photo by Peter Warren
The Raiders, currently ranked #2 in the NJ.com Top 20 and #2 in the TopDrawerSoccer SIMA FAB 50, continued their undefeated start with a 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten Hunterdon Central at Wexler Field on Thurs. Sept. 22.
Senior forward Robert Devine-Gelling notched the only goal of the game in the first half when he got past the defense and received a cross into the box that he put past the keeper.
It was Devine-Gelling’s second goal of the season after his game-winner last Thursday against Elizabeth.
The Raiders had other chances throughout the game but could not manage to put the ball in the back of the net.
The Red Devils best chance came with about nine minutes left, but senior goalkeeper Sean Murray made a big save to his right to keep the ball from going into the net.
“It shows a little bit of class and character on [Sean’s] part because of the fact a lot of times, late in the game, keepers fall asleep,” said boys soccer head coach Tom Breznitsky.
Despite the absence of senior co-captain Ryan Peterson (sickness) and senior midfielder David Walker (departed after five minutes due to injury), the Raiders did a good job protecting the lead and limiting the Red Devils chances.
“If you got the lead, all you have to do is manage the game,” said Breznitsky.
SPFHS utilized much of their bench. Eighteen players got minutes for the Raiders as the coaches tinkered with their personal throughout the game.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood is now 5-0 on the season. Their next game is against undefeated and the #20 team in the state Bridgewater-Raritan in Bridgewater on Saturday.