Austin Lloyd, NJ Youth Soccer
The 96 quarterfinal matchups for the NJYS 11U-14U State Cups have concluded, with 48 teams securing their placement in the semifinal round of the tournament.
With each victory, teams inch even closer to their goal of being crowned a state champion. Action will continue on November 6th to determine at the NJYS State Cup Semifinals, with winners advancing to the final round on November 7th.
Let’s look back at the action from the quarterfinals…
Challenge Cup
12U Girls
MSC Fire Red defeated Monmouth United SC Premier, 2-1, in a ‘Friday Night Lights’ match-up. Siena Buffolino scored to give Middletown the lead, with Monmouth equalizing before halftime. Ayla Paladino netted a goal off a free kick outside the penalty area to secure the win for Middletown Fire Red.
“We expected a hard, physical and close battle,” said Mattia Buffolino, Team Manager for MSC Fire Red. “That is exactly what we got tonight! Hats off to our defense and goalie to keep them to only one goal. It was a great team effort.”
13U Girls
The TBAA Minions were victorious in the quarterfinal match up against Lyndhurst through a 2-0 score line. Xara Krzywicki neatly placed a goal off a Maddie Cardone corner kick, with Marissa Conatser netting a second goal for the Minions. The 2-0 score line is the second shutout of the tournament for TBAA.
President’s Cup
13U Girls
PSA Princeton took on STA USYS in a competitive quarterfinals game, seeing PSA claim their semifinal spot on a narrow 1-0 score. Teamwork on a clearance from PSA defender Prisha Vij led to a through-ball from PSA midfielder Abby Mundhenk, where PSA forward Anna Hefele was able to put away the lone goal of the game from outside the penalty area. Both teams’ defensive units held firm for the rest of the match, which ultimately resulted in a 1-0 win for PSA Princeton.
“It was a competitive game, and the girls stepped up and played with confidence and composure,” said Natalie Wilson, PSA Princeton coach. “We are very proud of them.”
National Championship Series
13U Boys
Hoboken City Futbol Club secured a spot in the National Championship Series semifinals with a 3-1 victory over West Morris SC Premier. Both teams fought hard in tough rain conditions, with two goals from Vincent DeCock and another from Shane Kirk deciding the outcome.
"This game was a battle of conditions - mental, physical and environmental,” said Tarek Yakoubi, Hoboken City Futbol Club coach. “We conquered all three."
13U Girls
NJ Blaze took on Rancocas Valley SC in a hard-fought match, seeing NJ Blaze move ahead with a 1-0 win. The lone goal of the game was scored by Amelia Berent in the 18th minute of play, earning the NJ Blaze side a second consecutive trip to the NJYS NCS Semifinals.
“I’m extremely proud of this group of players and looking forward to the semifinal round,” said Fausto Klinger, NJ Blaze coach. “Hats off to the Rancocas Valley team for leaving it all on the field!”
To read more about the 2021-2022 NJYS State Cups, click HERE.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email [email protected]. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer