Nick Kriak
UNION, NJ – The Seton Hall Prep varsity soccer team ended an outstanding season, being edged by Christian Brothers Academy, 1-0, in the NJSIAA Non-Public “A” New Jersey State Final at Kean University’s Alumni Stadium in Union on Sunday night, Nov. 13.
The Pirates finished the season with a stellar 19-3-2 record.
Matthew Thorsheim’s goal with 7:58 left in the second half was the difference. SHP outshot CBA, 4-1.
Following the match, senior captain Ryan Vazquez commented, “We fought the whole night, but we could not break through their defense.”
Head Coach Marty Berman, who completed his 31st year at the helm, said, “To get to this point of the season, it takes a lot of skill and a little bit of luck. We had a great group of players that never gave up. We could have folded when Delbarton tied us in the Non-Public “A” North final late in the match, but we did not. We played on the road all season, but we did not let that get to us.” SHP’s new turf field is being built. Berman added, “We won the SEC (Super Essex Conference) American Division Title, which is by far one of the best divisions in the state, and we captured the Non-Public “A” North Title, which is the best section in the state. CBA is a super team and we probably brought out the best in them. A lot of talent is graduating, but we also have some great players coming back next season.”
The Pirates are ranked in the following polls: Topdrawersoccer.com: New Jersey: No. 6. East Region: No. 10. National: No. 39. News 12 Varsity: New Jersey: No. 5. Tri-State: No. 12. NJ.com: Top 20: No. 3. Non-Public: No. 2. Super Essex Conference: No. 1.
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