Sports Shorts

The Allentown United U14 girls played their season-ending game on Sunday, away at Wall. United had already secured their place in the Premier division for another season, and were sitting comfortably in third place going into the game.

Wall, however, needed a win to secure their future. After several years in the top flight, they were in danger of getting relegated unless they came away with the three points. The game kicked off, and right from the start, United applied plenty of pressure, trying to get the early goal. Wall stood firm, and were able to turn back all attempts, while at the same time mounting several dangerous counter attacks. It was from one of these counter attacks that they were able to force a corner, that was quickly taken. The ball was pumped into the area where United managed to clear it away from the goal, but only as far as the 18-yard line. Here it was collected by a Wall striker who fired a shot into the back of the Allentown net, leaving keeper Diana Braun no chance. Wall would take that slim lead into the break knowing that if they could hang on for another 35 minutes, their future in Premier soccer would be secure.

United on the other hand were playing for pride, and after a quick tactical discussion, they came back out ready to play. Again they pressed forward with both Ashley Perritt and Chelsea Donnigan coming close with shots, Shelby Doll worked tirelessly in midfield trying to get the equalizer. After about 20 minutes of the second half, Dawn Taylor launched a 30-yard shot high into the air and over the Wall keeper, only to see it bounce off the crossbar and back into play. This was as close as they would come to scoring. Wall continued to play very strong defense, while also launching their own attacks on keeper Braun at the other end. She was forced into making several key saves on a couple of occasions actually coming out of her area to tackle a Wall striker who had gotten past the United defense.

The game finished with the one goal separating the sides, Wall had gotten the win they needed. United went home losers, but proud of the effort they'd put in on this day, and the season in general.

Next week they have a friendly scrimmage against Hamilton GAK before heading to Wildwood at the end of the month to defend their Beachblast Champions title that they won on the sand last year.

The UFA 40 played at home on the weekend to Sayreville. The visitors would arrive shorthanded, in need of a couple of players to make up the 11. Locals Didier Mory and Scott Perritt volunteered, donned a neutral shirt and the game got under way on time.

The home side wasted no time getting their name on the scoreboard, Amaro Pereira netted a fine goal after only five minutes on a nice through ball from Zee that he ran onto and slammed past the visiting keeper. The game stayed that way until the 35th minute when birthday boy Scott Perritt, guesting for Sayreville, got the equalizer, firing a nice shot past goalkeeper Martin Scarano into the net. That would be the only time UFA's defense would be breached. In the second half the home team went on the rampage. Pereira would add two more goals to complete his hat-trick. Steve Sinai would get two, one a brilliant strike with the outside of his foot that blasted the ball into the roof of the net. Danny Teixiera got two and Zee rounded out the scoring with a cheeky little chip over the advancing goalie in the dying seconds of the game. UFA ran out 8-1 winners, setting them up for a tough game next week away to Middletown.

The Millstone Stingers U-9 boys travel soccer team proudly finished in first place this past weekend. With winning the top spot in the National I, MOSA division, next year will bring the Stingers to the Premier level - MOSA's highest division for their top seeded teams.

With the Stingers' only loss this season to the Bricktown Sharks, victory was the battle cry at Stinger Stadium. The Sharks attacked quickly with a goal scored within the first five minutes. From that point on, the Stingers unleashed an onslaught of kinetic offensive play within Bricktown's defensive game. Midfielder Nick Sample was able to direct traffic up and down the field at his own pace, while earning a hat trick, and an extra goal to boot. With triangular play moving toward the cage at various angles, the Stingers were set up for numerous options involving their give-and-gos to the forwards in the wings, and back again for close, centered shots taken within the box. Striker Connor Bednarz earned a goal with a blitz run from the corner to nail a shot within the 18. Finding the uncovered open spaces was midfielders Zach Reutsch and Bryan Walkley, who tirelessly pushed the ball up field to ignite an attack by the receiving forwards. With frequent substitutions from a strong reserve, the Stingers sharpened their sting with forwards Paul Haines, Kevin Towle, Nick Pritchard, Jack Giglia, and Conor Murphy. The entire offensive squad stepped up with crisp passing, breakaway runs and numerous crashes at the cage.

The Stinger defense continually netted any wayward Sharks swimming within Millstone United territory; the Stinger "Wall" shifted and adjusted their tempo to the quick and skillful play of Bricktown. Center defensive back Jordan Herzog deflected shots taken from the middle of the field, with daring dribble interceptions taken from charging strikers. Rotating on the left and right backs were David Cifelli, Thomas Malik, and Justin Paglia. Fast footwork on the flanks, along with power punts aimed downfield and out of bounds frustrated the hungry Sharks in keeping their numbers low. The Stinger defense proved to be very effective this season in marginalizing their opponents passing and running game.

Standing sentry at the cage were goalies Jack Giglia and Nick Pritchard. Both keepers made numerous saves by bravely squaring off with both player and ball. Their collective efforts at the goal post have not only won games, but kept the Stingers with the lowest number of goals scored against any team within the division.

Prior to this past weekend, the Stingers participated within the Manalapan Memorial Day Tournament. They ended strong with three wins and one loss against top-ranked Premier teams across the state. Coaches Bryan Walkley and Brian Bednarz would like to thank all of the Stinger parents and family for their wonderful support throughout the season, and especially the boys who make it all worthwhile.