West Orange United Traveling Soccer Team Claims Championship

Chairperson of the West Orange Valley Community Watch, Juan Pintado, also wears another hat — the head coach of the Golda Och Academy boys' soccer team in West Orange. And recently, he accepted a new role, coach of the West Orange United Traveling Soccer Team, leading the girls to a championship.

The West Orange Herricanes'  beat Woodbridge 2-0 June 15  in East Brunswick to capture the Mid New Jersey Youth Soccer Association. It was the first title for the U19 girls title for the West Orange United Football Club. 

Jamie Straus scored a goal in the first half and Barbara Bolanos scored in the second for the Herricanes. Bolanos finished the season with 14 goals.

Melody Boafo, Rachel Zimmer and Sabrina Tan were outstanding and middies Daniela Cojocaru and Melissa Lackey had strong games in the midfield. Keeper Alona Brosh registered her sixth shutout of the year. The Herricanes won despite losing Nubia Rodriguez, who was lost in the first half with a dislocated shoulder. She finished the season with 13 goals.

Pintado said he worked in coordination with West Orange High School girls coach Lou Mignone to help with the traveling team.

"We hope to bring more girls in West Orange to play soccer," Pintado said. "They were looking to bring some qualified coaches in."

Pintado said that has a "b" national coaching license.

The team is sponsored by the Mountaintop League, a non-profit organization that runs the spring and fall seasons.

The team recently received a citation at the West Orange Township Council Meeting and were recognized by officials and the community.

The Herricanes won the Flight III division title, beating Flight II champ Millburn and Flight I champ Woodbridge for the title.

[Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly said the Golda Ochs Academy team won the championship, not the West Orange United Traveling Soccer Team.]