Men's Soccer Edged Out Of Group III Finals

While the members of the Chatham High School men's soccer team will probably replay a lot of the moments of the Group III championship game in their minds the next couple of weeks, don't expect much second-guessing when it comes to the two decisive goals.

Following his team's 2-1 loss to Holmdel in the title game on Friday night at The College of New Jersey, Chatham head coach Gene Foca certainly didn't see a way to prevent either goal.

"Let's be honest, the two kicks were professional-level shots," Foca said. "There was nothing anyone could do about them."

The "two kicks" came off the foot of Holmdel's Dan Metzger. The first goal tied the game with 13:40 to play. The second goal, with 10:15 to play, put Holmdel in position to earn the Group III championship.

Metzger's scores were the only goals Chatham allowed on free kicks all year. In total, Chatham only allowed nine goals in 25 games (the team finished 22-2-1).

Chatham defenders Jack Eisenreich and Matt Proto did a great job all game of breaking up developing Holmdel scoring chances. Eight shots that did get by were pulled in or slapped away by Chatham goalie Brian Ballard, including a diving save in the first half.

"We haven't been scored upon in the run of play for ages," noted Chatham senior Conor Goepel. "Our defense has been unreal. There's nothing you can do about free kicks like that.

"Coming into the season, we knew we had the majority of the attack back and would score goals. We didn't know our defense would play like this. To allow nine goals the entire season is unreal. You can't say anything bad about the defense."

It's also hard to say anything bad about the play of Goepel, who has a knack for scoring in big spots. This included the first goal of the game.

With the game scoreless heading into the final five minutes, Goepel beat a Holmdel defender with a quick move to his left. Goepel carried the ball wide and then kicked back across the field, beating Holmdel goalie Dan Marino with a shot into the right corner of the net.

"Good shot, I guess," Goepel said modestly.

In truth, this was a goal built upon adversity and a lot of hard work.

"I kicked that with my left foot," Goepel noted. "I've broken my right ankle, so I have really developed my left foot over the past few years. I guess it showed in this game. It just wasn't enough to win."

For a long time, it seemed like it might be. Goepel's goal came with 4:24 to play in the first half. The lead held up for the remainder of the first half and most of the second.

Then came the free kicks.

"Holmdel is an excellent team, but it's tough to lose on two free kicks," Foca said.

"Our guys did what they could. They played hard. They played a smart game. Obviously, where we broke down was giving up the two free kicks."

After that, it was kind of out of Chatham's control.

"You have one of the best players in the state taking them," Foca said. "Neither one was one that could be saved by a normal goalkeeper. Hey, it happens.

"Our guys had a great run. I'm extremely proud of them. It was a fantastic season. It was one of the best teams we've had in a while. Holmdel just happens to have a special player that made two  exceptional free kicks."

NOTES: Chatham has previously won 10 state titles, all at the Group II level.  Chatham's last two titles came when they defeated Freehold Boro in 1999 and Hopewell Valley in 1998.