Soccer Team Ekes Out Win Against A.L. Johnson

But the Raiders answered more than six minutes later when reliable senior center-middie Mike DelSordi converted a penalty kick with 2:14 left in regulation to deliver a 2-1 victory. The win improved the Raiders' record to 4-0.

The win came at a price. Star senior Johan Hernandez re-injured his left knee late in the second half and is likely lost for the season. He was taken off by cart. Hernandez missed all of last season after he recovered from surgery on the same knee.

"Johan might be lost for the season,'' said Raider coach Tom Breznitsky, whose team is already without one of its co-captains—senior defender Joey D'Annunzio.

The Raiders gathered while Hernandez was taken away. They were obviously concerned and it showed early on after the break as Johnson had several chances that were snuffed by Raider keeper Anthony Zukofsky.

"The coach came over and talked to us about Johan and said just because he is hurt doesn't mean it should be the end of our season,'' DelSordi said. "But you could tell by the play after 10 minutes that we were down a little bit, but we picked it up."

The game was tied at one when Hernandez was hurt. But a tripping call led to DelSordi lining up for the penalty kick.

"He and Johan don't miss," said Scotch Plains-Fanwood coach Tom Breznitsky. "Mike hasn't missed a PK ever. He's the money man. He hits the ball with great accuracy. Nobody is saving that shot."

Hernandez assisted on senior Brian Kahn's goal with 2:43 left in the first half. Breznitsky said the team needs more of a killer instinct.

"We have to do a better job of finishing,'' the coach said. "Our first three games were 3-0, 1-0 and 1-0. With the caliber of team we have, which is exceptional, we need to do a better job of finishing. We get that first goal and then it's time to get a second and a third."