Boys Soccer

November 25, 2010

A family affair in Harrison

The Ruseks

(From l to r) Harrison's Mike Rusek Jr., Mike Rusek Sr. and John Rusek.

By Angela Daidone
HCV Staff

The town of Harrison is approximately 1.3 square miles and is populated by little more than 5,000 households. It’s nestled in between Kearny and Newark and is a stone’s throw from Jersey City. If you drive too fast down its main thoroughfare, you can easily miss it.

But when it comes to high school boys soccer, tiny Harrison stands tall over every other program in the state, and it’s got the credentials to prove it. Read More

November 9, 2010

Feeling blue

Eduardo Sanchez, Harrison

Midfielder Eduardo Sanchez scored twice for Harrison in the second half.

Click Here for more photos from Harrison at New Providence.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

NEW PROVIDENCE – With two goals in a span of four minutes to tie the game midway through the second half, yesterday’s NJSIAA North 2, Group I semifinal seemed poised to be the latest chapter in Harrison’s celebrated history of memorable playoff moments.

But neither momentum, nor history was going to slow down New Providence’s Tim Terrezza. Read More

Boys Soccer Playoffs: Union City's run ends in semifinals

November 5, 2010

Be-Deviled

Hunterdon Central

Hunterdon Central's Brian White (left) competes with Chris Huacon for the ball.

Click Here for more photos from Hunterdon Central at Kearny.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

KEARNY – With 17 wins, a first-ever Hudson County Championship and a state ranking, there is no denying the success the Kardinals have experienced this season. All of those accomplishments are what makes the ending all the more stunning.

Kearny saw its season come to an end in disappointing fashion as they were stung for four goals in the game’s final 17 minutes as they lost to Hunterdon Central 4-0 in the NJSIAA North 2, Group IV quarterfinals yesterday at Harvey Field. Read More

Boys Playoff Soccer: Morales hat trick lifts Union City. Prep falls to State No. 1

November 2, 2010

Mr. November

Union City Soaring Eagles

Kevin Morales (right) celebrates with teammates after his second goal of the game.

Click Here for more photos from Roxbury at Union City.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

UNION CITY – Union City’s Kevin Morales may be one of Hudson County’s top scoring threats during the regular season. But when the temperature drops and the state playoffs start up, the Soaring Eagles’ forward becomes an unstoppable force on the pitch.

Fresh off a breakthrough performance in last year’s playoff, Union City’s own version of “Mr. November” was at it again as he scored a pair of first half goals in a 5-1 win over Roxbury in the opening round of the NJSIAA North 2, Group IV playoffs. Read More

Boys Playoff Soccer: Prep blanks Immaculata, Memorial takes Clifton to the limit

November 1, 2010

Kearny repeats as champs

Kearny Kardinals

Amine Zaouia (in red) and his teammates celebrate after defeating Bayonne.

Click Here for more photos from Bayonne vs Kearny Boys Soccer.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

JERSEY CITY – When Kearny found themselves in the Hudson County finals a year ago, it ended in heartbreak. Yesterday, the Kardinals quickly made sure history would not repeat itself.

Top-seeded Kearny erupted for three goals within the first 19 minutes of the game as they rolled past Bayonne 5-0 yesterday at Caven Point. Read More

October 29, 2010

State brackets announced

Jason Cunha, Harrison

Jason Cunha and Harrison earned a first-round bye in the North 2, Group I bracket.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

On Wednesday, the NJSIAA released the brackets for the State Boys Soccer Tournament which begin on Monday. In total 13 teams from Hudson County have earned spots into the tournament. Read More

Roundup: St. Peter's Prep comes back to defeat Ferris in overtime

October 27, 2010

Roundup: Prep bounces back

Andrew Romero, St. Peter's Prep

Andrew Romero had a goal and three assists for St. Peter's Prep on Tuesday.

St. Peter’s Prep 4, Kearny 0

Andrew Romero had a goal and three assists as the Marauders extracted a small measure of revenge Tuesday night in Jersey City. Read More

October 26, 2010

And then there were two

Kearny Kardinals

Kearny celebrates Danny Vieceli's overtime goal to defeat St. Peter's Prep.

After a full day of action at Caven Point, the matchups for the finals of the Hudson County Tournaments for Boys and Girls Soccer.

