The MTSC Netgrocer.com Strikers went 3-0 this week, and took a three-point lead in the race for the Flight Championship with victories against the Montclair Cosmos, Linden Metros and Metuchen Warlocks. The Montclair Cosmos started strong and really had the better end of play during the first half, forcing Monroe deep into their own half. However, a much more determined team took the field in the second half, and a nice give-and-go play between David Knotts and T.J. Benedict ended with T.J. firing the go-ahead goal midway through the second half. Ryan Osborn played well in the midfield, helping to create offensive opportunities for his teammates. Matt Sepe was called upon to make several key saves in the net before Dan Lemelman connected on a pass from David Knotts to give Monroe breathing room and a 2-0 victory.
The next match-up was a "Clash of the Titans," as the only two unbeaten teams — Netgrocer.com Strikers and Linden Metros — met at last. Linden struck first, taking the lead on a corner, but the Strikers fought back and tied the game when Brian Rudowitz equalized after a nice pass from Kevin Comerford. Just before halftime, Tim Gran set Brian Rudowitz up for his second goal and the Strikers took the lead for good. Dillon Card gave the Metros all sorts of problems in the second half. The Strikers’ defense, led by Tim Gran, Dillon Tringali and Rich Zheng, played hard and strong and Matt Sepe made some outstanding saves to preserve the win.
Finishing off a fine week of soccer, the Strikers took on the Metuchen Warlocks next. Eric Somers returned from the DL after his broken toe, and he played a strong first half in goal, never really allowing the Warlocks a solid scoring opportunity. Meanwhile, T.J. Benedict gave his team the lead after a fine individual run. Matt Sepe pounced on Eric Somers’ goal kick to send Dan Lemelman a fine through ball for the second Monroe goal. David Knotts added to the scoring after some fine passing from Nick Lazarro. Just before the half, Dan and Matt combined again for Dan’s second goal of the game.
In the second half, the Strikers made adjustments to account for Metuchen playing short. Kevin Leatherwood took his first-ever stint in goal and made some fine saves. Richard Zheng came very close to getting a goal, hitting the post no fewer than seven times in all. Matt Sepe got a goal after another nice assist from Nick Lazarro. Dillon Card finally got his long-awaited goal after a fine second half of breakthrough runs and fine play.
The Netgrocer.com Strikers play Linden Metros again on Sunday in the flight playoff match. A victory or tie would give the Strikers their first flight championship.
The East Brunswick Bombers U10 Cerbo League team maintained its winning ways by beating Hazlet, 8-4. Six runs scored in the first inning on consecutive RBIs by Brian Connors, Ryan Hensperger, Troy Zeiger, Joey Zapata and Ryan Berdoff. Brian Connors had another strong outing by pitching three no-hit innings, followed by Joey Zapata (no runs, one inning).
The East Brunswick Bombers improved their record to 6-1-1 by beating Milltown 11-8. Fourteen different players reached base, led by Ian Alexander (3 RBIs), Joey Zapata (2 RBIs), Rich Yura (RBI), Michael Holihan (RBI), Troy Zeiger (RBI), and Frankie Granito (RBI). Alec Metsch came in to pitch with the tying runs on base, and recorded the save by getting the last batter to foul out to the catcher.
Fast Break Basketball Association Inc. will hold June registration for grades 2 through 10 for the 2004/2005 season. Registration for the 2004-05 season will begin in the morning of June 5. On this day, registration will be in-person only. Mail-in registrations will be accepted after June 5. Registrations mailed in before June 5 will be returned to sender. East Brunswick residents given first priority on closed-out programs.
To register, obtain a registration packet at www.fastbreakbasketball.org. Print out the registration packet, read the entire packet, and fill out the forms prior to coming to the in-person registration — June 5, 8-10 a.m. at the Hammarskjold School cafeteria, 200 Rues Lane, East Brunswick. The cost is $80 per child for East Brunswick residents, $90 per child for non-East Brunswick residents, and $30 per child for Buddy Ball
Programs include co-educational for grades 2 through 10; and girls only for grades 2 through 5 Buddy Ball Pals.
Fast Break Basketball Association is dedicated to teaching the fundamental skills of basketball, and creating a fun and safe environment for all who participate, according to the association.
For further information, contact Fast Break Basketball at www.fastbreakbasketball.org. or call (732) 432-0048.
Golden Bear Chargers Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading of Spotswood and East Brunswick will hold registration June 10 from 6-8 p.m. at the Spotswood Municipal Building on Summerhill Road. Every player or cheerleader receives a reduced registration rate and a free GBC water bottle this time only. For additional information, call Gina at (732) 251-2234 or Eileen at (732) 251-2814.
East Brunswick Soccer Club will hold tryouts June 10 and 11 for the boys U10 Premier travel team EB Force for the fall season. Interested players (all positions) with birth dates between 8/1/94 and 7/31/95 may contact Coach Peter at (732) 208-3032.