Lauren Perrotta

Lauren Perrotta has played many roles during her high school career – from Rusty in Footloose to Eponine in Les Miserables and this year she will be Rosalia in the high school production of West Side Story. While none of the parts were the lead roles, Eponine is one of the most unforgettable characters in Les Miserables and trivia buffs may remember that Rusty helped launch the career of a young Sarah Jessica Parker.

But Perrotta’s best part may a non-fictional one as team leader of the Scotch Plains Fanwood Girls soccer team which had a smash run in Union County this year, finishing with a stellar 17-3-2 record and making it to the sectional finals. In the second round of the state tournament, Perrotta exhibited her usually suffocating marking to hold
high scoring West Morris-Mendham star Jessica Bitsack without a shot in a game the Raiders would win in a penalty kick shootout after 100 scoreless minutes.

Perrotta, a first team All Union County selection as a defender last year, picked up where she left off, playing an uncompromising style of aggressive defense and shutting down whatever opposing forward has the misfortune to play against her. In addition to her defensive skills, Perrotta is a virtual coach on the field, helping teammates mark the correct player and constantly yelling encouragement.

“I've always been a very vocal person on and off the field. Sometimes I may be too vociferous, but for the most part the team keeps one another in check,” said Perrotta.

“She plays in the back because everyone can hear her back there,” joked her father John.

Perrotta was the leader of a young but very talented defense which includes sweeper Allie Zazzali, stopper Lisa Camarda and goalie Lauren Mains all sophomores as well as senior
Carly Wells and freshman Bridget Cornwell. The Raiders’ first unit yielded just twelve goals the entire year and Perrotta is quick to spread the credit around.

“Allie Zazzali is a really strong sweeper and the anchor of our defense. All four of us on defense interact with Lauren Mains throughout the game. She's an amazing keeper. It's our second year playing together so we really know to play with and for each other, at practice and in games, “ said Perrotta.

“It’s great having her back there,” said Mains. “I know she will always clear the ball away from our end.”

While the Raiders have a strong and balanced scoring attack, Perrotta rarely ventures up the field into the opponent’s goal area. She understands her role perfectly.

“I can't say that I like defense better than offense, but I can say that I think that's the position where I can help my team out the most. To me, it's equally rewarding to stop someone from scoring than to actually score. “

Ironically enough, Perrotta was injured in a non-contact situation, spraining her ankle in a rut on the Raiders’ home field.
“Getting injured your senior year is definitely frustrating,” said Perrotta.
“It's the last time you're going to play with your high school team and to miss a week, or even one game is really hard. When the doctor told me I'd sprained my foot and that I would miss two weeks of the season I said to him that I'd be seeing him in one week ready to play.

“ That following Tuesday I was cleared and I only missed two games. The team and my coaches were really supportive, making sure that I was taking care of my injury and not pushing it too much. The girls knew how hard it was for me to miss two key games in our season, but I wouldn't have been able to get through that week without their support.”

Perrotta’s injury happened at an inopportune time but the Raiders were able to overcome her absence and defeat two previously undefeated teams, Bridgewater Raritan and Kearny. Perrotta never doubted that Scotch Plains would survive her absence.

“One person doesn't make a team, I knew they could do it. While it was frustrating to sit on the bench I knew that being a captain isn't just about playing on the field but what you do off the field too. Since I couldn't play with them I knew it was what I saying on the bench that would make a strong, positive difference, “ said Perrotta.

“All of us on the team like to think that we're a great team, not just a group of great individuals. They played really well together and I couldn't have been more proud of them. Every game we have to play our best despite who is able to play and who isn't.

“ I don't think I am the only leader on the team. Jessie(Sapienza) and Jenna (Balestriere) are awesome captains. I think we've set a really good attitude for this season. All the seniors have been great leaders this year too,” said Perrotta.

“I just try to do what I'm put in the game for. Each game I make sure that I'm playing my best and giving it my all. My goal every game is simple; make sure that they don't get the ball and score ,” said Perrotta.

Perrotta relishes the challenges of shutting down the opposition’s top scorer.
“ It's awesome that my team and coaches have faith in me to mark the players I mark. I don't want to disappoint them so it just makes me work harder. My job is to just make sure that the ball isn't down in our end ,” said Perrotta.