The last of the quadruple-header saw the most drama as St. Peter's Prep forced overtime late in regulation. But top-seeded Kearny recovered from the adversity as Danny Vieceli's goal on a free kick lifted the Kardinals to the championship game on the boys side. They will face a Bayonne squad which scored three times in the second half to knock off North Bergen.
Bayonne 3, North Bergen 0 Game Roundup Click Here to View Photos
Kearny 3, St .Peter's Prep 2 Game Roundup Click Here to View Photos

October 17, 2010

HCT: Dethroned

Franco Collechio, North Bergen

Franco Collechio (right) sent the Bruins into the semifinals with a penalty kick goal.

North Bergen 2, Harrison 1

Freshman Franco Collechio’s penalty kick goal was the game-winner to cap off the Bruins’ upset victory in the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament yesterday in Harrison.
Read More

October 15, 2010

Going the distance

Ajani Phillips, St. Peter's Prep

Ajani Phillips scored a first half goal for St. Peter's Prep yesterday.

Click Here for more photos from St. Peter's Prep at Dickinson.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

JERSEY CITY – With the ball 40 yards away, it might not seem as if a goal is imminent. For St. Peter’s Prep and Roberto Chernez it’s where they are at their most dangerous.

Chernez’s powerful leg on free kicks helped set up two goals in a span of 12 minutes as the Marauders blanked Dickinson 2-0 yesterday at Caven Point. Read More

Boys Soccer Roundup: Diawara's penalty kick propels Bayonne

October 13, 2010

Lucky number seven

Kevin Morales, Union City

Union City's Kevin Morales scored the game's lone goal in the 49th minute.

Click Here for more photos from Union City at Ferris.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

JERSEY CITY – One sign of a good team is the ability to win in less than ideal conditions. For Union City, yesterday was an example of dealing with such adversity and still leaving with a victory.

The Soaring Eagles were able to overcome the absence of their best midfielder and rain damaged field to hold off Ferris 1-0 yesterday, extending their unbeaten streak to seven games. Read More

October 12, 2010

HCT: Zuniga's four lead Memorial

Diego Zuniga, Memorial

Senior Diego Zuniga scores four goals in Memorial's HCT opener.

Memorial 6, Hudson Catholic 2

Senior midfielder Diego Zuniga went off for four goals as the seventh-seeded Tigers advanced in the opening round of the Hudson County Tournament yesterday in West New York. Read More

October 10, 2010

HCT: Franco's hat trick lifts NB

Ricardo Franco, North Bergen

Ricardo Franco scored three times as North Bergen advances past Hoboken.

North Bergen 7, Hoboken 1

Junior forward Ricardo Franco posted a hat trick as the sixth-seeded Bruins cruised past Hoboken in the first round of the Hudson County Tournament yesterday in North Bergen.
Read More

October 8, 2010

Kardinals, Bees earn top spots

Dan Freitas, Kearny

Dan Freitas and Kearny is ranked 14th in the state and the top seed in the HCT.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

Behind goalie Tyler Anderson and a deep offensive attack led by Almir Batista, Kearny has earned the top spot in the upcoming Hudson County Boys Soccer Tournament. The Kardinals enter Saturday’s tournament as one the area’s hottest teams, winning five straight games. Kearny, ranked 15th in the state, enters with an 8-1-1 record.
Click Here to read more and view the entire list of first round matchups.

October 6, 2010

Coming to America

Aboubacar Diawara, Bayonne

Bayonne's Aboubacar Diawara recorded his second hat trick of the season.

Click Here for more photos from Bayonne at Memorial.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

WEST NEW YORK – For Aboubacar Diawara, the adjustments he has had to make since coming to Bayonne. Adapting to an entirely new environment and language would be a daunting task for anyone. On the soccer field however, Diawara, a native of Senegal, has felt right at home.

Diawara continued his torrid offensive pace for the Bees, scoring all three goals in Bayonne’s 3-2 overtime victory over Memorial last night at Centennial Field. Read More

September 24, 2010

Back on track

Orly Macias, North Bergen

North Bergen's Steven Zamudio (left) celebrates a goal from Orly Macias (right).

Click Here for more photos from North Bergen at Kearny.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

KEARNY – Games in September normally wouldn’t be classified as “must-win” games, but not for a North Bergen squad coming off of consecutive losses to Bayonne and Dickinson.

North Bergen may have been out-shot and on the defensive for the majority of the match, but the Bruins left Kearny with a much-needed 2-1 victory yesterday at Harvey Field.
Read More

September 22, 2010

Roll Tide

Jason Cunha, Harrison

Junior Jason Cunha had two goals for Harrison in a 7-1 win over Secaucus.

Click Here for more photos from Harrison at Secaucus.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

SECAUCUS – For most teams, having to replace eight starters, including your starting goalie and top two scorers would mean a rebuilding year is on the horizon. But at Harrison, they don’t rebuild, they simply reload.

Even with a roster short on experience, the defending Hudson County champion Blue Tide have continued to roll along as they blew out Secaucus 7-1 to remain unbeaten in the young season. Read More

November 11, 2009

Out of luck

Christian Marulanda Union City

Union City's Christian Marulanda dives for a shot in a shootout against Livingston.

Click Here for more photos from Union City at Livingston.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

LIVINGSTON – Playoff losses are always tough for a team to swallow, but for Union City, this defeat had to be especially painful.

Less than a minute away from a trip to the North 1, Group IV final, the Soaring Eagles were done in by a series of penalty kicks as they fell 2-1 to Livingston in a classic semifinal showdown yesterday. Read More

November 7, 2009

Roundup: Bruins fall in shootout

Amuar Manzamarez North Bergen

Amuar Manzamarez assisted on North Bergen's goal in the 56th minute.

Morris Knolls 2, North Bergen 1 (SO)

North Bergen’s season came to an end losing to top-seeded Morris Knolls in penalty kicks yesterday in the North 1, Group IV quarterfinals yesterday. Read More

November 4, 2009

Pay back time

Christian Marulanda Union City

Union City goalie Christian Marulanda made 11 saves in the victory.

Click Here for more photos from Union City at Memorial.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

WEST NEW YORK – After losing to Memorial in ugly fashion the last time they met up, Union City was hoping they’d get a chance for redemption.

Last night the Soaring Eagles got that chance and took full advantage with a convincing 4-1 victory in the opening round of the North 1, Group IV tournament at Centennial Field.
Read More

More Boys Soccer: North Bergen, Dickinson advance in State Tournament

November 1, 2009

Riding high

kevin lourenco harrison

Kevin Lourenco (6) is carried off the field by Mauricio Andre after Harrison's title win.

Click Here for more photos from Harrison at Kearny.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

KEARNY – During pre-game warm ups, Harrison’s Kevin Lourenco told his teammates he’d deliver on a free kick if given the opportunity against long-time rival Kearny.

Lourenco followed through on his promise when he scored in the 71st minute to give the No. 2 seed Blue Tide a 1-0 victory over the top-seeded Kardinals to win the Hudson County Tournament yesterday at Kearny Stadium. Read More

Roundup: North Bergen downs West Orange

October 29, 2009

...and then there were two

Jimmy Doran Kearny

Jimmy Doran made five saves to give Kearny a 1-0 victory over Dickinson.

Click Here for more photos from Dickinson vs Kearny.

Click Here for more photos from St. Peter's Prep at Harrison.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

HARRISON – The final for the Hudson County Boys Soccer Tournament is now set and it will feature maybe the state's premier soccer rivalry.

After losing to Dickinson twice in the regular season and giving up nine goals in those games, top-seeded Kearny had a huge defensive performance and shut out the Rams 1-0. Later on, Harrison overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit behind a pair of Bryan Aguilar goals in a span of six minutes and defeated St. Peter's Prep 3-1.

October 25, 2009

Washed out

Marco Haffner

Marco Haffner and Kearny held a 3-0 lead when play was suspended due to lightning.

Click Here for more photos from North Bergen at Kearny.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

KEARNY – In a wild game between North Bergen and Kearny in the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament, it only seemed appropriate that the ending would be bizarre as well. In this case, it is an ending that has yet to truly be determined.

Playing in heavy rain for most of the contest, play was halted with around 19 minutes left in the second half due to lightning. After a roughly 45-minute delay, play was suspended with the storm still going and large puddles on top of the turf at Kearny Stadium.

Read More on this game as well as other HCT quarterfinal action

October 23, 2009

Roundup: Bruins blank Rams

Steven Zamudio’s penalty kick in the 10th minute proved to be the difference as the Bruins downed the Rams yesterday in Jersey City. Read More

October 22, 2009

Running with the big boys

Jose Arismendi High Tech

Jose Arismendi and the Lasercats get their shot against the big schools on Saturday.

Click Here for photos from the 2009 Soccer season.

