Saturday HS Soccer: Holmdel Against Rumson

The Holmdel High School Girls Soccer team picked up a big win on Saturday over Central A divisional opponent Rumson in a hard fought game. Rumson controlled the first half in both time of possession and shots on goal. It was all Holmdel could do to keep them off the scoreboard. But, the outstanding defense led by junior Casey Matthijs, sophomore Maggie Matthijs and freshman Abby Flynn and Cat Rebele, did just that. With about 5 minutes remaining in the half, Holmdel was able to score what would prove to be the winning goal with Gabby Bair delivering a free kick into the box to Hannah Lee, who tapped it into the near post, giving the Hornets a big emotional boost, as well as the lead, to end the half.

The momentum shifted in the second half and it was all the Bulldogs could do to keep Holmdel from scoring a second goal, since the Hornets dominated in shots and time of possession. Holmdel would be denied another goal but that first half goal by junior scoring duo Bair and Lee would prove to be enough, as Holmdel hung on for the 1-0 victory. Senior goalkeeper Helen Burleigh picked up her second shut out of the season.

The girls next play Tuesday night in a home game at Roggy field against Mater Dei Prep at 5:30.

The Holmdel boys did not fare as well and lost to Rumson 3-2. The Hornets got on the board quickly, again, with senior Menos Hiras scoring the first goal in 50 seconds off a pass from senior Gino D’Agostino.

Rumson countered quickly and put up 2 goals in ten minutes on shots from Mike Slutz and Paul Criscitello. That score would hold until near the end of the second half when Eric D’Aleo equalized for Holmdel off a direct kick. With the clock winding down and both teams starting to think ahead towards overtime, Holmdel was called for a penalty with a minute and a half remaining in the game. Rumson’s Jack Luby took a shot from the 40 yard line that connected far post to give RFH the score and the win.

This was the first win for the Bulldogs 1-3-1 (1-1-1) this season. Holmdel’s record now stands at 3-3(3-1). Both the boys and girls varsity teams will face Rumson again in October as divisional opponents play twice in the regular season play.

The Holmdel boys varsity has a week off and play their next game Saturday at Monmouth Regional in Tinton Falls at 10 am. It is a much needed rest for Holmdel from their grueling schedule of 6 games in 12 days and a chance for a few injured players to rest up for the next part of the season.

Please come and out and join me Tuesday night in supporting the girls team. I will see you there.