Holmdel Hornets Vs. Matawan Huskies: Holmdel Takes the Win for Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer

It was a good day for the Holmdel High School soccer program on Thursday, September 11: the boys varsity team secured its first win with their A Central divisional victory over Matawan-Aberdeen Regional High School.

While Holmdel dominated for the majority of the game with the most shots on goal, they were only able to put one of those shots in the net. In the 31st minute of the first half, Brendan Wall dribbled the ball up the field and made a well-placed shot on goal. That shot was deflected by Matawan keeper Colin Thompson, but Holmdel’s Rob Ceriello was there for the rebound and his first goal of the year.

Holmdel’s defensive players Rohan Gandhi, Eric D’Aleo, Brian Healey and Tom Rogan kept Matawan contained for most of the game. Matawan had 7 shots at Holmdel’s goal, but their best chance at scoring came towards the end of the first half when forward Alex Cella gained possession and raced towards Holmdel’s goal with no one to stop him. It was the perfect opportunity for the Huskies to equalize the game, but Holmdel keeper Tyler Marchiano earned the shutout for the game when he left his line and charged Cella to block the breakaway and make the save. On the other side of the field, goalkeeper Thompson- despite letting Ceriello’s rebound slip past him- had 14 saves for Matawan.

The Hornet’s first and only goal would prove to be enough for the win. The Holmdel varsity boys record is now 1-1 (1-0). They face Colts Neck on Saturday in a non-divisional home game at Roggy Field. Game time is 1:30.p.m.

Meanwhile, back at Holmdel High School, the girls varsity team matched the boys for a win over Matawan in a divisional game with a final score of 4-2. Matawan scored first and fast on a goal by Jaida Allison, setting the tone for the action-packed game.

Matawan was not to have the lead for long as Holmdel’s Gabby Bair tied the score with her second goal of the season on an assist from Maggie Matthijs. Holmdel then went ahead on a goal by Lauren Haverlin, assisted by Rebecca Stanziale, bringing the score to 2-1 at the half.

Matawan was able to tie it up in the second half, on a goal by Lauren Conroy, until Holmdel’s Abby Flynn delivered the goal that would put Holmdel over the top for the win, but it was a final goal by Hannah Lee, with an assist by Gabby Bair, that would lock up the game for the Hornet’s win.

The girls record is now 2-0 (1-0). The Holmdel girls next play on Monday, September 15 at 3:45 p.m., at which time they will be taking on their division rival, Raritan, at Raritan High School.

Both high school teams are talented and exciting to watch, so come on out and support both teams. As always, I will see you there!