Millburn Boys Soccer Moves on to Semi-Finals

Millburn downed South Plainfield 1-0 on a late goal Friday afternoon to move on to the semifinals in the North 2, Group 3 NJSIAA Tournament.

Most of the action was in the second half, with numerous scoring opportunities for Millburn and a more spirited attack. Early on Max Okinow narrowly missed the upper corner of the goal with a shot from 25 yards out.

Millburn continued to press with several corner kicks and free kicks but couldn’t get a goal. About half way through the second half, Ori Tamir hit a high ball into the box from the center. The ball took a bounce and hung in the air for what seemed like five minutes.

Sophmore Nick DeGuines saw the opportunity and quickly took it, putting the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0 with 15 minutes remaining. “The defender didin’t go for it” said Deguines.

“It’s nice to be alive," said head coach Rob Grosso after the quarterfinal game. "South Plainfield was solid with a 16-4 record, but our boys are hanging in there and getting the job done”

Millburn takes on Cranford next in the state tournament on Tuesday, but the Millers still have one remaining regular conference game. They'll make up their match with Seton Hall Prep on Sunday in West Orange.