SPORTS

South Brunswick boys soccer pulls past Old Bridge

Daniel LoGiudice
@danny_logiudice

SOUTH BRUNSWICK The rain and the cold could not stop the red-hot South Brunswick High School boys soccer team on Thursday afternoon.

The Vikings defeated Old Bridge 4-1 on a chilly and wet afternoon, improving their record to 9-2 on the season. Old Bridge fell to 6-4.

“For the most part, I think we played well,” South Brunswick coach Chris Hayston said. “We were eventually able to move the ball and put ourselves into a position to score goals.”

The Vikings opened up the scoring in the first half on a goal from junior midfielder Kevin Nunez. Left alone at the top of the box, Nunez drilled a shot over the outstretched hands of the Old Bridge goalie.

“It was a really nice team play,” Nunez said. “I got a nice touch and took a nice shot.”

It remained a one-goal affair at halftime with the Vikings seemingly in control of the game. Still, they had no intention of taking the foot off the pedal.

“We had to stay focused because it was still a game — it wasn’t like we were up big,” senior defender Kyle DeGroff said. “We had to take advantage and play hard.”

Shortly after the second half began, DeGroff stole the ball from a Knights defender and ripped a shot into the left corner of the net.

As the rain started to slow down, the floodgates conversely opened for the Vikings. Senior midfielder Patrick Grudnik scored from outside, and then fellow senior Jermaine Small scored when he was left all alone in front of the net to extend the lead to 4-0.

“We had a lot of momentum and really had things going,” DeGroff said. “Our communication was great, from center backs to our midfield and to the outside, all working well together.”

The Vikings were adamant after the game that their goal is a state title.

“It’s about all 24 guys focusing on one goal,” Hayston said. “It’s difficult, but that’s what makes it fun.”

Old Bridge was able to break up the shutout on a set piece goal from sophomore Christian McCartney. At that point, though, there was simply not enough time for a Knights comeback.

“The effort is there, but the result is not what we want,” Old Bridge coach Chris McGrath said. “Do I think the score reflects a difference in ability? I think not, but the game is ultimately decided by the scoreboard.”

With some reinforcements on the mend, Old Bridge should still be considered a contender for the GMC Tournament.

“What remains for us will be determined by how some of the pieces who haven’t played gel with the team,” McGrath said. “The county cup was never won on the first day of October.”

Staff Writer Daniel LoGiudice: dlogiudice@gannettnj.com