The Hopewell Valley Soccer Club’s U8 Tornadoes won their final game of the season, 1-0, over West Windsor as Max Matticoli scored the game’s lone goal. Offensive pressure was provided by Sam Kinsey, Lucas Medina, Henry West and Tyler Patasnick, while Michael Whitlock, Henry Seas and Dustin Liu controlled the midfield. Evan Powers and Matticoli played well in goal for the shutout, getting defensive help from Ben Marciante and Declan Karp.
The U9 Riptides tied Perth Amboy, 3-3, as Kieran Karp had three assists and Todd Devin scored two goals and Christian Mayer added one. Lukas Ansari and Garrett Wille helped create offensive chances. Matthew Whitlock, Charlie Stocks-Natalias and Dean Mantuano all played well in the goal, and Jackson Pfau, Daniel Golian, Kyle Ingersoll and Rex Peters added solid defense.
The U10 Tsunami defeated the Metuchen SC Strikers, 3-2, to improve to 5-2-2 in MNJYSA Flight 1 league play. Kathryn McCabe opened the scoring off a corner kick by Ava Brass. Andie Cappucci scored the final two Tsunami goals, including the game winner off a free kick. Madison Ayres, Kirsten Ruf and Addie Sullivan provided critical defensive support, while the midfield of Maggie Buglino (assist),Rory Danieluk, Maura Graham and Mae Fesmire created numerous scoring opportunities.
The U10 Bolts tied the Cranford Crew, 1-1, as Ethan Gross scored the game-tying goal with just minutes remaining off a feed from Shane Finnegan. A day later, the Bolts dropped a 3-2 decision to Princeton FC. Liam Sciple scored off an assist from Kevin Ellis, and Ellis tallied an unassisted goal. Princeton scored the game-winner in the waning minutes despite tough defensive play by Henry Garnich, Tom Hooks and goalies Gunnar Casano and Bradley Shreve, who were excellent in both games.
The Blizzard finished the year 7-2-1 and second in their flight after tying the Livingston Lady Lightning in their final game.
After a 2-0 loss to the Lightning, the Blizzard took a 2-0 win over the Readington Freedom despite playing down a player.
In the season finale against Livingston, Sabrina Schrader scored off a corner kick from Kayla Harrison before Livingston tied it in the final three minutes to win the flight championship. The Blizzard got impressive saves from goalie Paige Baxter, while midfield and defensive help came from Amy Olsen, Grace and Tori Reznikov, Carolyn McWhirter and Julia Drake.
