By Matthew Rocco
Back-to-back division wins have kept the Holmdel High School boys’ soccer team in the race for the Shore Conference A Central Division title.
With two big victories against Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and St. John Vianney High School, the Hornets have built some momentum as they compete with Raritan High School (6-0-2) and Matawan Regional High School (5-1-1) — two teams that were off and running right out of the gate. Holmdel, on the other hand, had a slow start to the season.
The Hornets opened the 2016 campaign with a 3-2 win over Red Bank Regional High School, another A Central rival. But Holmdel followed the opener with a 1-0 loss to Matawan and a 1-1 tie against Shore Regional High School, giving the Hornets a divisional record of 1-1-1.
Then the Hornets kicked things into gear.
Holmdel has built a three-game winning streak, which started with a win over Ranney School, 3-1. The Hornets hit the road for a crucial A Central game against Rumson-Fair Haven, and they responded. Anton Arena, a new member on the varsity team, scored twice for Holmdel, while fellow newcomer Michael Neff scored off a corner kick. Returning player Leo Nobrega also put a goal on the board.
Jack Murray, Holmdel’s sophomore goalie, recorded five saves in the win.
The Hornets (4-1-1) continued their hot streak when they hosted St. John Vianney. For the second straight game, Arena found the back of the net twice to lead Holmdel’s offensive attack.
The win marked yet another strong game for Murray in the net. He made three saves against the Lancers, and Holmdel has allowed just five goals in its last five games.
The Hornets were looking to further improve their divisional record when they faced Raritan in a game scheduled for Sept. 27. Holmdel will travel to Red Bank Regional Sept. 29 in search of a regular-season sweep. The team’s next home game is set for Oct. 1 against Matawan beginning at 10 a.m.
