Bring on Scotch Plains! Recap of historic Morristown soccer victory

Chris Quiceno scores historic goal in double overtime, beating Passaic Tech to clinch Morristown's first sectional title in boys soccer. Photo by Darren Frost.
Chris Quiceno scores historic goal in double overtime, beating Passaic Tech to clinch Morristown's first sectional title in boys soccer. Photo by Darren Frost.
0

By Clare Johnson

With only minutes left in the second overtime and penalty kicks looming, Morristown’s Chris Quiceno scored to beat Passaic Tech 2-1 on Thursday, clinching the Colonials’ first sectional soccer title.

Next up: Scotch Plains, winner in North 2 Group 4,  in the Tournament of Champions semifinal on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014. Game time is 7:30 pm at Somerville High School.

Chris Quiceno scores historic goal in double overtime, beating Passaic Tech to clinch Morristown's first sectional title in boys soccer. Photo by Darren Frost.
Chris Quiceno scores historic goal in double overtime, beating Passaic Tech to clinch Morristown’s first sectional title in boys soccer. Photo by Darren Frost.

The Colonials got off to a slow start in the first half on Thursday, as Passaic Tech controlled possession. Both teams were playing very physically, leading to free kicks for both sides and quite a few yellow cards for the Bulldogs.

Morristown found its groove towards the end of the half, gaining possession and creating chances, including a near-miss chest-to-volley by Ryan Mehlin at the top of the 18 yard box, forcing the Bulldogs’ keeper make a save.  The whistle blew for halftime with a 0-0 score.

The Colonials came out fired up for the second half, and gained control of the game.  A few minutes in, Ivan Maldonado won the ball and turned to find Oscar Garcia, who broke away from two defenders and beat the keeper  one-on-one, putting Morristown in the lead.

Morristown continued to attack the Bulldogs net.  Physical play continued from both teams, bringing more yellow cards for the home team and four or five 40-yard free kick opportunities for the Colonials. One of them almost sealed the win, after a beautiful service into the box from Ian Johnson  was met by the head of Ivan Maldonado.  The shot just missed, hitting the crossbar.

But Passaic Tech wasn’t done fighting. Several transition opportunities were shut down by Morristown’s solid defense.  Then, with 25 minutes left, Passaic’s James Lagonas received the ball at the left corner of the box and gave a cross into Kevin Valdivia, who brought the ball down with his chest for a volley into the back of the Colonials’ net.  The Bulldogs’ equalizer led to overtime.

Overtime produced near misses for both teams.  The fighting spirit of the players was high.  Finally, with minutes left on the clock, Arturo Ruiz intercepted a Bulldogs clear and quickly served it back into the box, where it was deflected right in front of the keeper by Oscar Garcia and buried into the back of the goal for the win by Chris Quiceno.

The score made the boys champs of  Section 1, Group 4, of the NJSIAA/Sports Authority North Jersey — the first state sectional title in Morristown High School history.

LEAVE A REPLY