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It wasn't supposed to end this way. The Pompton Lakes boys' soccer team was handed an early exit from the New Jersey state tournament by an opportunistic Glen Rock team. A goal in the final ten minutes broke a tie and gave the visiting Panthers a 2-1 sports victory.
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Pompton Lakes was seeded 2nd in the North 1, Group II bracket and had a bye in the first round. Glen Rock was seeded 7th and came into the game off a 4-3 victory over Indian Hills in the first round.
The first half was dominated by Glen Rock who seemed to be the more energized team. However, Pompton Lakes was able to take the lead on a goal from a free kick by Alberto Damian from just outside the box. Glen Rock didn’t let down and on a breakaway, Corey Petitt netted the well deserved equalizer. The soccer match was evenly played for the remainder of the half.
Coach Rob Edgar's halftime speech seemed to awaken Pompton Lakes who came out determined to take control of the game. The game was played in Glen Rock's end of the field for much of the half. Glen Rock created a few chances on breakaways which seemed to catch the Pompton Lakes defense flat. Finally, with about eight minutes left in the contest, a through ball the Pompton Lakes goalkeeper could not clear was kicked into an empty net by Ryan Dubelbeiss.
Falling behind in the game deflated Pompton Lakes, which tried to create opportunities but their attacking forwards showed more desperation than cohesiveness. To make matters worse, a Cardinal player was ejected on an extra curricular play leaving Pompton Lakes down a man.
Although their goals were to win county and state sectional soccer titles, this team was a solid squad that will be missed. Edgar said the early elimination was extremely disappointing, noting, “This team was built to win now."
The Cardinals finish the season at 17-3. --Emir Liguori for Jersey Sports Now
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