By: centraljersey.com
Jason Armstrong realizes his team is just a goal scorer away from being something really special.
Of course, there are a number of boys soccer teams that are in the same situation this year. But even without that one big scoring threat, the Robbinsville High boys soccer team has proved to be competitive in a tough Colonial Valley Conference.
The Ravens improved to 1-3-2 with a 2-0 win over Ewing last Thursday. In six games, Robbinsville has allowed just five goals – recording three shutouts – but has had some trouble scoring itself.
"Every game has been close," said Armstrong, whose team was scheduled to face Hamilton West on Tuesday and plays Princeton today. "Our biggest problem is scoring. We’re a young team and we’re still trying to get accustomed to the speed and pressure of the varsity level.
"What we’re lacking right now is that natural goal scorer."
The Ravens managed to get two goals in the win over Ewing. But the strength of the team so far this year has been the defense.
"It’s been a combination of goalkeeper play and the guys on defense," Armstrong said. "Our sweeper is a senior with three years of varsity experience." The Ravens’ sweeper, Shane Pallop, also is one of the team’s captains. He leads a defense in front of sophomore goalie Dave Pastuna, a converted forward who is a first-year starter in goal.
"David wanted to play forward but once we got into a ‘keeper situation where we needed someone, he stepped up and said he’d do it," Armstrong said. "He has played well the first few games."
The Ravens have another senior captain at stopper in Ralph Petagna, while the outside backs are Dan Gavrushenko and Gabe Giraldo.
"We play an overall team-oriented defense," said Armstrong, whose team played to a scoreless tie with Steinert last week. "We play with five midfielders and four in the back and I think that has helped our defense. It also makes life easier on the ‘keeper."
Overall, Armstrong has been pleased with the progress the Ravens have made in the first two weeks of the season. "This is a young team," the fifth-year head coach said. "We only have two seniors. A lot of the players are in their first year of real varsity experience. Some of the juniors have been on the roster but have not seen significant playing time. We graduated six seniors so a lot of these kids are still adjusting to the speed of the varsity game.
"The first few weeks were an adjustment period. But now we’re starting to play solid soccer."

