November 21, 2010
No escape
A trio of Montclair defenders bring down Antonio Pacheco after a third-quarter catch.
Click Here for more photos from Union City at Montclair.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
MONTCLAIR – For Union City, this year’s postseason provided not just an opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the state, but extract some revenge from earlier in the season. One week after defeating West Orange in a rematch from earlier in the year, the Soaring Eagles got a crack at a Montclair team which had stunned them on the final play back in the season opener.
The eighth-seeded Soaring Eagles were unable to repeat the trick from a week ago as their Cinderella playoff run ended with a 35-12 loss yesterday at Woodman Field in the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV semifinals. Read More
November 19, 2010
Union City at Montclair
Dominick Montanez and Union City look to avenge a Week 1 loss to Montclair.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
North 1, Group IV
Union City (6-4) at Montclair (5-4)
Saturday, 1 p.m.
After last week’s 19-14 upset over top-seeded West Orange, Union City won’t be sneaking up on anyone heading into tomorrow’s semifinals. If Montclair needs a reminder of how dangerous the visiting Soaring Eagles can be, it only needs to go back to this season’s opener. Back on Sept. 11, the Mounties squeaked by Union City 27-22 thanks to a 58-yard touchdown pass from Nate Crutchfield to Khalif Herbin on the game’s final play.
Read More
November 9, 2010
Union City blanked in semis
Senior goalie Jesus Amaro made 17 saves in net for Union City.
West Orange 1, Union City 0
The Soaring Eagles saw their season come to an end at the hands of one of the country’s top teams yesterday in the semifinals of the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV tournament.
Read More
November 5, 2010
UC wins in final minutes
Kevin Morales' three goals led Union City to the North 1, Group IV semifinals.
Union City 3, Morris Knolls 2
Kevin Morales snapped a 2-all tie with just two minutes left as the Soaring Eagles advanced in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV tournament yesterday in Union City. Read More
November 2, 2010
Mr. November
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
October 31, 2010
Out of the shadows
Dickinson's Jose Veras had the top time in Hudson County Championship Meet.
Click Here for photos from the Hudson County Championship Meet
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE - For the Dickinson boys cross country team the secret is out. In recent years the Rams have experienced great success within Hudson County with little fanfare.
But as Dickinson locked up a third-straight title at the Hudson County Cross Country Championships yesterday at Steven Gregg Park, the state has had little choice but to take notice of the Jersey City school’s rise as legitimate challenge in the state. Read More
October 28, 2010
Championship look
Gabriela Sarrate capped off her senior season with a First Singles championship.
Click Here for photos from the Hudson County Tournament Finals
JERSEY CITY - When Union City’s Gabriela Sarrate made it to the Hudson County First Singles title match a year ago, it would be a pivotal moment in her career. Sarrate may not have left with a title, but rather a blueprint to what needed to be done.
These adjustments would pay off as a physically and mentally stronger Sarrate captured the championship which eluded her a year ago with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 victory over Kearny’s Angie Garma during Monday’s Hudson County Individuals Championships at Lincoln Park. Read More
October 17, 2010
HCT: Dethroned
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 13, 2010
Lucky number seven
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 10, 2010
In command
QB Brandon Napoleon threw for 105 yards and a touchdown in a win over Union City.
Click Here for more photos from Union City at St. Peter's Prep.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – Brandon Napoleon knew of the pressure facing him this season. Moving from safety to quarterback would be enough of a challenge for most. But Napoleon also had the daunting task of replacing an All-State QB in Raphael Ortiz and leading a team with state title aspirations. Read More
Boys Soccer: Harrison, St. Peter's Prep, North Bergen among HCT winners
Girls Soccer: Holy Family shuts out Dickinson, Secaucus advances.
October 2, 2010
Far from done
Sophomore Nick Espana returned a second quarter interception for a touchdown.
Click Here for more photos from Bayonne at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – When the Soaring Eagles got off to a disappointing 0-2 start, head coach Wilbur Valdez’s message was clear – this season was far from over. Fast forward two weeks and now Union City’s goal of a playoff berth is back in its sights.
The Soaring Eagles are now 2-2 as they scored 33 unanswered points to defeat Bayonne 33-3 last night at Roosevelt Stadium. Read More
Complete Week 4 Football Schedule
September 17, 2010
Looking for answers
Union City's Ed Ayala (left) tackles Lance Smith (42) for a loss in the first quarter.
Click Here for more photos from West Orange at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – As Union City head coach Wilbur Valdez addressed team after a 21-6 defeat to West Orange last night at Roosevelt Stadium, there was one thing he wanted to make clear. The Soaring Eagles may be 0-2, but their season and playoff hopes are not over.
