The Holmdel High School Hornets captured their first Shore Conference Tournament title in boys soccer thanks in large part to Anthony Arena, who scored a tournament final record five goals en route to a 7-1 victory over fifth-seeded Ocean Township.
The Hornets, who have secured the top seed in the Central Jersey Group 2 tournament, have since picked up victories over North Star Academy and Johnson. Justin Mcstay starred in their 10-0 first-round victory over North Star, leading the Hornets attack with a hat trick. Jack Giamanco scored two goals and five other Hornets added a goal each. Michael Neff racked up two assists. It was their staggering tenth shutout victory of the season.
Six Hornets scored in their 6-1 quarterfinal victory over Johnson on Nov. 3, including Arena, Mcstay, Neff, Nick Guga, Matthew Leon, and Jack Russo.
Arena, a junior, leads the Hornets this season in both goals (31) and assists (22). His goal total for the season is the program record for goals in a season. Mcstay (25), Matthew Leon (14) and Cyrus Darvish (12) all have also recorded double-digit goals for the Hornets. Mcstay (17) and Leon (14) join Arena as the trio of Hornets with double-digit assists. Senior goalkeeper Matthew Lionette has 50 saves.
The Hornets suffered their only loss of the season on Oct. 7 to Pingry, a school located in Bernards Township, 1-0, on the road.
The Hornets, who are now 19-1 on the season, look to continue their quest for a Central Group 2 title on Nov. 7 when they take on the winner of No. 12 Bernards/No. 13 Matawan at Holmdel High School in the semifinals.
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