UCT: Linden Prevails on PK's

(This article written by team dad Jeff Bamundo)

In a game that started and felt very much like the ALJ victory the night before, Governor Livingston met with a far different and more costly result when it lost on PKs to Linden in its UCT Quarterfinal match Tuesday, 4-2. 

The first half saw the same control of possession and opportunities for GL, a sharp opposing goalie, and a scoreless first half.

Even the first goal of the game, which came early in the second half, saw the Highlanders (11-1-1) claim a 1-0 lead.  It came from a needle-threading cross to the back post by Julian Light to Louie Marke who swept the ball into the net as Linden’s outstanding Keeper, Anthony Matias, could not quite get back across his line to block it.

From this point on, however, Linden (5-6-2) started to play stronger and give GL much more work to do all over the field.  They may not have cashed in on their chances but they did send a warning that they would not go away quietly.

To the many supportive fans watching this match, something else seemed to start to appear in the field and flow of play.  It looked like the GL squad was showing signs of fatigue, perhaps as a result of the previous night’s work vs. Johnson.  At one point, Linden’s GK Matias could be heard yelling out to his teammates “they’re getting tired”.  And that may have been part of the reason why GL did not cash in on some good second half and OT opportunities that would have gained them the victory.

But it was not to be this time around and the Highlanders found themselves tied after a scramble in front of goal and a missed clearance that resulted in the teams being at 1-1 when Linden’s Paul Taranawski knotted the affair with about 6 minutes left in regulation.

The first 80 minutes finished that way and the teams went through the first and second OT with both sides having good chances but none finding the net. 

And then there was the shootout.

GL got what they wanted and went first.  Michael Bamundo stepped up and coolly buried the shot in the far right corner – even though Matias, continuing his sparkling play on the day, guessed correctly and dove to that side.  A good start for the Highlanders.  And in the subsequent rounds, Jeramey Robbins also connected on his attempt for GL.

But otherwise, it was all Linden as none of their 4 shooters missed their well-taken PKs and Matias was able to make two solid saves to secure the win and a date with the winner of the Union-Rahway match on Saturday in the UCT Semi-Finals to be held at Kean University.

So now comes the ‘times that try (young) men’s souls’:  GL must put this one behind them, prepare for regular season matches that will come fast and furious over the next week, and gear up for the all-important State Tournament. 

This talent-laden squad will be looking to its Captains and Seniors to step up and get them ready for what is expected to be a tougher level of competition.

And knowing they come from good stock, with most having played together much longer than just their High School years, they should be confident in their own and their teammates’ abilities to get the job done.

Upcoming matches:  Oratory 10/21 (H), Dayton 10/24 (H), New Providence 10/25 (A), Summit 10/27 (H) – Senior Day===========================================