“I think they definitely understand that,” Valdez said. “We told them all along that the first two weeks were against very good opponents. We’re not going to let down at all. It’s six weeks until the cutoff (for playoffs), we feel we can win some of those games and we’re going to get after it.” Read More
August 30, 2010
A new era
Ed Ayala is a three-year starter at LB and team leader for Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
Knee injury sidelines Union City's Matias
May 18, 2010
Playing with a purpose
Willy Tavares is mobbed by his teammates after his game-winning single.
Click Here for photos from Memorial at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – As he was being mobbed by his Soaring Eagle teammates, Willy Tavares’ mind was on more than just his team.
Playing with a heavy heart just one day after the death of his grand father, Tavares delivered a walk-off RBI single in Union City’s 5-4 victory over Memorial in the first round of the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV tournament. Read More
May 16, 2010
HCT: Bruins, Soaring Eagles advance
North Bergen's Anel Sotolongo had five RBI in a HCT win over Kearny.
North Bergen 11, Kearny 1
Anel Sotolongo blasted two homers as the second-seeded Bruins stormed into the semifinals of the Hudson County Tournament last night in North Bergen. Read More
May 14, 2010
Flight school
Dickinson's Terrol Ishmail lands his long jump winning leap of more than 19 feet.
Click Here for photos from the HCTCA Championships.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS - The HCTCA Championships kicked off yesterday with the field events with the Dickinson boys and Bayonne girls taking early control at the top of the leader boards.
The Rams had a stranglehold on the jumping events, taking first place in both the high and long jumps. Junior Jose Veras took the high jump crown with a leap of 6’6” and Terrol Ishmail’s jump of 19’3.5” was tops in the long jump. Dickinson Dan Jean (fifth, long jump) and Hassan Hamed (tied third, high jump) also placed in the events. Read More
May 12, 2010
HCT: McNair, Harrison advance
Theodorous Economou had 17 assists for fourth-seeded McNair.
Peter Sikorski had 10 kills, five digs and three blocks as fourth-seeded McNair swept past fifth-seeded Union City 25-17, 25-21 in the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament yesterday in Jersey City. Read More
May 11, 2010
Roundup: Union City clinches
Union City's Victor Lebron tossed a three-hit shutout yesterday.
Union City 10, Hudson Catholic 0
Victor Lebron pitched a three-hit shutout with nine strikeouts as the Soaring Eagles locked up the NJTCC Hudson County Division A regular season championship yesterday in Union City. Read More
May 5, 2010
Roundup: UC holds off Memorial
Victor Lebron had three hits at the plate and nine strikeouts on the mound.
Union City 8, Memorial 5
Antonio Borges had three hits and picked up the win in relief for the Soaring Eagles yesterday in West New York. Read More
May 4, 2010
Roundup: Union City wins in eighth
Willy Tavares had a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning for Union City.
Union City 6, St. Peter’s Prep 4
Willy Tavares plated with Ray Cassens with a single to break a 4-all tie and Edwin Hererra added a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning for the Soaring Eagles yesterday at Caven Point. Read More
April 30, 2010
Roundup: Bees even score with UC
Rafal Kierznowski's 11 kills and six blocks were both match-highs for the Bees.
Richie Boyle had nine kills, seven digs, four aces and three blocks as the Bees knocked off Union City 25-14, 19-25, 25-23 yesterday in Bayonne. Read More
April 29, 2010
Roundup: Lebron excels for UC
Union City's Victor Lebron struck out 12 and had three hits, including a homer.
Union City 8, St. Mary’s 6
Victor Lebron struck out 12 batters in six innings and delivered three extra-base hits at the plate to lift the Soaring Eagles yesterday in Union City. Read More
April 27, 2010
Holding on
Union City's Andres Martinez had 23 assists in the win over Memorial.
Click Here for photos from Union City at Memorial.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
WEST NEW YORK – For Union City it was all about regaining confidence.
After controlling play for most of the third game, the Soaring Eagles found themselves on the verge of self-destruction as five consecutive Memorial points put would had been a certain victory, in peril. Despite the tense situation, Union City would ensure this win would not get away as they held on for a 21-25, 25-16, 25-21 victory yesterday. Read More
April 20, 2010
Roundup: Caraballo drives in three
Union City's Kevin Caraballo got four hits yesterday against Hudson Catholic.
Union City 7, Hudson Catholic 5
Kevin Caraballo was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate for the Soaring Eagles yesterday in Jersey City. Read More
April 19, 2010
HCV's All-County Teams
HCV's All-County Second Team selection Ramon Martinez averaged a double-double.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The balls have been put away and the lights have been turned off on a 2009-2010 high school basketball season in Hudson County that certainly wasn't lacking in memorable moments.
As we say farewell to the 2009-2010 season, here are our selections for Hudson County Varsity's First Annual All-County Teams.
