It was a performance that will bring the Raiders confidence going into the Union County tournament semifinals Saturday night against Elizabeth. The Raiders were unstoppable against a young Union team, dominating from the opening whistle. 

“I think it was a solid performance on both sides of the ball,” head coach Alex Passucci said. “I’m very pleased with our performance and I think the past couple of games we’ve been creating quite a bit of chances and we’re also finishing right now so very pleased.”

The team feels that they’re in a great place, rebounding from growing pains earlier in the season. After a devastating defeat to Westfield on Sept. 30th, SPF has won 5 straight and are looking to continue this hot streak going into counties. 

“I think right now we’re in a good place,” Passucci said. “The mentality has been tremendous and hopefully we can keep it going.”

Knowing that the opponent is Elizabeth, Passucci isn’t treating this game any differently.

“It’s the semi-finals, I know it’s Elizabeth, we’re trying to approach it as if it’s just another game, another opponent, and we’re going to enjoy this one today,” Passucci said. 

There were five goal scorers on the day, with Senior Isaac Tu leading the team with two. 

“We’re confident and we move from here,” senior captain  Ethan Koseoglu said. “We’re working, this is the best soccer that we’ve been playing, and we’re confident moving into the semis.”

For the players on this team, one thing is on the mind: counties. 

“It’s the next biggest game of the season,” senior Noah Sadler said. “Just got to go out there, go 100 percent once again, no matter who we’re playing, and we’re playing the best team in the state, that’s how we have to go out every time.”

SPF will look to continue their hot streak at Summit Tuesday, October 19 before their highly-anticipated semi-finals matchup against Elizabeth at ALJ, Saturday Oct. 23.