Boca U23 team’s win streak extends to eight – News Transcript
June 28, 2006
News Transcript Sports
June 28, 2006
Boca U23 team’s win streak extends to eight
The Jersey Shore Boca U23 men’s soccer team extended their Mid-Atlantic Summer Showcase League (MSSL) unbeaten streak to eight games on Sunday, while picking up a pair of shutouts along the way as they defeated the Hillsborough Soccer Club (NJ), 2-0, and Greater Valley United (PA), 4-0, at the Manchester Soccer Complex, Manchester Township.
Boca improves to 7-0-1 in league play and remains in first place on top of the MSSL U23 men’s standings for the third consecutive week, as the league concludes the first half of the 2006 summer season and breaks for the July 4 holiday weekend.
The morning match against a well-organized Hillsborough side proved to be some of the best soccer on the day, as both teams attacked with purpose, creating quality scoring opportunities while also defending strong.
Boca’s Andy Fraggos (Marlboro) tallied what turned out to be his second game-winner of the season in the 39th minute when he collected a cross from George Gkionis (Jackson) on the left side, just inside the penalty area, and beat Hillsborough goalkeeper Brian Lee (Hillsborough) to the near post.
Just before the first half ended, Hillsborough looked like they had the equalizer with their best scoring chance of the day before Boca keeper Chris Konopka (Toms River) made a fully-extended diving save to his left, tipping the certain goal beyond the post and across the end line. Hillsborough could not convert the ensuing corner kick as the half ended 1-0 in Boca’s favor.
Gkionis added his second assist of the game in the 70th minute after he won a ball on the right side about 30 yards out and found Justin McGrath (Brick) at the far post, who put away the insurance goal making the final 2-0.
Boca keeper Konopka, who picked-up his second shutout of the season, and Hillsborough goalkeeper Lee are college teammates at Big East Conference member Providence College.
In the fourth minute of the afternoon match against Greater Valley United, Boca’s Mark Schmiegel (Toms River) bent a 40-yard unassisted ball inside the far post upper netting, which left GV keeper standing still, to record his first goal and first game-winner of the season.
Throughout the first eight MSSL games, Boca has scored 21 goals while allowing only six. The Jersey Shore Boca U23 team returns to MSSL action on July 9 when they travel to West Chester, Pa., to take on host West Chester United and Milmay FC from South Jersey.
For more information about the Boca U23 team and all other the Jersey Shore Boca programs log on to the club’s official Web site at www.jerseyshoreboca.com.
Published in the News Transcript
June 28, 2006