HCV's All-County Boys Basketball Team
HCV's All-County Girls Basketball Team
April 17, 2010
Roundup: Union City, Prep hold on
St. Peter's Prep third baseman Marc Hanna went 2-for-3 with a run and a RBI.
St. Peter’s Prep 4, Bayonne 3
Mike Martucci was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate as the Marauders held on for the victory yesterday at Caven Point. Read More
April 15, 2010
Roundup: Hit parade for Union City
Union City infielder Kevin Caraballo had two triples against Bayonne.
Union City 15, Bayonne 0
Victor Lebron was dominant with the bat and on the mound as the Soaring Eagles scored five runs in the opening inning and never looked back yesterday in Union City. Read More
April 13, 2010
Off to the races
North Bergen's Danny Rondon won the 1,600 by more than eight seconds.
Click Here for photos from Patriot Invitational 2.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS - Yesterday's second stage of the Patriot Invitational was certainly a memorable one for the Dickinson boys track team. The Rams took home three first place finishes in the seven events for the boys. Jose Veras led the charge for Dickinson, winning the 110 high hurdles and finishing second in the long jump, an even which saw the Rams take home the top three spots. Read More
Baseball Roundup: Ventura's four hits lead Union City. Prep tops North Bergen
April 11, 2010
Roundup: Matias goes deep for UC
Union City's Jose Matias slugged a two-run homer yesterday, one of two hits he had.
Union City 12, St. Mary (Rutherford) 2
First baseman Jose Matias’ two-run homerun was the big blow in a nine-run fifth inning as the Soaring Eagles earned their second win in a row yesterday in Rutherford. Matis finished 2-for-3 on the day for Union City (3-3). Read More
April 9, 2010
Home sweet home
Union City's Jefry Castro struck out seven batters in a complete game effort.
Click Here for photos from Memorial at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – Coming off of a 1-3 road trip to start the season, Union City knew it was imperative to open up their home schedule on a winning note.
Playing in their first-ever regular season game at their new rooftop field, the Soaring Eagles couldn’t have envisioned a better opening as they stormed past Memorial 10-1 yesterday at Roosevelt Stadium. Read More
April 8, 2010
House of Kards
Shortstop Janitza Aquino went 3-for-4 with three runs scored for Kearny.
Click Here for photos from Kearny at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – For Kearny shortstop Janitza Aquino, all she needed was just one pitch to make her presence felt.
The junior took the first pitch she saw and laced it into left for an RBI double to give the Kardinals a lead they would never relinquish as they held off Union City 10-7 yesterday at the Midtown Athletic Complex. Read More
March 10, 2010
On the move
Wilbur Valdez takes over as the head coach at Union City after seven seasons at Ferris.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
When he was scouting Union City from the opposing sidelines, Wilbur Valdez could see the potential was there for the program to become something special. It is now up to Valdez, who officially was named the Soaring Eagles’ head coach last week, to transform that potential into on-field success. Read More
February 23, 2010
Roundup: Lincoln wins at the buzzer
Lincoln's Jamall McDaniel had 20-points, including a game-winning 3-pointer.
Lincoln 63, Hoboken 60
Jamall McDaniel’s fade away 3-pointer from the top of the key as the buzzer sounded to give the Lions a thrilling victory last night in Hoboken. Read More
February 21, 2010
Roberts, Fluellen lead Prep to semis
Chase Fluellen had 15 points and 12 rebounds for Prep against Union City.
St. Peter’s Prep 81, Union City 43
Eleven different players scored for the Marauders led by Ronald Roberts’ 18 points as top-seeded St. Peter’s Prep advanced to the semifinals of the Hudson County Tournament yesterday in Jersey City. Read More
February 17, 2010
Roundup: Brooks scores 27 for Lions
Forward Tre Brooks had a game-high 27 points for Lincoln on Senior Night.
Lincoln 79, Union City 58
Seniors Tre Brooks and Jamall McDaniel had double-doubles on Senior Night as the Lions built up a quick lead and never looked back last night in Jersey City. Read More
February 14, 2010
Home sweet home
Samantha Sysak scored 17 points as Holy Family advanced to the HCT quarterfinals.
Click Here for photos from Union City at Holy Family.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – Playing in a division comprised of the county’s smallest schools, Holy Family had been nothing short of dominant this season. But how would they fare against the bigger schools that the Falcons once played on a regular basis?
Yesterday, in one of their first cracks against the bigger schools, Holy Family responded with what might have been their most impressive performance of the season – a 70-34 victory over Union City in the first round of the Hudson County Tournament. Read More
January 28, 2010
Roundup: Aquino scores 1,000th in Kearny win
Kearny's Janitza Aquino scored 27 points to eclipse 1,000 points for her career.
Kearny 55, Union City 42
Junior Janitza Aquino scored her 1,000th career point as the Kardinals used a big fourth quarter to emerge victorious on Tuesday in Kearny. Read More
January 24, 2010
Cool under pressure
Robert Ramos scored all eight of his points on free throws in the last 3:23 of the game.