An excellent student, Perrotta understands the importance of making time in her busy schedule for studying.

“I do what I have to do to do well in school. I knew that if I ever wanted to play at a good school my activities couldn't be the only thing to get me in. I set high expectations for myself and don't like not living up to them.”

Although a talented thespian and athlete, Perrotta sees her future in the corporate world.
“I would like to do something in business. I've already applied to six schools, and I'm hoping to hear from them soon. I also plan on minoring in drama. Where that might lead me, I have no idea, ‘ said Perrotta.

Her performance next spring in West Side Story will make four straight years that Perrotta has performed in the play. she was a dancer in Mame as a freshman.
”The play has been a very big part of my high school experience and the people in it make it even more memorable. “

She could have just as easily been talking about soccer.

Lisa Camarda

Sophomore Lisa Camarda recently had the type of week that all soccer players dream about. Twice in the span of six days she scored the winning goal as Scotch Plains Fanwood (SPF) High School defeated two previously unbeaten teams.

While such accomplishments usually anoint the performer with celebrity status at their high school the day after, that wasn’t the case for Camarda. In fact her exploits were barely noticed at her high school, Union County Magnet High School (UCMHS).

Also located in Scotch Plains, the UCMHS is a school that focuses on math, science, and technology. All students within Union County are eligible for application. In order to get in a student must submit their transcripts from seventh and eighth grade, their standardized testing scores, and also must take an entrance exam specifically made for UCMHS. Only about five people from each town are accepted each year.

Because there are currently no athletic teams at the UCMHS, students who are proficient at a sport are allowed to play their sport of choice for the high school located in the town they reside in. While there are two other UCMHS students, playing jayvee soccer and one playing tennis at Scotch Plains, Camarda is still a bit of an anomaly at her school.

“Most of the students are aware of my athletic ability and those who don’t know my name just call me soccer girl,” said Camarda.

“The teachers are aware because sometimes I would wear my uniform or warm-up jacket to class. For example, one day I was sitting in the hallway and a teacher stopped me because she saw that my jacket said SPF Varsity Girls Soccer. She was amazed because she had heard of the success of my team and was impressed that I was a part of it. “

UCMHS Principal Jim Stefankiewicz is naturally pleased with his athletically talented students.

“I think that it is great that so many of our students are involved in
sports. The Fitness teachers at the Magnet do a wonderful job of
inspiring students to excel in both academic and physical pursuits. The
relationship that we have with the other districts of Union County is
unique, all parties working together to provide great opportunities for
children. That is what education is all about,” said Stefankiewicz

While Camarda has flourished in the intense academic atmosphere of UCMHS, maintaining a straight “A” average, her adjustment to the equally competitive Raiders’ soccer team was complicated by attending a different high school with a longer school day.

While SPFHS students are dismissed at 2:24, the UCMHS day doesn’t end until 2:50...Since soccer practice also starts at that time, Camarda has to perform a quick change that would make any triathlete proud. As soon as class ends she goes to her locker to get everything she needs and then rushes to the bathroom to get changed. Then her mother picks her up and she puts on her shin guards and cleats on in the car. She arrives at practice about 25 minutes late and usually wind up running by herself to make up for what she missed, eventually joining up for the latter part of practice.

Despite the obstacles, Camarda has become an integral part of the Raiders, who finished the season with a 17-3-2 record and advanced to the state sectional finals. Against Union Catholic Camarda broke a 1-1 tie in the second half when she out jumped several defenders for Kelly Rigano’s perfectly placed free kick and headed it directly into the goal near the far post. The Raiders would add two more goals for a 4-1 win.

“I've always been good at directing the ball with my head, either to my teammates or to the back of the net. I've worked hard in practice on making my headers a pass rather than just deflecting it back up in the air, “said Camarda.
“I'm 5'6" but feel that I need to work on getting more height out of my jumps.”

But her biggest goal may have come against Bridgewater Raritan which came into the game undefeated and ranked seventh in the state and had also handed the Raiders one of their three losses a year ago. Moments after a controversial goal was taken away from Bridgewater, Camarda made a well timed run and found herself unmarked in front of the goal where Jessie Sapienza passed her the ball and Camarda shot the ball in the net opposite of where the goalie was positioned. The Raiders would go on to win 2-0 against a Bridgewater team that was comprised of numerous ex club teammates of Camarda.
“That gave me extra incentive to play well,” said Camarda.


