2nd Annual Defend The Keeper Soccer Fundraiser Set For Friday

WALL, NJ — A year ago, Jake Connellan was just trying to show a good friend how much support he had from friends and family.

Now, Connellan, a Wall High School sophomore, organized the Defend the Keeper event last year to raise funds to help his friend, New Jersey State Trooper Michael Oehlmann, as Oehlmann battled lymphoma.

Oehlmann, a former goalkeeper and a mentor to Jake, helped the now 16-year-old defender as he returned to the pitch after suffering a broken leg.

“Mike helped me find my passion for the game again," Jake said last year. "He kept me motivated, pushing me to be a better player and made me realize in soccer, we are never alone. We all stand by each other regardless of what jersey we wear.”

A year later, Oehlmann has completed his chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Now, Jake, Oehlmann, Jake's sister Courtney, and the Wall Soccer Club have banded together to build on the 2015 event.

"We had such an overwhelming amount of support last year," with more than 400 people attending the event, Jake said. "Mike was able to come and spend the day, surrounded by soccer. Players from all over the State of New Jersey, all different ages, celebrating the one man and his love for the game of soccer."

This year's event is scheduled for On Friday, November 25, at the Wall Soccer Club complex at 1900 Baileys Corner Road, Wall. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registrations for the 6v6 event are still being accepted at the Defend the Keeper website. Click here for more information. The cost is $25 per player and includes a T-shirt. Spectators also are welcomedd, and there will be a penalty kick shootout exhibition for goalkeepers.

"Please join Mike and I as we welcome all soccer players, regardless of skill level or club affiliation to come and participate in a fun day of soccer," he said, "a day where we all wear the same color jersey, standing together, as one team, where no player gets left behind."

Jake Connellan and Michael Oehlmann at the 2015 Defend the Keeper event. Karen Wall photo