Red Devils Eliminate Patriots in NJSIAA Soccer Tournament

Patriots boys soccer tied Rancocas Valley, 1-1, during regular play but fell to the Red Devils in penalty kicks, thus ending their state tournament run.

This round of the tournament started with Rancocas Valley possessing the ball.  After several passes, Freehold Township caused a turnover and dominated the first half. Township had taken several shots but was unable to capitalize on their efforts. At approximately 33 minutes into the game, Corey Morris scored the first goal for the Patriots, making the score 1-0.

The second half started with the Patriots in possession of the ball and the wind favoring Rancocas Valley. This half continued to be a physical game between the two teams, with Rancocas receiving one yellow card. With one minute and thirty seconds remaining on the clock, Joel Straker received an assist from Aaron Muse and scored a goal for Rancocas to tie the game.

The game progressed to two 10-minute overtime halves with neither team scoring. Next came the first round of penalty kicks, where the score was once again tied with three scored penalty kicks for each team. The second round of penalty kicks was sudden death, and this is where Rancocas scored the winning goal.

Following the game, Patriots coach Todd Briggs told his players to walk off the field with their heads held high. Though disappointed by the loss, he was proud of his team for their hard work and dedication, he said. He told them that they had a lot of heart and character and played great soccer individually and as a team to earn the spot in the state quarter finals.