Despite playing mostly on defense and midfield Camarda has scored five goals this year after tallying four goals a year ago with more limited playing time.
“I really love playing the Stopper position. I find it to be the most challenging position on the field, and when supported by great teammates, scoring goals just comes with the territory.”

Camarda was a pleasant surprise for Coach Kevin Ewing last year. Having attended St. Bartholomew in Scotch Plains, a school without soccer pushed Camarda under the radar screen before her freshman year.
“The SPF coaches really didn’t know anything about me until tryouts. St. Bartholomew didn’t have a team for me to play on so I was at a big disadvantage because, while playing for their middle school teams, the other freshman had plenty of exposure with the high school coaches ,” said Camarda.

“I knew that I had to make up for lost time and prove myself to the coaches as well as the players.”

While unknown to the coaches, Camarda felt comfortable with fellow freshmen Allie Zazzali, Allie Hambleton, and Lauren Weisbrod, who had all been teammates with Camarda on several club teams.

“Having played together with Allie (Zazzali) for years, we work very well together. We respect each other’s capabilities and there’s a lot of spoken, or unspoken, communication between us.”

“Over the years, I also played with them, and against them, on other higher-level club teams. Therefore, I knew that I could play head-to-head with them. I just needed to gain the confidence of the coaches,” said Camarda.

Camarda established her penchant for scoring big goals as a freshman. Entering a scoreless game against highly rated Delaware Valley midway through the first half, Camarda scored the only goal of the game with a bullet left footed shot from eighteen yards between the post and the goalie’s outstretched arm.

“Freshman year was a very difficult time for me. Just starting out at a very competitive high school, not attending the high school you are play for, and not being fully part of the freshman crew you grew up with,” said Camarda.

“However, my parents always told me to be patient, work hard, and work smart. They reassured me that good players don’t sit for too long and that things you work hard for bring greater rewards

Despite her success at conquering two diverse worlds Camarda wishes there was a way to get closer to her teammates.

“Yes, there are some times that I would like to be taking classes with my teammates, especially in the off-season when we don’t get a chance to see each other as much. We get along great and I think that it would strengthen my relationship with them,” said Camarda.

Camarda cautions that UCMHS isn’t for everybody
“It would really depend on what the student was interested in pursuing for their career goals because UCMHS is based around science, math, and technology. The Magnet is more advanced academically then any other high schools in NJ. However, SPFHS also has a very good academic program as well. Therefore, it really comes down to personal preference.”


The success of athletes like Camarda and the needs of students for athletic outlets have resulted in a new intramural program for The Union County Vocational-Technical High Schools, of which there are
three,” We are starting with intramural basketball and volleyball and seeing where it goes from there.” said Stefankiewicz.

Someday soon, Camarda hopes to perform in front of her classmates.
“None of them have attended my games because they all take the buses home to different towns throughout the county. If it were more convenient many of them have told me that they were interested in watching me play. “

SPF-Union Catholic

The battle for Scotch Plains-Fanwood Girls’ soccer bragging rights was emphatically won by the Scotch Plains Fanwood Raiders who took control of a tight game and erupted for three-second half goals to defeat previously undefeated Union Catholic 4-1 Monday at Scotch Plains High School.

The victory raised the Raiders’ record to 4-1-1 and helped them bounce back from their first defeat, last Wednesday 1-0 to East Brunswick, ranked ninth in the state. Union Catholic fell to 5-1 and met defending Union County Champion Oak Knoll yesterday.

Sophomore Lisa Carmada headed in a perfectly placed cross from a corner kick by Kelly Rigano midway through the second half to provide the winning margin. “We work on that a lot in practice. Lisa’s really good in the air ” said Rigano.

Several minutes later the game was delayed ten minutes by a horrifying collision between Amanda Pitts of Union Catholic and goalie Lauren Mains of Scotch Plains. Halfback Lara Kaminski’s direct kick from 30 yards hit the goal post and bounced straight down where Pitts came rushing in a split second late and hit her head on the post while Mains was able to push the ball away from the goal.

