BCC men’s soccer team falls in Region XIX soccer semi-final

BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer

A trip to the Region XIX semi-finals seemed very unlikely for the Brookdale Community College men’s soccer team.

The Blues — last year’s national runners-up — were hard hit by injuries all year, and at the same time, were breaking in a number of newcomers. Still, head coach Scott Baker remained optimistic as the team headed into the postseason.

"I’m very happy with the our progress," said Baker. "We suffered through a lot of injuries. We got most of our people back in time for the region tournament. We’re definitely happy to be in it."

And it showed, as Brookdale went on the road and pulled out an overtime 2-1 win at Burlington in the quarterfinals on Oct. 28.

Nationally ranked Union was waiting in Thursday’s semi-final round and ended the Jersey Blues’ hopes for a second-straight region title with a 2-1 victory.

Brookdale finished the season 7-7-3, but with a bright future. Of the 22 players who started the season, all but three will be returning.

Injuries had an impact on the team from the get-go. Rich Frye, a talented midfielder from Matawan, never did play a single game this year. A high ankle sprain that he suffered in the pre-season never came around, and the player who was expected to direct the offense, was on the sidelines all year.

What kept the Jersey Blues going in the wake of injuries and new faces was the defense.

"No question, defense has been the one area where we’ve been consistent," said Baker.

Sweeper Felipe Santos (Matawan) and stopper Brad Fraley (Neptune), along with outside defenders Alhassan Quaye (Matawan) and Enock Dumarsais (Asbury Park) have become a very consistent unit. They play well as a team and complement each other.

"They’re a nice group," said Baker. "Our defense really came together and is peaking."

Carl Martin (Howell) has been equally dependable in goal. He has registered three shut outs.

Shawn Caltigirone (Colts Neck) has been the team’s top goal scorer this year. The forward has a lot of speed and is a finisher. Willy Cuzco (Brick Memorial) has emerged as one of the team’s most important players. He started the season sharing time in goal with Martin, but when it became evident that Frye would not be able to return this year, Palmer turned to Cuzco for help at midfield. He has came through providing the steady presence that was needed.

"He has done a nice job for us and is a good distributor of the ball," said Baker.

The versatile Brandon Serchio (Toms River South) has been an important addition to the offense as well. He started the season at stopper and has moved upfield, first to midfield and now forward.

"Every place that we’ve played Brandon, he’s made an impact," noted Baker.

The Jersey Blues began play in the Region XIX tournament in Burlington, where they came up with a 2-1 win on Nick Klah’s goal in overtime.

Klah (Monmouth Regional), scored off a corner play. Serchio’s corner kick was lofted towards the goal, and Klah headed it in for the game-winner.

Serchio had given the visitors a 1-0 lead, only to have Burlington tie the match in the 85th minutes on Kojo Antwi’s goal. Martin had a big game for the Blues, coming up with 10 saves.