The SJR soccer team closed out its 4-game road trip with a prime time showdown against Don Bosco Prep on Tuesday night.
The Green Knights were riding high after a big victory against Hackensack last week. The game kicked off and the Green Knights were under pressure early. The Ironmen threatened multiple times in the first half, even rattling a shot off the post that stayed out of the goal. SJR started to settle in and had a few slight chances towards the end of the half. Both defenses held firm and the game was scoreless at half with a big second half coming up.
Both teams came out and once again, it was Don Bosco who created more chances at the start. The defensive line and midfield for the Green Knights held strong, shutting down multiple corner kicks and free kicks from the Ironmen. As the second half rolled on, both teams started to create more chances and it looked like a goal was certain to follow soon. In the 15th minute, Max Del Toro launched a free kick up the field that eventually landed on the feet of Gert Deitmer who sliced a perfect through ball into the path of the captain Daniel Butler. Butler dribbled around the keeper and fired it home into the open net, giving the Green Knights the late 1-0 lead.
The next 15 minutes were all about defending and holding onto the 1-0 advantage. Del Toro and Quinn Brennan were once again impenetrable in the back, while full backs Angelo Paino and Ryan Coleman held down the fort in the back. Time was winding down and the tension in the stadium was palpable. With 30 seconds left, the Ironmen won a free kick and sent everyone in the box. Don Bosco got a touch on it, but junior goalkeeper Jacob Hook made the save of the game, tipping the ball over the crossbar. The last chance of the game came from a corner but it was headed wide and out of trouble. The final whistle sounded and the Green Knights players, bench, and traveling fans erupted in jubilation.
Truly, an emotional win and a significant moment in the SJR soccer program. A euphoric feeling followed post-match and there was nothing but smiles from the road team. This was a historic win for the Green Knights, who earned their first victory over Don Bosco since the 2022-23 season. On top of that, the Green Knights have now recorded back-to-back shutout victories, something they haven't done since the 2019-20 season. Sitting at 4-4-1 on the season, the boys will look to go above .500 for the second time this season when they play host to Dumont on Thursday afternoon.