While the crowd held its collective breath, Pitts was able to be helped off the field
and although feeling woozy after the game said she should recover. “Our feet got tangled and I fell into the post ,” said Pitts, who would not return.

Sweeper Allie Zazzali headed in another corner kick from the right side by Allie Hambleton to add an insurance goal and Sophomore Kim Appezzatto added the icing on the cake when her long shot curled under the post with three minutes left.

Union Catholic coach Jim Revel refused to use Pitts’ loss as an excuse. “They were a better team than us today. They were more aggressive in getting to loose balls. They will run through you to get a loose ball, we didn’t play that way. They deserved to win ,” said Revel.

“We cannot expect to beat the really good teams unless we increase our effort level. Scotch Plains is deeper and stronger than us so we have to compensate with effort.”

In a game that was originally supposed to be played at Union Catholic, the Vikings acted like the home team and shocked the Raiders with a goal in the first five minutes. when Kaminski ‘s direct kick deflected to Pitts, who chipped the ball over an onrushing Mains. The quick score was a reversal of sorts for the Raiders who had scored goals within the first three minutes in recent games against Westfield and Cranford but Coach Kevin Ewing was pleased by the Raiders’ recovery which resulted in an equalizing goal from Allie Hambleton just before halftime.

“”We made an early defensive mistake but the kids held their composure and came back well ,” said Ewing. “I thought for a while we played very well in the second half., too but we did too much kicking the ball when we got the two goal lead.”

Although they are based in Scotch Plains, Union Catholic only had one substitute player from either Scotch Plains or Westfield. Still, many of the players knew each other from club soccer and for many Raider players who live on the south side of town, Union Catholic is actually closer to their homes than the high school.

Ewing did not find out about the game being switched until today and thought playing at home may have helped the Raiders. “Our field is a little wider than theirs so it may have helped us with our passing game ,” said Ewing.

“It was a very intense game out there ,” said Raiders’ defender Lauren Perrotta. “ We had to keep our focus the entire game to win.” Perrotta was limping after the game from several hard collisions but said she will be ready for tomorrow’s big home tussle with undefeated Bridgewater Raritan, who handed the Raiders one of their three losses last year.

While happy that Scotch Plains won the first battle between the teams Ewing knows it may not signify ultimate bragging right.

“Union Catholic is a very good team with a lot of quality players. We expect to see them again in the county tournament .”

.

SPF-Westfield 2-0

When two stingy defensive teams like those of the Scotch Plains Fanwood High School and Westfield High School girls square off, goals are usually at a premium and are gladly accepted no matter how unusual the circumstances. In as bizarre a first half as any in recent memory, the Raiders scored in the first and last minutes of the opening stanza, and made them stand up to improve their record to 3-0-1 with a 2-0 victory Monday at Roosevelt Middle School in Westfield. In yet another odd twist, Scotch Plains’ second goal, which both winning coach Kevin Ewing and losing coach Katie Egan agreed was the back breaker, was scored by a freshman substitute Lana Bencivengo who had just entered the game for the first time and would not play at all in the second half.

Bencivengo outmaneuvered Westfield goalie Tara O’Donahue, who had ventured outside the penalty box to try and snare Allie Hambleton’s long pass and put a well placed left footed shot into the empty net for her second goal of the season. Ewing had inserted
Bencivengo to give senior tri-captain Jessie Sapienza a breather at the end of the first half.
“Lana has a lot of energy. I thought she might give us a spark,” said Ewing.

“I didn’t know how much time was left when I came in,” said Bencivengo, a superbly conditioned athlete who trained all summer with the cross-country team and has a twin brother Greg who is one of the top five runners for coach Jeff Koegel. Despite O’Donahue being closer to the ball, Bencivengo never gave up on the play.

“I never stop running. When I saw I had a chance for the ball I thought to myself, it’s there I just have to hit it.”

“That was a very big play in the game,” added Egan. “With our trouble finishing plays and scoring goals, two goals down against a good team like Scotch Plains is a lot to make up.”

