By Bob Nuse, The Packet Group
Even though the Robbinsville High boys soccer team won just four games a year ago, head coach Jason Armstrong could see the program was moving in the right direction.
With a 3-3 start to this season, Armstrong appears to be right.
”This is the best start for us in school history,” said Armstrong, whose team dropped a 4-2 decision to Princeton on Monday. “We have a lot of seniors, 12 on the roster, and most of these guys have been around a full four years. They have learned from years past and were dedicated to having a good season.
”Last year we only won four games. But a lot of little things that we did showed we were getting better, like we never gave up more than three goals in a game. We played a lot of close games and I think that carried over. Last year was a laying the foundation year.”
The Ravens opened the season with a 1-0 win over West Windsor-Plainsboro South on a goal by Brendan Barca. They also owns wins this season over Steinert and Hamilton, also by 1-0 scores.
”I couldn’t have scripted the first game any better,” Armstrong said. “To get a first win against South boosted our confidence. The seniors are very good group of kids. They are responsible, work hard, and they really police themselves.”
Robbinsville’s three captains are seniors Ralph Tetagna and Ryan Dempsky along with junior Dave Pastuna.
”Ralph was a captain last year,” Armstrong said. “I like to have a junior captain each year. And the team voted on Ryan for this year. But I probably have four or five other guys that are like captains.”
The Ravens are hoping the good start to this season carries into the tournaments later in the year. The loss to Princeton was the first this season by more than a goal, so the level of play has been high in every game.
”I think last year we got a 14 seed in state tournament and we went up to North Plainfield,” Armstrong said. “They were the 3 seed and we battled them. We were tied late in the game and they pulled away at the end. This group is very motivated to get in, get a good seed and maybe win a couple games.
”Also they very are determined to win a couple games in the Mercer County Tournament, which we have not done before.”
In the loss to Princeton on Monday, the Ravens received goals from Matt McMahon and Taylor Sankey. The four goals allowed equaled the number Robbinsville had allowed in its first five games, so the defense has been there every game.
Overall, Armstrong has liked what he has seen from his team in the opening weeks.
JP Ranu is another senior and Ryan Fleming also, they are both four-year varsity players,” Armstrong said. “The first couple years they had limited roles but are now two guys who are dedicated and leaders.
”We have 23 on the roster and 12 are seniors. So we have guys returning next year. This class will be tough to replace, but we hope by carrying younger players they can get the experience.”
