach says that about giving up silly goals, but I wasn’t disappointed with our defensive play. Going into the season, I knew we’d be playing some younger players and that
they would have to grow as the season progressed. They’re gaining valuable experience and coming along.”
Allen is picking up right where he left off last season. During his freshman season he led the team with 23
goals. He already has 12 goals in eight games.
“He’s just unbelievable,” O’Boyle said. “We hold him to such a high standard because of his talent. He’s been a nightmare for other teams. Some teams double-team him, and I’ve even seen him tripleteamed.”
The Falcons will look to stay near the top of the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division standings when they begin their second trip through the divisional schedule. The team travels to Edison for a 3:45 p.m. meeting with the Eagles today. St. Joe’s won the first meeting 2- 1.
St. Joe’s returns home to host Woodbridge for a 3:45 p.m. game Oct. 1. Woodbridge defeated the Falcons 2-1 earlier in the season.
“Woodbridge played really well,” O’Boyle said. “They imposed their game on us and we couldn’t play to our strengths.”
This week ends with a highly anticipated rematch against East Brunswick.
“We might be the two best teams in the Red Division,” O’Boyle said. “When we go at each other, it is always a tough game. I expect it will be another tough match.”