4th Grade Boys vs Lavi
The boys hosted Camp Lavi in their first round game and were not very charitable winning the game 7-0. Starlight passed the ball around as well as any team have on Alumni Field, and while this may have been considered a lucky one-off, today they managed a repeat in beating Westmont 5-0. The score could have been far higher and the boys should be confident ahead of their championship game.
Charlie G. and Charlie H. have been very steady at the back playing some great forward passes, while Dylan C. and Drew L. have been strong and direct going forwards from midfield. Up top Adam B. and Ryan G. have consistently found the back of the net and the championship game should be an exciting affair.
6th Grade Boys vs. Tioga
The 6th graders hosted Tioga and found the back of the net 15 times. Ethan B. held the back line to account, and made some fine passes into the midfield areas, while Jake E. controlled the center of midfield. Up top Jake B. ran Tioga’s defense ragged and was a constant threat. A fine passing performance from the whole team saw Starlight moving the ball around and switching play with ease. The game was a joy to watch and their next outing cannot come too soon for everyone here.
7th Grade Boys vs. Chen-a-Wanda
The boys were on the road for their first round game. Going down to an early goal was all that was needed to start an assault on the Chen-a-Wanda goal and it was not long before Starlight equalized. A second just before half-time saw Starlight end the half one goal to the good. The second half saw both teams attacking, but it was Starlight who drove home their advantage. The final score was 6-1 and there were some fine individual performances from the likes of Elijah E., Jaden G., Jonny C., Jason F., Michael S. and Ryan W. The next game should be no less challenging and whilst the scoreline may have flattered Starlight a little, they took their chances well and showed why they are yet to be beaten in their Starlight soccer careers.
8th Grade Boys vs. Wayne
A tough road trip to Wayne saw the boys run out 1-0 winners. Never an easy place to visit, Wayne were as strong as ever but Starlight were confident enough to get an early second half goal and then hold on to the lead with some stout defending. Rowan K. and Zachary C. made some fine challenges, while the midfield of Owen B., Spencer W. and Ari K. continually tracked back in order to break up Wayne’s attacks. Dylan H. made a number of runs in the forward position, and was a constant outlet for the team. A good result against a strong team and the second round now awaits for the 8th graders.
10/11th Grade Boys vs. B’Nai Brith
The boys made their way across the road to B’Nai Brith and ran out winners 10-0. A routine game which will now be followed by Wayne, a somewhat harder proposition. Harrison S. marshaled the back-line well, while Josh L., Jared B. Jake S. and Matthew J. continually made forward runs towards a very packed B’Nai Brith 18 yard area. Once the first goal went in, Starlight followed this up with four more before half-time. Five more in the second half, with two very nice long range efforts, the first from Matthew J. followed by one from Josh L. The next round will be a real test for the boys, and Starlight will need to step up their performance in order to progress further in the tournament this summer.
4th Grade Girls vs Lavi
The game lasted all of 5 minutes before being abandoned due to weather. Lavi subsequently forfeited the game and the girls now travel to Chen-a-Wanda in the next round.
5th Grade Girls vs Westmont, July 17
The girls visited Westmont and in a close fought game ran out winners 2-0. Scoreless at half-time, Jordan P. made the difference in the second half scoring two fine goals. Danielle A. and Samantha S. played well at the back, while Brooke G. and Heather G. worked hard in the midfield. A good team performance and the girls can now look forward to their second round game after visiting day.
8th Grade Girls vs Chen-a-Wanda
The last time these two teams met Chen-a-Wanda ran out winners 5-1. This game started at a fast pace and the girls did remarkably well and hit the Chen-a-Wanda team on the break on numerous occasions. Starlight took an early lead and managed to hold on for almost 60 minutes. With ten minutes left, Chen-a-Wanda managed to tie the game and just as it looked likely to head to overtime, a goal in the last two minutes saw Chen-a-Wanda take the lead. Starlight responded, hitting the post, but there simply wasn’t enough time. A very good team performance saw Starlight lose 2-1 to a team that had been very comfortable winners the last time they met. Well done girls.
10/11th Grade Girls vs Chen-a-Wanda
The girls made the now familiar trip to Chen-a-Wanda, and ran out comfortable winners 4-0. Marni C. and Molly B. continually broke up their opponents attacks, while in midfield Brooke L. controlled the left side of midfield with Rebecca B. doing likewise on the right hand side. Lauren R. and Erica L. attacked their back-line and the girls now travel to Camp Weequahic in the next round.
