It was quite a first round game for the Boys on Tuesday in Holmdel. Delaware Valley made the long trip down to Holmdel and had a specific strategy in mind: push the game into penalty kicks and see if they could win one from Holmdel. And, you have to admit, most of the strategy worked pretty well. Holmdel out possessed DelVal for most of the game. Holmdel's goalkeeper had 2 saves versus DelVal's 13. Most of the time, DelVals' strategy seemed to be to play everyone on defense and just hope nothing gets in the net. Credit the Delaware Valley goalkeeper with an an outstanding performance of 13 saves and keeping Holmdel scoreless through 80 regular minutes and 2 ten minute overtimes.
On to penalty kicks. Delaware Valley missed two of their first four shots, with Holmdel sinking all 4 and clinching the win in the shootout. Eric D'Aleo, Menos Hiras, Nicolas Zolofra and Santo Arena all scored in the shoot out for the Hornets. Holmdel now faces Raritan at home on Friday at 2 pm. Raritan beat Matawan 1-0 in their first round game to advance to the quarter finals.
Tuesday was senior night for the Holmdel Varsity Boys. It was the opportunity to recognize and thank the 4 graduating seniors for their dedication to the team. The seniors are Jack Flanagan, Jason Kyriacou, Connor Shields, and Matt Swift. All of their teammates and the fans will miss them all next year and wish them the best of luck in college.
Meanwhile, today, the girls also faced Delaware Valley in their quarter final round. The game was pre-played from Thursday due to concerns about inclement weather. Holmdel scored three goals in the first twenty minutes, Gabby Bair had 2, and an assist on a goal by Hannah Lee, and Antonia Arena added a fourth at the end of the second half for the decisive 4-0 win. A shutout to Holmdel's goalkeeper Helen Burleigh and for Holmdel's defense, Ally Marchiano, Claudia Falcone and Casey Matthjis. The Girls now advance to the Central Jersey Group II semi finals which will be played at home on Monday. Game time will be posted in this blog after the Boys game on Friday.
It is very striking as a parent, and especially as the parent of a senior, that every game now could be the last high school game played. The thought is bittersweet.
Please come out Friday at 2 to root on the boys in their next game against Raritan. I will see you there.
