Middletown South’s First State Final in 17 Years Raises Expectations in 2018 By Lou Monaco

With 10 returning starters to this season’s squad and a great state tournament run to reach its first NJSIAA Group III final in 17 years, the Middletown South girls soccer team gave its fans and supporters something to look forward to in 2018.

After upsetting and upending Northern Highlands (who was unbeaten and then-ranked No. 1 in the NJ.com Top 20 rankings), 1-0, in the Group III semifinals at Livingston High School, the Eagles (14-6-5) late-season run came to an end with a 2-1 loss to then-ranked No. 12 Allentown (22-1) in the Group III final at Kean University’s Alumni Stadium in Union on Nov. 18.

After trailing 1-0 at halftime, senior midfielder/forward Christina Sundt scored from 25 yards out off an assist from junior back Emily McCarthy to tie the game at 1-1 in the 53rd minute.

Allentown scored the game-winner 16 minutes later and the Eagles’ season came to an end, losing for just the first time (4-1-1) in its last six games to end the season.

“Going into the postseason, the girls knew they had a chance at something big, as they were aware of the quality of play they were capable of (i.e. tying Wall, 1-1, on Sept. 28), and with every game they played and won, the more confidence that they gained, and with that, the better they played. While the girls hoped to have as much success as they did, they were unsure of what to expect and humbled by the entire experience,” said Middletown South girls soccer coach Megan Barry, who just completed her third season at the helm. “The girls loved and appreciated each opportunity to play in the postseason, and they were so proud of their accomplishments that with every win they charged the field with tears in their eyes. They could really feel that they were doing something special and extraordinary for the program and the school, and they didn't want to let it go.

“This feeling caused them to play a fantastic game in the final against Allentown. The girls went into their tackles with everything they had, knowing Allentown is a strong, aggressive team, and they played a great possession game, knowing that we are most dangerous when we play as a unit,” Barry continued. “Unfortunately, we were not able to get the result that we had hoped for, but each girl knew that we left it all on the field. There were no regrets walking off that day, only pride in what we did accomplish and sadness that this special season was over. If we could go back and relive it all, both wins and losses, I'm sure we would all agree that we would.” 

The Eagles were making the program’s first state final appearance since a tie with Cranford in 2000.

“Thinking about the season as a whole, it is amazing the progress that the team made throughout. We began the season with a few hard losses, but the way that the girls responded was amazing. It lit a fire in them that caused them to start playing with ferocity. After those first few games, we went on a 10-game streak (7-0-3) of no losses. Some opponents even mentioned that we were ‘a totally different team’ than the first few games. In addition to the change in attitude, something else that contributed to our turnaround was that they started to recognize the fantastic camaraderie that they have,” continued Barry. “Being that we only lost one senior last year, we came back with almost the same team. This allowed us to build on the bonds that we had already created and the foundations of last season and really move forward with our level of play. Most importantly though, the girls impressed me with their passion for the game and the amount of fun they have together. They really created an atmosphere that made everyone not only want to come, but to also give every ounce of their being – physically, mentally, and emotionally – when they showed up. This team really started to play for one another and it became one of the best motivators of all. In the state tournament, everyone was refusing to lose because they didn't want their season to end, they wanted to see each other succeed, and to have a title for their seniors, for the program, and for the school. It was an amazing thing to be a part of.”

Rider-bound goalkeeper and two-time co-captain senior Gabrielle Cook (165 saves) recorded nine shutouts, including two in the state tourney, this season… Kean-bound senior forward Grace Massell was the team’s leading scorer (15 goals w/four assists)... University of Chicago-bound senior midfielder and two-time co-captain Rachael Hutson led the team with 11 assists. Sophomore forward Emma Laudisi posted 13 goals with nine assists and scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 road victory over Mendham in the NJSIAA, North Jersey, Section 2, Group III sectional quarterfinals on Nov. 2; tallied three goals, including the game-winner, in a 4-3 triumph at Somerville in the sectional semifinals on Nov. 6; and assisted on the game-winning goal in the 1-0 upset of then-top-ranked Northern Highlands in the Group semifinals on Nov. 14. McCarthy and sophomores Filomena DeGregorio and Lindsay Thompson also provided significant contributions throughout the season and will be expected to do more next year. 

“Each year I have been so privileged and honored to have a group of girls who have great character and who are coachable, fun, hard-working, and respectful. We have been working hard at playing as a unit not only tactically, but also with the right mindset -- one that is confident and determined,” said Barry, whose team finished with an 8-1-2 home record. “It really started to show as we moved through the season and even more so when the girls started believing in themselves as much as the coaching staff always has. When they started realizing they could really go the distance in the postseason, the way they were playing became that much more impressive.”

TagsWinter