The Green Knights soccer team kicked off the 2025 season with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Bergen Tech on Thursday.

The team came into the game with a clean slate and high hopes for a good start to the new season. The game started out very tight with both teams easing into the game before halfway through the first half, when Devon Cambian was fouled inside the box, winning a penalty for SJR. Max Del Toro, a junior transfer for SJR, stepped up and calmly scored the penalty giving the home team an early lead. The two teams continued to battle for the rest of the half but the defensive efforts of center-backs Quinn Brennan and Jake Fitzsimmons kept the game at 1-0 in favor of SJR going into the half. 

The second half was full of drama as Bergen Tech leveled the score after converting a penalty with only 20 minutes left in the game. SJR didn't drop their heads and continued to push forward to try and find a go-ahead goal. With 10 minutes left, Max Del Toro lined up a free kick from well over 40 yards out. With the goalkeeper way out of the net, Del Toro lofted the free kick over everyone's heads and into the net sending the team and fans into a frenzy and giving the Green Knights a 2-1 advantage.

Seven minutes later, Daniel Butler, who led the team in scoring last year, capped off the victory by scoring the third goal of the game,  after a great run and assist by junior Ryan Coleman. The final whistle blew and the Green Knights emerged victorious after a tough display of heart and grit.

SJR is flying high and is next set to host arch rival Don Bosco Prep in a pivotal conference match up on September 4th.