Tonight let's start with the boys. Holmdel versus Raritan. Yes, there is a bit of a rivalry here. These two towns face off in football every Thanksgiving day. Seems in soccer, Holmdel has things under control. Tonight, Holmdel traveled to Hazlet and beat the Rockets 2-0.
The first goal came in the first half, Santo Arena, on the outside, pass to Gino D'Agostino who scored from the 18 yard line. The score remained that way until just under 40 seconds remaining in the game when freshman Brendan Wall had his first high school career goal with a beautiful shot from 40 yards out. Sophomore goalkeeper Tyler Marchiano had 5 saves including a diving save at the end of the first half to keep Raritan from scoring and preserve a shut out.
Holmdel won its first game of the season this past Friday when they traveled to Brick Memorial. The Hornets scored two goals in the first half to win 2-0. The game was very physical, marked by three red cards against Brick Memorial. The first came with just over 12 minutes left in the first half. Brendan Wall was past the last defender and was on a breakaway to the goal when he was taken down from behind in the box. A penalty was called and the first red card was issued against Brick Memorial who played the rest of the game down 1 player. Holmdel scored on the penalty kick by Eric D'Aleo. Jason Kyriacou scored again for Holmdel less than two minutes later. That was all the scoring for the game. Holmdel's defense led by Conner Shields, Nick Zolofra and Brian Healy kept Brick Memorial far away from Holmdel's goal with only 3 saves by the goalkeeper. Brick Memorial received two more red cards in the second half: one to their coach and one more to another player in the last minute of play. There were more than a half dozen yellow cards issued in between.
Holmdel is now 2-0 (1-0;1-0). Their next game is a big one. Holmdel plays Rumson-Fair Haven at home at 6:30 Monday September 16th. RFH is favored by some polls to win the Central A Division but I am confident our boys will have something to say about that Monday night. It's a big game please come out and support our team.
Meanwhile, the girls rolled on and beat Raritan at home 3-1. Sophomore Hannah Lee had 2 goals in the first half and assisted in the second half on a third goal by senior forward Jessica Moskal. Holmdel Girls Varsity is now 2-0 (1-0;1-0)
The girls play Rumson Fair Haven at RFH 6:30 Monday night.
It's a tough decision. Which game to attend? Boys Varsity at home or Girls Varsity away. You can't make a wrong decision here so pick one and come out and support our high school players.
I will see you there.