Still, the Blue Devils played a strong second half and led by sophomore Erin McCarthy
put good offensive pressure on Raider goalie Lauren Mains who had to battle a strong sun. “We just can’t seem to finish anything. It’s almost like a Westfield curse ” said Egan, now 1-2-1 in her first year with the state’s number one team Ridge, looming next on the schedule.

The Raiders took advantage of a revamped Blue Devil defense to score in the game’s first minute on a Hambleton header off a Kelly Rigano corner kick. It was the second time in the last three games the Raiders had converted a corner kick in the game’s opening minutes. Unlike the last time, a disappointing 1-1 tie at Cranford, the Raiders
kept the pressure up for the entire 90 minutes.

“ It was good overall game. We played hard for the entire game. Our defense was very solid ,” said Ewing. “I think the Cranford game was a good learning experience for us. We have to keep our intensity and not let down.”

Ewing was effusive in his praise of defenders Allie Zazzali, and Lauren Perrotta, who played their usual solid games in front of Mains.
“We came into this game knowing they wanted badly to beat us to make up for last year ,” said Perrotta, a senior tri-captain. “The second goal was really big because it helped
give us some breathing room.”

Last October the teams had battled 100 minutes through two overtimes to a scoreless tie after Scotch Plains had won the earlier game 2-1. The schedule gets extremely challenging for the Raiders, who battled 10th ranked East Brunswick Wednesday and play cross-town rival Union Catholic on Monday. Also looming is matches with unbeatens Kearny and Bridgewater Raritan, number 10 in the state.

The Blue Devils were playing their first full game without standout junior defender Allison Bridgman, who tore her Anterior Cruciate Ligament and is out for the season.
“It was an incredible setback losing Allison for the season. She was a big part of our team and we’re still trying to replace her. ,” said Egan.

2004 Preview

Third year Scotch Plains Fanwood Girls’ Soccer coach Kevin Ewing is a strong believer that there is strength in numbers and the resilience of last years’ team accentuated his beliefs. Exhibiting amazing depth and interchangeability of players allowed the Raiders to withstand the loss of six injured starters to continue winning through a rugged schedule on their way to a 13-3-3 season.

And to quote Sonny and Cher “The beat goes on.” On Monday August 23, Ewing welcomed almost 60 girls eager to endure grueling double practice sessions in hopes of making this years’ team. Included among the total were 21 freshmen
With such an abundance of talent Ewing unfortunately had to cut some players, although he admitted that many removed themselves by not showing up at practices.

With nine starters returning it would seem most of this year’s team would be set but the injuries a year ago gave so many extra players a chance to contribute that the team actually has fourteen or fifteen girls who started games a year ago.
Also pushing the veterans are improved members of a strong junior varsity team and several freshmen. With such a set lineup, Ewing does not expect to start five freshmen as he sometimes did last year.

“It was surprising to have five or six key injuries during a difficult part of our schedule and still win most of the games, “
said Ewing. The Raiders’ three losses came against some stellar opposition including Group IV finalist Bridgewater Raritan; top twenty-power Millburn and county finalist Governor Livingston.
“Soccer is a game of skill, endurance and strategy...however a little luck never can hurt. I think we have the ability to do better against those teams but we need to get a little lucky,” said Ewing.

“Our depth pulled us through,” added Ewing.
“ The kids have been playing a lot and have learned to adjust when certain kids go down.”

Although there are some clear standouts on this team like first team all Union County fullback Lauren Perrotta and second team all county midfielders Jenna Balestriere and sophomore Allie Hambleton, Ewing stresses the team’s unity and closeness.

“ There are no stars on this team. Everybody knows this is a team game ,” said Ewing.
“They’re a very close bunch that likes to do almost everything together .” Luckily for the girls the United States Olympic Girls Soccer teams’ semi-final game against Germany and championship match against Brazil were held in between the morning and evening practices so much of the team watched the games together. In the Germany game, the winning goal was scored in overtime by New Jerseyan Heather O’Reilly, who graduated high school in 2003. Another key contributor was another former New Jersey high school star Christine Pearce Rampone .

“It was great watching two New Jersey high school players contribute to the gold medal. They were really excited at practice that night after seeing the team win ,” said Ewing. The coach credits players like Mia Hamm,Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly, Brandi Chastain and Joy Fawcett for enhancing soccer’s popularity and contributing to the prodigious number of players he has to choose from. Of course, soccers’ overwhelming popularity among girls have made for very few easy games.

