November 4, 2011

Rory Duffy and St. Peter's Prep won their 10th-straight game last night after beating Don Bosco. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Don Bosco at St. Peter's Prep Boys Soccer Photo Gallery

JERSEY CITY – During the course of its impressive regular season, St. Peter's Prep gradually started to attract attention from beyond their Hudson County confines. In their state tournament debut, the Marauders sent a not so subtle reminder to the rest of the state that they are a team to be reckoned with.

Playing in what might have been its best performance on the season, St. Peter's Prep dominated  Don Bosco Prep 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA Non-Public, North A tournament, looking every bit the part of a title contender in the process.

"It was definitely one of our top performances," head coach Josh Jantas said. "What I think was crucial about today, and we've talked about it throughout the season, is putting a full 80 minutes together and that's what we did today."

"This season we had some good games, but I think this was the best game we've ever played as a whole team," added sophomore Juan Gomez.

Playing for the first time in nine days, the third-seeded Marauders (18-1) quickly set the tempo to erase any concerns of rust from the layoff. St. Peter's made it clear from the start that it's combination of speed and technical skill would be a problem all night for the visiting Ironmen (8-6-3).

After a couple of near-misses early, the Marauders would strike on Andrew Romero goal just inside the near post off a pass from Matt Prieto. St. Peter's would add to its lead just three minutes later when Gomez uncorked a rocket from 45 yards out to further stun the sixth-seeded Ironmen.

"I had it coming, I just felt it," said Gomez, calling it the longest goal he's ever had. "It's just one of those shots you never make."

"That was an incredible strike," Jantas said. "You can't call it lucky because Juan's done that several times this year. Any time Juan's within 35 or 40 yards away from the goal, if he turns on a ball, he can score."

Romero would add his second tally of the game in the 62nd minute on a give-and-go with teammate Rob Capone. The score was one of many plays on offense to leave the Caven Point crowd in awe as the Marauders overwhelmed the Don Bosco defense with their ball control and passing.

"It's amazing knowing that we have the speed and agility to get there and work for that ball and score and finish it away," said Romero.

Rutgers-bound goalie Ryan Baird made six saves, including a diving save in the 11th minute, to post the shutout. John Power made eight saves in net for Don Bosco Prep.

With the win, St. Peter's Prep advances to face Seton Hall Prep in the semifinals. But before then, the Marauders will square off with Harrison in Sunday's Hudson County Boys Soccer semifinals at Kearny High School. With potentially four games against state-ranked opponents next week, the 14th-ranked Marauders know this is an opportunity to make itself known as one of the state's premier teams.

"It's going to be a tough road and we know it," Jantas said. "But we're hoping we can at least show we belong."

Rob Capone (on assist) and the Marauders advance to face Seton Hall Prep in the next round. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Don Bosco at St. Peter's Prep Boys Soccer Photo Gallery