BY JAMIE HAZEL
Sports Editor
The girls soccer team opened their season 4-0 and found success against their toughest rivals, paving the road for an outstanding season.
On September 7, in the season opener, the girls won 1-0 against local rival Monroe. The game remained tied 0-0 until the second half when Morgan Nelson scored the game winner on a penalty kick. “I was very nervous, but it was a great feeling,” said Nelson. “I love having the responsibility to take [penalty kicks] and step up in the moment when it is most needed!”
Last season, the girls lost to Monroe 2-0 in their second game of the season. Monroe went undefeated in the red division, but Old Bridge has already ruined their chances repeating that feat. “We have implemented a lot of new things like drills and bonding techniques that have helped us a lot!” said Nelson.
On September 10, the girls made history beating East Brunswick 2-1. “The highlight of the season has been beating East Brunswick. We have not beaten them since 2019,” shared senior Lily Zanfini.
After falling behind 1-0 in the first half, junior Olivia Cusick scored and tied up the game with an assist from fellow junior Anijah Formanek. “It feels absolutely amazing to beat these two teams,” expressed Cusick, also referencing the win over Monroe. “It is a huge relief defeating them after continuously losing to them year after year.”
Alyssa Penn came through and scored the game winning goal. “Our senior class this year is stronger than ever before, and the past years have given us time to build and grow together to form really great team chemistry,” said Alyssa Penn, one of the nine seniors on the experienced team, who are supplemented with outstanding underclassmen, such as sophomore Nicole Nolan who assisted on the goal. Nolan played varsity as a freshman and has really stepped up to replace the girls lost to graduation.
On September 12, the girls kept their winning streak alive with a 3-0 victory over Sayreville, who went undefeated in the regular season last year. “Many of our girls were sore from the hard-fought victories against our rivals Monroe and East Brunswick in our two previous matches, but we came out strong nonetheless,” said junior defender Sofia Cota. “With Lyssi Penn and Morgan Nelson putting in two goals early in the first half, we were able to settle down and get the job done.”
Freshman goalie Jessica Lane had 12 saves this game and has proven to be a significant part of the team’s success. “I think the key so far has been to not get in my head about things and working hard not only to improve my skills but for my team as well,” said Lane.
Lane added 11 more saves September 14 when the girls beat Edison 10-1 with contributions from every grade and position. “One of our defenders, Lexi, actually got a chance to run up and score, which doesn’t happen too often for our defense,” proudly shared Alyssa Penn, referencing her twin sister’s first career goal.
“Our chemistry on and off the field is the best I’ve seen it since I have been here,” shared Nelson. The girls demonstrated this against Edison when 11 different girls scored or assisted on goals in one game.
Within only the first four games, the players have already made a name for themselves, and opponents know to be scared when showing up to Geick Park. They will face Montgomery tomorrow at 4pm. Be there!
Posted on 9/16/24
Photos by Kaylee Weingarten
Knight Life 