The under-8 boys’ travel soccer team, the Lightning, played with all its might on Saturday, May 14, to defeat the Bridgewater Soccer Club, 7-1.
Serving as goalies were Gavin McCafferty for the first half of the game and Jai John for the second. Hopewell gained the lead early with a goal by Dylan Napoleon and the Lightning struck again with another goal by Michael Whitlock. Dylan scored two additional goals and Ethan Nau scored one toward the end of the second half. Gavin was quick in blocking incoming attacks at the goal.
A well-organized defense included players like Jeremy Siegelheim, Jack Sub, Ethan Nau, and Tyler Yadamiec. The offense included strategic and agile players like Kyle Yadamiec and Logan Gonsalves.
Bridgewater scored its goal in the second half.
This past Saturday, May 21, the Lightning won, 4-0, against East Brunswick National Soccer Club. Dylan Napoleon was a fierce striker, scoring a total of 3 goals.
Michael Whitlock scored one goal to push the score further along. Ethan Nau played goalie for the first half, staving off the offense of East Brunswick. Jeremy Siegelheim served as goalie in the second half. Jeremy was quick to take action to stop East Brunswick from scoring.
Rotating on defense and offense were the agile and fast players Tyler Yadamiec, Eshaan Doshi, Kyle Yadamiec, Jack Sub, Logan Gonsalves, Milan Desai and Gavin McCafferty.
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The under-11 Storm had a 2-1 victory over the Metuchen Rockets on Sunday.
Paige Dumont and Charlotte Kavanaugh each scored one goal. Brooke Hutchinson, Sarah Javick and Julianna Silva did a great job on defense. While the offense Charlotte Kananaugh, Ava D’Alessandro, Caileigh Ross, Lucia Salvato, and Grace Stroman played an aggressive game. Paige Dumont and Charlotte Granato controlled the midfield.
Goalies Lucy Antal and Christina Zelan did great in goal, keeping the Rockets from scoring most of the game.
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The Hopewell under-11 girls Tsunami team finished with three wins and a tie in their final four games of the regular season to claim third place in the top flight of the Middle New Jersey Youth Soccer Association.
On Sunday, the Tsunamis drew, 1-1, against longtime rival West Windsor-Plainsboro Ajax. Andie Cappucci scored the tying goal in the second half off of an assist from Kathryn McCabe. The Tsunami defense allowed the second-fewest goals in the league thanks to the strong goalkeeping of Kirsten Ruf and the backline led by Addie Sullivan, Madie Ayres, Rory Danieluk and Mae Fesmire.
The midfield — led by Leah McManimon, Cappucci and Maggie Buglino — controlled the ball and managed time of possession. The Tsunami offense was supported by Maura Graham, Caroline Mormile and Emma Smith.