By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
It seems like ages ago that the Montgomery High boys soccer team that endured a winless season.
But the seniors who are part of this year’s Cougar team were all part of the program in 2012, when the team finished 0-17-2. And during that season there were four freshmen who were part of the varsity team, gaining experience that would pay dividends down the road.
“We have four seniors that were part of that team,” Montgomery coach Rickey Steeb said. “Ever since that season that we didn’t win a game we have improved and it has helped us become a better team each year.”
The Cougars have improved steadily since 2012, going 11-4-3 in 2013 and 13-5-1 last year. This year the hard work is paying its highest dividends yet. Montgomery is 11-1-2 this year and on Saturday will play for the Somerset County Tournament championship.
The third-seeded Cougars reached the SCT final with an impressive 4-0 win over second-seeded Gill-St. Bernard’s last Saturday. Montgomery will meet Pingry this Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Nat Torpey Complex in Somerville for the SCT title.
“My boys played very well,” Steeb said. “We had a little bit of a chip on our shoulder. Last year we played them in the semifinals at our place and went down 2-0 but came back and tied it and eventually lost in penalty kicks. We felt like we let one get away. So to have the opportunity again a year later felt really good.”
The Cougars took advantage of the opportunity and dominated the game for their eighth straight win. Christian Espana, Tony Godinho, Rory Kemmerer and Joey LaVake scored goals in the win. David Goldman had a pair of assists and Matt Cabrera made 10 saves to record the shutout in goal.
Now the Cougars get another chance to play Pingry, the only team to beat the Cougars this year. Montgomery fell, 2-1, in overtime when the teams met in the second game of the season.
“We played them earlier in the season lost in double overtime on a penalty kick,” Steeb said. “Both teams were playing pretty well and it was an even game. They called a handball in box in the second overtime and they scored.”
The Cougars have come a long way since that winless season in 2012. They are happy to put that season behind them, but also still use it as motivation.
“None of us ever expected a winless season,” Steeb said. “The players that have graduated the past couple of years, I give them a lot of credit. They were part of that season and paved the way for the seniors this year to know what it takes to win. Last year we had a very good season and in some games we came up short and couldn’t close it out. This year they’re finding a way to win.
“My guys are hard working and with everything that has happened in the past they have learned a lot. In the Skyland Conference day-in and day-out you always play a tough team. That has helped us.”
The Cougars recently wrapped up the Skyland Conference Raritan Division title, which was their first conference title in 11 years. Now they will go after the Somerset County title on Saturday.
