Glen Ridge HS boys’ soccer team advances to section quarterfinals

GLEN RIDGE, NJ (updated Tuesday Nov. 1, 2:52 p.m.) – The top-seeded Glen Ridge High School boys’ varsity soccer team defeated 16th-seeded Newark Collegiate, 10-0, in the first round of the state North Jersey Section 2, Group 1 tournament on Oct. 31 at Watsessing Park.

GRHS had nine scorers. Cole Travia scored two goals. Sean Callaghan, Flynn Martin, and Arran Robertson each had a goal and an assist; Ethan Huang, Greg McCormick, Ryan Twitchell, and Camilo Vieolla each had a goal; and Davis Brandell, Matt Frattura, Kyle Kleinberg, and Gaetan Ternes each had an assist. Grant Naylor made two saves.

The Ridgers, who improved to a 12-5-1 record, will host eighth-seeded North Arlington in the quarterfinals Nov. 3, at 2 p.m. at Watsessing Park. The winner will face the winner between fifth-seeded Ridgefield and fourth-seeded Secaucus in the semifinals on Nov. 7. The final is Nov. 10.

GRHS head coach Steve Reitberger said gaining the No. 1 seed is important since it allows the team to play at home. But after the first round, anybody can win, Reitberger acknowledged.

“Once you get down to the final 8, everybody is competitive,” said Reitberger.

The Ridgers know they have to raise their level of play if they hope to go deep in the state tournament.

“You have to bring your ‘A’ game and be ready to play,” said Reitberger. “If we bring our ‘A’ game, we’re tough to beat, but everyone is competitive.”

In earlier play, Ternes scored a goal in the 2-1 loss at Orange on Oct. 25.