The first round of the Hudson County Tournament for boys soccer may not have seen any upsets. All but one first round match (Harrison vs. Hudson Catholic) ended in a shutout and six of the eight games were decided by five or more goals. However, a first round that may have lacked in drama has set up a quarterfinal Saturday full of intrigue. Read More

October 21, 2009

Roundup: Bruins win 2OT thriller

North Bergen 3, St. Peter's Prep 2

The Bruins’ Leo Solis beat a defender and the goalie for a breakaway goal in the 98th minute to end a wild game yesterday in Jersey City. Just a few minutes earlier, North Bergen goalie Jesus Solis stopped a shot from point-blank range to keep the game tied. Read More

October 19, 2009

Roundup: Rams' Garcia scores 100th

Maxi Garcia Dickinson

Dickinson's Maxi Garcia eclipsed the 100-goal mark for his career on Saturday

Dickinson 9, Hoboken 0

Senior Maxi Garcia recorded the 100th and 101st goals of his career as No. 5 seed Dickinson rolled past Hoboken in the first round of the Hudson County Tournament on Saturday.

Read More

October 16, 2009

Roundup: Garcia sets the tone

North Bergen 4, Bayonne 1

Oliver Garcia had a goal and an assist within the first 15 minutes of the game to propel the Bruins past the Bees yesterday in North Bergen. Garcia opened the scoring with his 10th minute goal. Just five minutes later, he assisted on Willy Cardenas’ goal. Garcia added a second assist in the 70th minute. Read More

October 15, 2009

Blue Tide, Kards earn top spots

Bryan Aguilar Harrison

Many Hudson teams will get their first look at trying to stop Harrison's Bryan Aguilar.

Click Here for photos from the 2009 Soccer season.

Behind goalie Jimmy Doran and the scoring of Leo Chemin and Eddie Silva, Kearny has earned the top spot in the upcoming Hudson County Boys Soccer Tournament. The Kardinals, who were in the Wachtung Conference before this season, are 10-2 thus far.

Click Here to Read More and view the entire tournament bracket.

October 14, 2009

Playoff push

John Paul Herrera Bayonne

John Paul Herrera scored two goals, including the game-winner in double OT.

Click Here for more photos from Memorial at Bayonne.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

BAYONNE – Watching a two-goal lead evaporate in the final 12 minutes of regulation is something that could shake even the most experienced of teams, let alone a squad as young as Bayonne.

But the Bees, a team with zero seniors on the roster, were able to overcome the momentum against them when John Paul Herrera netted his second goal of the game to give Bayonne a 3-2 victory over Memorial in double overtime. Read More

October 13, 2009

Roundup: Cardenas hat trick leads Bruins

North Bergen 5, Tottenville 0

Willie Cardenas continued his staggering offensive hot streak, registering three goals and an assist for the Bruins yesterday in North Bergen. Read More

October 10, 2009

Roundup: Cardenas hat trick leads Bruins

Oliver Garcia North Bergen

Oliver Garcia had a goal and two assists in a North Bergen victory.

North Bergen 4, Ferris 1

The Bruins scored four goals in a span of just 13 minutes to propel them to a convincing victory last yesterday at Bruins Stadium in North Bergen. Read More

October 8, 2009

Higher Ground

Omar Flores Harrison

Omar Flores (right) had a goal for the Blue Tide in the victory.

Click Here for more photos from Harrison at North Arlington.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

NORTH ARLINGTON – A right ankle injury may have slowed down Harrison’s Bryan Aguilar, but the scoring touch is still there.

The senior had a goal and an assist within the game’s first 11 minutes as the Blue Tide cruised to a 3-0 victory over North Arlington. Read More

October 6, 2009

Up to the task

Eddie Silva Kearny

Eddie Silva scored twice as Kearny snapped a two-game losing streak.

Click Here for more photos from St. Peter's Prep at Kearny.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

KEARNY – Before his team’s game against St. Peter’s Prep, Kearny coach Billy Galka challenged forward Eddie Silva to be the offensive presence that the Kardinals were missing in consecutive home losses to Dickinson and Memorial.

Silva, who started the season on the JV team, proved up to the challenge. The junior netted a pair of goals as the Kardinals got back on track with a 3-0 victory over St. Peter’s Prep yesterday at Harvey Field. Read More

October 3, 2009

Roundup: Union City ties

Jesus Amaro Union City

Jesus Amaro made six saves in Union City's tie at North Bergen.

North Bergen 1, Union City 1

The Bruins and Soaring Eagles played to a draw in last night’s division showdown at Bruins Stadium in North Bergen. Read More

October 2, 2009

Roundup: Six score in Bruins victory

Angel Aray North Bergen

Angel Aray was one of six different goal scorers for North Bergen.

North Bergen 6, Hudson Catholic 0

The Bruins scored four goals in a span of just 13 minutes to propel them to a convincing victory last yesterday at Bruins Stadium in North Bergen. Read More

 

September 29, 2009

Roundup: Garcia scores two in Dickinson Win

Maxi Garcia Dickinson

Dickinson's Maxi Garcia had two goals in a win over North Bergen

Dickinson 2, North Bergen 1

Maxi Garcia’s penalty kick in the 72nd, his second goal of the game, proved to be the difference as the Rams earned a road victory last night at Bruins Stadium. Earlier in the contest, Garcia opened the scoring on a direct kick in the 20th minute. Read More

September 25, 2009

Roundup: High Tech downs Community

High Tech 7, Community 0

Jose Arismendi had two goals and two assists as the unbeaten Lasercats stormed past Community yesterday at Laurel Park in Secaucus. Read More

September 24, 2009

Head of the class

Kevin Mayaka High Tech

Kevin Mayaka scored two goals as the Lasercats remain unbeaten this year.

Click Here for more photos from McNair at High Tech.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

SECAUCUS – After winning their first three games with little resistance, High Tech faced their first serious test of the young season yesterday. The Lasercats emerged from the challenge and some early adversity with a 4-1 victory over McNair at Laurel Park.

After winning their first three games by a 21-0 margin, High Tech (4-0) found themselves in trouble late in the first half. The Cougars (4-2) tied the score on a Matt Velazquez penalty kick and momentum seemed to be on their side. Read More

More Boys Soccer: North Bergen wins fourth in a row

September 22, 2009

Agent zero

Jesus Amaro Union City

Jesus Amaro made 12 saves in a well-earned shutout performance.

Click Here for more photos from Union City at Dickinson.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

JERSEY CITY – Silencing the powerful Dickinson offense is a daunting task for any goalie. But on this day, Union City’s Jesus Amaro proved up to the task.

The junior netminder kept the Rams off the scoreboard, recording 12 saves to propel the Soaring Eagles to a 1-0 victory yesterday at Caven Point. Read More

More Boys Soccer: Cardenas scores two for North Bergen

September 21, 2009

Roundup: Bruins down Bulldogs

North Bergen 3, Ferris 1

Willy Cardenas broke a 1-all tie with his goal in the 35th minute to help propel the Bruins past Ferris on Friday in Jersey City. Cesar Ventura assisted on the goal and provided North Bergen (2-1-1) with some added insurance when he scored in the 80th minute. Read More

September 15, 2009

Split decision

Oliver Garcia North Bergen

Despite many scoring chances late, Oliver Garcia and the Bruins settled for a tie.

Click Here for more photos from Memorial at North Bergen.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

NORTH BERGEN – After meeting in the last three HCIAA Coviello finals, there’s no denying that Memorial and North Bergen has become one of the area’s best rivalries.
The HCIAA may be gone, but the rivalry is as strong as ever.

“It’s always a rivalry, the kids know each other so they’re going to play harder,” North Bergen coach John Belluardo said. “It’s always a terrific game. It’s always a one-goal game that can go back and forth any time.” Read More

September 14, 2009

Hayes' 2 goals, 2 assists lead Prep

St. Peter's Prep 4, Regis 0

Andrew Hayes had a big game for the Marauders with two goals and two assists to St. Peter’s Prep to a convincing victory on Saturday in Jersey City.

Matt Woods had a goal and two assists, while Andrew Romero also scored for the Marauders (1-0). Mark Zatta made seven saves in net for the victory.

September 12, 2009

Bruins prevail in season opener

North Bergen 3, Union City 2

John Gusman’s header off a Ricky Franco corner kick in the 45th minute snapped a 1-1 tie and proved to be the difference for the Bruins in a season opening victory over the Soaring Eagles yesterday in Union City.

Oliver Garcia and Amuar Manzamarez also had goals for North Bergen (1-0) and Jesus Solis picked up the win in net.

Roberto Fernandez scored both goals for Union City (0-1)

 
1st
2nd
Total
North Bergen (1-0)
1
2
3
Union City (0-1)
1
1
2
 
NB: Oliver Garcia (unassisted) 5th minute
UC: Roberto Fernandez (unassisted) 35th minute
NB: John Gusman (Ricky Franco) 45th minute
NB: Amuar Manzamarez (unassisted) 72nd minute
UC: Roberto Fernandez (unassisted) 75th minute
 

Goalies: NB: Jesus Solis; UC: Christian Marulande