Among the tough out of conference games Ewing has scheduled is an away game at O’Reilly’s alma mater East Brunswick High School. “To be the best you have to play against the best ,” said Ewing. And having numbers on your side never hurt either.

SPF Girls 2003 Review

The contrasts couldn’t have been more different and more welcome. After
starting his coaching career at Scotch Plains Fanwood High School with four straight losses in 2002, Kevin Ewing was determined to get his team off better in 2003. The team succeeded so well that by the time their season had ended in November with a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat in the second round of the state tournament they had lost only three games, one less than in the horrific start, in setting a school record with a 13-3-3 mark.

The Raiders let everyone know quickly that this season would start better as they fought back from a 1-0 deficit to win their opener 2-1 against arch rival Westfield. Leading the effort were two freshmen, goalie Lauren Mains and midfielder Allie Hambleton who scored the tying goal. Mains followed that up with a 3-0 whitewash of long time nemesis Cranford. It was the first time in school history that the Raiders had beaten those two schools in the same season and was the springboard to a 6-0 start.

“It was important to start fast to build the kids’ confidence,“ said Ewing. Although he had seven returning starters, only two were seniors, co-captains Chelsea Mintz and Michelle Fischer. The competition for playing time was extremely competitive and was intensified by four freshmen starters, Mains, Hambleton,and defensive players Allie Zazzali and Lauren Weisbrod. A fifth freshman Lisa Carmada also saw extensive playing time.

“The freshmen brought a lot of energy and ability. Their skill and understanding of the game was a real plus,” said Ewing.

After their unbeaten streak was snapped at six in a 2-0 road loss to eventual group 4 runner-up, Bridgewater Raritan, the girls started losing players in bunches. Kristen Zyla, the hero of an earlier victory over Piscataway went down for the season. Starting halfback Hallie Mintz missed much of the season with an ankle injury. Weisbrod, the starting sweeper, also was injured after the Bridgewater game and never returned. Starting midfielder Kelly Rigano, Fischer and Hambleton all missed several games but the team kept winning behind tremendous depth which brought forward new heroes.

At the height of the injury jinx the girls came up with some of their best efforts in road rematches at Cranford and Westfield, beating the Cougars 3-0 and tying the Blue Devils 0-0. The defense was the strength of the team. Only once did the Raiders give up more than one goal. Zazzali, who played every position but goalie moved to sweeper and
along with junior fullbacks Lauren Perrotta and Carly Wells teamed with Chelsea Mintz to allow only four goals in the last twelve games.

Zazzali was never overwhelmed by her responsibilities.
“I had played a lot of club soccer prior to this year, so I had a chance to play with Michelle Fisher and some of the older girls before the season started. Michelle and Chelsea Mintz were great Captains because they made us feel we were part of the Team right from the start ,” said Zazzali whose brother Eddie was a three year starter for the boys team.

The scoring was balanced with juniors Jenna Balestriere and Jessie Sapienza providing speed from the wings. Slowed by injuries Fischer was not able to match her junior year scoring totals but was a constant threat. Junior Carlene Bronikowski contributed several big goals. Seniors Katie Bantz, Kristen Bover, and Nicole Diauria and juniors Jeanette Franzone, Monique Morales, Megan Kelly also made numerous contributions.

Still the offense came up short in several key games at the end of the season. After defeating Elizabeth in the first round of the Union County tournament the second seeded Raiders were upset by seventh seeded Governor Livingston 1-0. They were also held scoreless in regulation time in their state tournament opener against Montgomery but Balestriere won it with a goal in sudden death overtime setting the stage for the disappointing ending against Millburn.

Even so Ewing was pleased.
“I feel we met our expectations. Obviously it is disappointing losing in the counties and states. We lost to three teams this year. Those losses show that we obviously need some work even though they were good teams. We need to just keep on improving as a team,”
said Ewing.

Chelsea Mintz added, “They’re going to be terrific next year. It would be nice to have been part of it”.