Click Here for photos from Memorial at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – Shooting free throws with the game on the line can be a nerve-wracking experience for any player. For Union City’s Robert Ramos, it was anything but that.
Ramos connected on eight straight free throws in the final 3:23 as the Soaring Eagles outlasted Memorial 60-53 yesterday afternoon. Read More
January 6, 2010
Growing up
Freshman guard Alexis Wilson had five of her seven rebounds in the second half.
Click Here for photos from Marist at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – For most of the season, Marist has had to rely heavily upon the veteran trio of Antoinette Blake, Desiree Denmark and Ashley Vazquez. But during the most pivotal stretch of their 58-49 victory over Union City, was when the two youngest starters – Angela Randle and Alexis Wilson – rose to the forefront.
Randle and Wilson combined for eight points during a 10-0 run late in the third quarter and early fourth that allowed the Royal Knights (5-2) to pull away and earn the win. Read More
January 5, 2010
HCV's All-County Team
Rutgers and UConn are among the many colleges interested in left tackle Josue Matias.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The 2009 high school football season in Hudson County is in the books and while this season ended without anyone taking home a state championship, there were no shortage of memorable moments. Read More
December 28, 2009
Coaches make their picks
Union City's Josue Matias made the NJTCC Division 4 First Team at offensive tackle.
Recently coaches made their selection for All-Conference honors for football. Here are the coaches' selections for All-Conference in NJTCC Division 4, NJTCC Division 6 and the BCSL National. Read More
December 24, 2009
Second effort
Robert Ramos scored eight of his 11 points in the second half for Union City.
Click Here for photos from Union City at Hoboken.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HOBOKEN – For the first half, the Union City boys basketball team looked every bit like an offense that was hamstrung by the loss top scorer Jonathan Agurto.
The Soaring Eagles’ offense experienced a dramatic turnaround in the second half as the trio of Eury Almonte, Ramon Martinez and Robert Ramos combined for 27 second-half points to lift Union City towards their first win of the season, a 53-48 victory last night at Hoboken.
Read More
December 18, 2009
Boys Basketball Overview
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
In addition to our season previews on High Tech, St. Anthony and St. Peter's Prep, here is a closer look at some of the other teams to watch this season in Hudson County. Read More
November 11, 2009
Out of luck
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 4, 2009
Pay back time
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
October 30, 2009
Dream finish
Senior Angelika Dabu won her third straight singles title and finishes her career 76-3.
Click Here for photos from the Hudson County Tournament Finals
JERSEY CITY - On the eve of the Hudson County Tournament First Singles final, County Prep’s Angelika Dabu experienced something that had never happened to her – a loss to a Hudson County opponent. But this loss wasn’t on the court, but in a nightmare. Read More
October 23, 2009
Singles, doubles finals set
Union City's Gabriela Sarrate advanced in the First Singles final with a 6-0, 6-3 win.
Click Here for photos of semifinal action from the Hudson County Tournament
JERSEY CITY - The Hudson County Tennis Singles and Doubles Championships continued yesterday at Lincoln Park with the semifinal round. Nine different schools were represented in the 10 matches that took place. County Prep headlined the group with representatives in each of the five tournament semifinals. Read More
October 3, 2009
Won't be 'D'-nied
Anthony Salcedo and the Bruins defense has allowed just 24 points in four games.
Click Here for more photos from North Bergen at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – After last week’s tough defeat to Teaneck, North Bergen was looking to bounce back and send a message. Through an array of blitzes and pressure, the message was sent loud and clear, as the Bruins used a dominant defensive performance to shut out Union City 14-0 last night at Roosevelt Stadium.
“That’s the whole thing about the Bruins,” Quarterback Peter Ramanand said. “Our defense just comes harder and that gets the offense to come out fired up and score points.”
September 26, 2009
Reversing history
Bryant Worts led the Bulldogs with 155 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Click Here for more photos from Ferris at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – This nightmare was all too familiar for the Bulldogs.
For the second straight week, Ferris had seen a two-score lead vanish in the fourth quarter. But when head coach Wilbur Valdez addressed his team before the start of the overtime session, he saw a different look in his team than the week before in Nutley. Read More
September 22, 2009
Agent zero
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
August 21, 2009
Take 2 for Union City
New QB Pedro Aragon (left) should make Union City a passing threat.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY - Expectations were high for the Soaring Eagles last year, their first after the merger of rivals Union Hill and Emerson. The transition was not as smooth as originally hoped as Union City dropped four of their first six en route to a disappointing 5-5 record.
“We’ve been through the transition phase of getting the two high schools to come into one,” head coach Joe Rotondi said. “The team unity and sense is a lot better.” Read More
Click Here for more photos from Union City's football practice.