WEST ORANGE, NJ — On a beautiful Friday afternoon, Sept. 24, the Seton Hall Prep soccer team defeated Millburn, 6-0, at Brendan P. Tevlin Memorial Field in West Orange. The victory marked legendary coach Marty Berman’s 500th in his outstanding career. His current record stands at 500-190-64 in his 36 years as the head coach of the Seton Hall Prep soccer program.
Following the game, Berman commented about his career at Seton Hall Prep. “I have been blessed with unbelievable kids to coach, even in the lean years, just great kids. I am also blessed to be at an amazing school. The leadership at the top of Seton Hall Prep with Msgr. Michael K. Kelly-President, Michael Gallo-Headmaster, and Larry Baggitt-Athletic Director and before him Joe Walsh, have always been very supportive of me and the soccer program.” Senior goalie Aidan Batista followed in his father’s footsteps. His father Art was also a goalie for Berman and graduated in 1990. “I really believe that there is not much difference from what it was 36 years ago in that coach Berman continues to run a first-rate program and teaches us how to win,” said young Batista. “I feel very fortunate to be here now playing goalie for a man my dad played for 30 years ago.” Another player who has had family members play for Berman is senior Joaquin Niehenke, whose father, Mike, Class of 1991; uncle BJ, Class of 1993; and older brother Seba, Class of 2020, all played for Berman. “It has been great growing up in this positive environment. To be the fourth Niehenke to play for coach Berman is just great for all it has meant for our family, both on and off the field,” said Joaquin.
Against Millburn, the goal-scorers were senior Brian Sheehan, second of the season, junior Karan Chauhan, second; Niehenke, sixth; senior Kleon Voliotis, second; and sophomore Eddie Krupski scored his second and third of the season. The following had assists: Sheehan, junior Alex Oladapo, senior Charles Giordano, Chauhan, senior Dan Spezzacatena, senior Noah Cueva, junior Peter Batanjany and senior Drew Ligotti had two.
Last Tuesday, Sept. 21, the Pirates hosted and defeated Belleville, 7-2. The goal-scorers were Niehenke, Chauhan, Krupski, senior Sean Bragdon, junior Gideon Zalis and senior David Schuster scored two goals, his third and fourth of the season. Assists were earned by Oladapo, Ligotti, Giordano, Sheehan, Krupski, Batanjany, senior Edward Zazzali and senior Michael Ouatu.
The seeding meeting for the upcoming Essex County Tournament will be held Wednesday night, Sept. 29, at Montclair Kimberley Academy at 7 p.m. The semifinals will be held at Caldwell HS at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday,Oct. 12, and the final will be held at Belleville HS on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 5 p.m. Last year’s tournament was postponed due to COVID-19.. Seton Hall Prep defeated Montclair, 1-0, in the 2019 final for its sixth title.
Among the titles that Berman’s teams have captured are:
1 – NJISAA Prep Schools “A” Division
1 – NJSIAA Northeast, Non-Public Region
3 – NJSIAA Non-Public “A” State Title
5 – NJSIAA Non-Public “A” North State Title
6 – Iron Hills Conference – Iron Division
6 – Essex County Tournament
7 – Super Essex Conference – American Division
Photos Courtesy of Rich Morris/SHP
Action photos vs. Belleville
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