Marques' Saves Not Enough to Stop North Hunterdon

The Watchung Hills Regional High School boys soccer team narrowly fell to North Hunterdon High School in Warren on Tuesday afternoon, losing 1-0.

In Short

The Warriors were outplayed for most of the first half but were able to keep the game scoreless.  In the second half, a key stop from goalkeeper John Marques sparked an attack at the other end as senior midfielder Phil Reytan was robbed by North Hunterdon goalie Alex Westlin on a scoring chance where he went to his left and shot towards his right.  Towards the latter stage of the game, North Hunterdon got the only goal on a shot from Connor Ventura that popped out of a scramble in front of the net and rolled into the net.  Sophomore midfielder Dan Fonseca had one last chance late in the game as he snuck behind the defense but shot right into Westlin.

Warrior of the Game

John Marques—The junior goalkeeper kept his team in the game including making a couple sparkling saves.  Midway through the first half he made a save on a low header from Pasquale Suriano, near his far post.  His biggest save come towards the middle of the second half, as he dove to his left on a penalty kick from Charlie Reed, then reached behind to stop the dribbling ball from crossing the goalline.

Other Key Performances  

Jaysen Bohrod (junior), Dylan DeNicholas (senior), and Felipe Gonealves (sophomore) were tremendous on defense.  In the first half, they slid for loose balls, cleared potential scoring chances, and did everything they could to help keep the ball out of the net in the first half against the North Hunterdon offense.

Coach’s Take

“I think we were unlucky with a couple finishes.  I’m proud of the overall work ethic and heart we gave out on the field.” 

“They [the defense] definitely competed.  They gave 100 percent.  They did a really great job…I’m pleased.”—Head Coach Greg Leonow