11/27/2011 - Magical Season For Braves
It has been almost two weeks since Newton’s boys soccer team suffered a heart-wrenching loss in the Group 2 state semifinals.
In the time after the 1-0 defeat to eventual Group 2 state champ Bernards, I hope the members of the Braves and their families have looked back on their magical 2011 season as fondly as I do.
Yes, the Braves had an excellent chance of becoming the first school in Sussex County history to reach a state final, but soccer is a beautiful, yet very frustrating game, and the bounces did not go the Braves’ way against Bernards.
But that does not in no way, shape or form take away from Newton’s many accomplishments this season. This year’s edition of the Braves has to be considered one of the best in school history as the Braves collected their fifth section crown and first since 2005.
This Newton squad had no weakness. The Braves went 18-4-2 with their losses coming to Delaware Valley in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Championship game on the frozen tundra of Hackettstown High School, Morris County powers, Roxbury and West Morris and of course Bernards.
Nothing to be ashamed about.
When I think of this Newton team I have visions of junior Andy Weber completely dominating the midfield with his remarkable skill and field vision. Weber is one of those special players that come along ever so often, like Anthony Ciccone of Sparta, who is playing at Boston University.
He never panics and always knows how much pace to put on every ball he delivers to his always anticipating teammates on the pitch.
Weber’s uncanny knack to get rid of the ball at the right time or take a shot when the team needed it the most, like he did against Elmwood Park in the states, makes him one of the great ones. And lucky us, he still has another year left before some fortunate college scoops him up.
Weber was not a one-man show, no sir. When Weber worked the ball up field he always knew there was an excellent chance that the ever-charging Steven Churchill would be making life miserable for the opponent’s defense with a well-timed run.
Churchill’s work ethic and indomitable spirit was a joy to watch. Joining him up top was sophomore Leo Recalde who combines Churchill’s hustle with a tremendous amount of ability.
It will be fun to watch him progress under the outstanding tutelage of Newton coach Pat Brennan. More on Brennan later.
Newton’s midfield was outstanding with Weber and Brett Conrads in the middle and Brady Castle, whose throw-ins were better than most players corner kicks, and the rock-steady T.J. Chrustic on the outside.
What Newton fan will ever forget Conrads game-winner in the North 1, Group 2 final against Mountain Lakes?
Not me.
It was the prototypical Newton goal. The Braves’ outstanding defense stopped a corner kick, Churchill hustled for the loose ball, fed Conrads and he did the rest for a thrilling 1-0 win.
But the game-changing play started with defense. Ah, yes, Newton’s defense. Brennan employed a flat-back four which is tough to do on the high school level.
But with Mike Pierson, Kevin Boyd, Kevin Lyons and Big Ben Ervey back there, there were no worries for Newton keeper Kyle Morel who was also outstanding all season.
The foursome allowed the Braves to build from the back and gave Weber the opportunity to direct the attack like the maestro he was in the middle of the field.
Not to get to sappy, but when the Braves moved the ball, like they did in wins over Sparta and Pope John, it was almost like a dance you could put to music.
Ok, enough of that. The Braves did a great job with their one-touch passing. Enough said.
With such a great collection of players, Brennan didn’t have to use his bench much, but as the season wore on Jose Mecias Acosta and Ryan Cronin were great contributors. In fact when Recalde was hurt the duo did a great job of filling the void.
It was just a fun team to watch and they were good kids to interview after games as well.
But it was Brennan who put it all together. You can tell the kids loved playing for him and loved when his playoff beard got thicker after each tourney win.
He would stand on the sidelines in his green, lucky Notre Dame sweatshirt and exhort on his club through thick and thin.
After the Bernards loss, he was crestfallen, not for himself, but to his beloved kids. Pat has two great kids and a wife of his own, but those players in the white and the maroon were every bit part of his family. And will be forever.
Brennan is a proud Newton grad, and as everyone who follows Sussex County sports knows, coaching is in his DNA and he did some of his best coaching this year, in my opinion.
It is always easier when your are the hunter and Brennan did a great job leading a group that everyone was gunning for, even back in July when the Braves played at the Mona Barbulescu Memorial Tournament at Pope John and Weber got hurt and didn’t tell anyone.
And you can’t forget the loyal fans of Newton soccer who gave the Braves tremendous support all season. They are a spirited but very knowledgeable group of fans who would fill the sidelines at St. Paul’s Abbey in Andover.
Ah, the Abbey field. Like I said to Brennan, the field with all of its bumps and holes, has a lot of “personality” shall we say, but like an ugly dog, the owner can make fun of it, but no one else can and the Braves protected that field like a proud dog owner.
So congrats boys on a fantastic season. It is not too common for a soccer team to win a section title in the county so I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
That’s it for now see you on the sidelines.
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