Christian Brothers Soccer Off to a Flying Start By Lou Monaco

The defending NJSIAA, Non-Public A boys soccer champions are off to a fast start.

Heading into last Saturday’s matchup against DeMatha (Md.) in the sixth annual, two-day Delbarton Soccer Invitational in Morristown, Christian Brothers, No. 3 in the latest NJ.com Top 20 rankings, entered the game with a 6-1 record, having just come off a bounce-back 2-1 victory over Freehold Township in Freehold on September 18.

The Colts started their 2017 campaign with a five-game win streak, highlighted by four shutouts, and suffered its only loss on the young season in a 4-2 home setback to national powerhouse St. Benedict’s on September 16.

“We are beginning to build relationships on and off the field as a team. There are no divisions with this group; 24 players trust each other and play every day, whether in practice or a game, with the intention to get better as an individual and as a group,” said Christian Brothers head coach Thomas Mulligan, who is in his second season at the helm.  “The boys are learning to trust the process and the philosophy of CBA soccer. Once our system is developed, the coaching staff simply releases the players to the game and they will control their own destiny.”

Junior midfielder/back Charlie Daly and junior midfielder Dominic Bellomo lead the Colts in scoring with four goals apiece and senior goalie Shane Keenan has recorded 32 saves (4.5 saves per game).  Two of Bellomo’s four scores came in the Freehold Township win, including the eventual game-winner in the 78th minute.

“We never talk about our record or our rankings at CBA, because we don't want to lose our focus on the next practice or game. Each game is part of our process to becoming a better team tomorrow,” said Mulligan. “We are always in a stage of improvement at CBA.”

This season, the Colts are 4-0 on the road and have outscored its opponents, 13-7.

“As the season progresses, I look forward to working with this group to help them develop into a team that competes at the highest levels of high school soccer,” Mulligan said. “The challenge is always to be the best and that is a never-ending process.”

After playing Chaminade (NY) on the second day of the Delbarton Invitational last Sunday, the Colts embark on a three-game road trip as they visit Manalapan on Tuesday, Freehold Borough on Thursday, and Marlboro next Monday.

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