Lauren Mains-Freshman Goalies

Take two high school programs from the same town-one the benchmark for success in Central Jersey, the other trying to make its reputation. Add two coaches, one a legend nearing 500 wins, the other in his second season. Combine that with the specter of each team losing a multi year starter at goalie to graduation last year and you have the formula for the almost unfathomable reality of both Scotch Plains Fanwood high school soccer teams starting freshman goalies this fall.

And if the early results are any harbinger, the coaches Tom Breznitsky(Boys) and Kevin Ewing(girls) should feel vindicated about their confidence and guts to start previously untested newcomers in the most high profile and pressure filled soccer position. Through five games Bryan Meredith had been unscored upon including whitewashes of local rivals Westfield, Cranford and Plainfield. Girls keeper Lauren Mains was no less impressive, helping the Raiders to historic triumphs over previous nemesis Westfield and Cranford while also leaving the goal to score against Newark East Side.

Breznitsky, nearing a quarter century as Raiders’ coach has won an impressive 467 games but none of those wins had come with a freshman starting as goalie. “We have had some freshmen get time in the goal but none was an actual starter. Bryan has done an excellent job thus far this season. He plays well beyond his years, “ said Breznitsky.

Ewing’s team has reversed their inauspicious 0-4 start to his initial season in 2002 by winning their first four games due in no small part to four freshmen starters led by Mains. “Lauren is a great athlete,“ said Ewing.

“She doesn’t play or act like a freshman. “

While their talent was evident from an early age where both joined traveling teams as early as allowable, they have recently taken different paths to success. Mains is an all around athlete excelling in softball, basketball and football at Park Middle School where she held her own with the boys. Soccer is not necessarily her favorite sport.

“I don't have a favorite sport, I like to play all of them,” said Mains, who admitted a soft spot for football.

“I do miss football. Sometimes at water breaks I would sneak a look at them practicing, but I couldn't be happier playing soccer with this team.”

Meredith, on the other hand, has eschewed other sports to be a year round player, starring for the two time defending state club champions Players Development Academy (PDA) Socrates of Zarepath, NJ.

“I don't play any other sport because I prefer to focus on Soccer. Many
of my teammates on the Varsity team and at Socrates play baseball, and
basketball and other sports at a competitive level, I just love soccer,” said Meredith.

Among his PDA teammates are two other town residents Robert Cunningham and Brian Hessemer, whose older brother Mike is a three year starter for the Raiders.
“Playing with Brian on Socrates and Michael on the Varsity team is great because it is one less new name to remember. They are both great players and teammates”, said Meredith who appreciates how easy his teammates have accepted him.

“ Michael and Ryan(Breznitsky)made me feel welcome right away during tryouts “, said Meredith.

“We had seem him play enough at PDA to know how talented he was “, said the younger Breznitsky. “ He has a tremendous amount of poise and confidence for a freshman.”.

“PDA has prepared me very well because we have played in many high level
tournaments with great competition. As a Goalie they also provide me
goalkeeping training. Mr. Blogett is my trainer he works us very hard to
make us better,” said Meredith.

There is little rest for Meredith who continues to play on weekends for his PDA club which is a veritable who’s who of outstanding young New Jersey soccer talent who attend schools like Delbarton, Pingry and St. Benedicts.. This weekend Meredith hopes to contribute to a third straight state title for PDA.
“So far there has not been a problem I have told Bryan our expectations of
him and have working together with his club coaches to work out any
potential conflicts,” said Tom Breznitsky.

The girls’ co-captain Chelsea Mintz is just as impressed with Mains. “She has the strongest hands I’ve ever seen on a goalie, “ said Mintz.. “When she gets to the ball nobody is going to take it from her.”

For Mains the toughest adjustment to high school play has been taking charge on a field with older players. “Before this year I never really said things, like man on, or you mark # 7. I learned that as a goalie you have to talk to your team, because you can see the whole field,” said Mains.

The two freshman have become friends and mutual admiration societies.
“Lauren is in some of my classes and we are friends so I am very
aware of the great start to the girls season as well as our own,” said Meredith.

“I have never thought about trading tips with him, but I like that idea. I know him pretty well, we are in the same Spanish class,” said Mains. Lauren and Bryan the Spanish word for great goalkeeper is Gran encargado de la meta