VIDEO: Newark Academy wins state title over Moorestown Friends | ||
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Aman Patil admitted that his goal wouldn't remind anybody of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. But for the Newark Academy boys' soccer team, it was a thing of beauty anyway. Patil's goal with under nine minutes left lifted the Minutemen to a 2-1 win over Moorestown Friends for the Non-Public B state championship. It's just the second boys' soccer state title for Newark Academy in school history.
The winning goal came off a corner kick for the Minutemen. Miles Park, despite being closely marked, managed to send the ball towards the net. A defender at the far post went to clear it out of danger, but Patil blocked the clearance, and the ball caromed off his knee and into the back of the net. Newark Academy had clear control of the game throughout the first half, but managed only one goal. Park deflected in a cross from Nathaniel Charendoff with about 12 minutes to go before halftime. Several other chances for the Minutemen were denied by goalie Josh Murdy or the Foxes' defense. The Minutemen seemed to be satisfied with the one-goal lead after halftime, but Moorestown Friends continued to struggle to create chances. Suddenly, though, the Foxes struck with less than 14 minutes to play. Eric Price sent in a cross and Matthew Mullock headed it home to tie the game. Moorestown Friends tried to push its advantage, and created one more good scoring chance, but Newark Academy soon had the ball at the other end for Patil's game-winner. Murdy made six saves for Moorestown Friends, which won the South sectional title for only the second time ever. The Foxes finish at 12-9-1. Brett Luing had six saves for the Minutemen. Newark Academy, which also won the title in 2007, finished the year at 15-7-1. For sports video highlights of this New Jersey high school boys' soccer state championship match, click play in the box at left. |