Holmdel Boys and Girls Soccer Take Home Wins Over Monmouth Regional

Photo: Holmdel Seniors (from L to R) Danielle Pantaleone, Jaime Roth, Coach Jennifer Conroy, Cassidy Wall, Helen Burleigh and Kellie Mendez.

As the two high school varsity teams head into their last regular season games against St. John Vianney, a recap of today’s highlights and the past week.

Holmdel Boys Varsity:

Well, for the Holmdel boys varsity team, the season has not quite gone as planned. Yet, things are starting to look up as the boys have put together a 4-0-1 record over the last 5 games, giving up only 1 goal in the process.

Today, the Hornets travelled to Tinton Falls to play against Monmouth Regional. Senior, Robert Ceriello was able to score Holmdel’s first goal around the one minute mark and junior Rohan Gandhi added a second less than two minutes later on the way to Holmdel’s 4-1 victory. Gandhi was able to add his second goal of the day to put Holmdel up 3-0 midway through the first half. Monmouth Regional tried to mount a challenge as Antonio Illiano sent a shot ricocheting off the cross bar that bounced straight down and just over the line for a goal, bringing Monmouth within 2. But, a second goal by Monmouth was called back as off sides and then Holmdel senior Gino D’Agostino was able to add a fourth goal, effectively putting to rest any counter attack Monmouth could raise. Junior Nick Chrystal had 2 assists and D’Agostino had 1.

With today’s win, the boys improve their record to 7-6-1 (6-4-1) and guarantee themselves a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament which will begin next week. Seeding for the tournament is Monday night. Teams need a .500 or better record to qualify for the SCT.

Since October 3rd, Holmdel was able to improve their record by defeating Raritan 1-0, Manasquan 3-0, Middletown North 1-0 and with a tie against Rumson- Fair Haven in a scoreless game.

The boys play their final regular season game this Saturday at 2 pm at Roggy field against St. John Vianney. This game will also be senior “night”. This game is set aside to honor and recognize the senior players and their families for their contribution to the Holmdel High School soccer program.

Girls Varsity Soccer

The girls were able to get back on track tonight with a dominant 3-0 win over Monmouth Regional. The Hornets’ goals were scored by juniors: Hannah Lee , Gabby Bair, and Casey Matthijs. Matthijs scored on a corner kick lofted into the box by freshman Kailey Flynn. Also, credit junior Rebecca Haverlin with an assist on the first goal by Lee.

Tonight was senior night honoring the Holmdel High School girls varsity graduating seniors: Helen Burleigh, Kellie Mendez, Jaime Roth, Danielle Pantaleone, and Cassidy Wall. It was also girls night for the Holmdel FC, the town’s travel soccer organization. The players from 4 girls teams came out to show their support for the hometown varsity team and played in a scrimmage game during halftime.

The girls now improve their record to 11-4 (9-2). The Shore Conference Tournament also starts next week for the girls, who are guaranteed a spot and should receive a favorable seed due to their strong record. A high seed may give the girls a bye in the first round of the tournament and possibly allow for home field advantage through the initial rounds.

The girls get back on the winning track today after losing 4 straight: to Ocean Township (2-1), Manasquan (2-0), Rumson Fair Haven (2-1) and a heartbreaker yesterday to Shore in overtime (3-2).

The girls last regular season home game will be Saturday at St. John Vianney against the Lancers at 2 pm.

Please come out and support both of Holmdel’s high school varsity soccer teams. Put on your Hornets blue and show your community spirit.

Photo credit to Mike Roth.