The Round of 32 competition in the New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cups (11U-14U) has concluded, with teams battling for advancement into the Sweet 16. In the opening round excitement, many matches required extra time, and even kicks from the penalty mark, to decide the winner. As teams inch closer toward the title of State Champion, the battles are expected to intensify.
Let’s look back at the feature games from the Round of 32…
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES 11UB
Monmouth United Soccer Club Premier opened the scoring early against Real Jersey FC, holding on to the 1-0 lead for nearly the entire match. The Real Jersey FC side kept knocking on the door with a tying goal before captain Lucas Orozco finished one time off the cross to lead his team to victory.
“Going down a goal early in the treacherous downpour immediately spiked the intensity of the game,” said Coach Joni Gjyleri of Real Jersey FC. “I am very proud of the group to overcome a bit of adversity in some extreme conditions.”
Real Jersey FC will advance to the Sweet 16 against SJEB Red.
PRESIDENTS CUP 13UG
Jersey South FC Pride took on Rancocas Valley Soccer Club in this Round of 32 thriller. Pride’s Lili Roccato put the Jersey South side ahead on a free kick early on. Rancocas Valley Soccer Club then came back to tie the game 1-1 after an own goal, but the Pride moved ahead when Payton Schwartz fed Lili Roccato through for her second goal. Amiya Miller secured the insurance goal as the Pride secured the 3-1 win.
“It’s always a tough matchup versus Rancocas Valley,” said Coach Stephen Hart of Jersey South FC. “However, I’m very proud of our group and their second half performance. The girls stepped it up a level and were able to finish the game with a solid performance.”
The Jersey South FC Pride will advance to the Sweet 16 against Jersey Shore Boca Jr FC Fusion.
CHALLENGE CUP 14UG
The Wall Soccer Club Stars and Holmdel FC Fury girls battled in their Round of 32 match that ended in a 1-0 favor for Holmdel, with the goal attributed to Paige Piscatelli. The score line also saw Ava Piccione accomplishing the shutout in net.
“Two well matched and familiar teams faced each other in the Round of 32,” said Coach George Yan. “The Stars are always tough competitors, and everyone gave it their all.”
Holmdel FC Fury will advance to the Sweet 16 against New Jersey Rush Gray.
ABOUT NJYS STATE CUPS
The National Championship Series is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, providing winners from each state the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.
The Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.
The Challenge Cup, formerly branded as the Commissioners Cup, is the NJYS State Cup designed to create a challenging and enjoyable event for teams outside of the National Championship Series and Presidents Cup.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email [email protected]. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
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