Essex County Soccer Co-Champions: SHP & Millburn

10/26/2009
Finally! After battling through 100 minutes of scoreless play, Seton Hall Prep and Millburn were declared co-champions of the Essex County Soccer Tournament. After 35 years of trying - 23 under Coach Berman - The Prep finally had its first county soccer title.

The game itself had to endure all kinds of unique delays. Originally it was scheduled for the previous Sunday but was postponed due to inclement weather. At West Essex on Saturday, the Thor Guard lightning detection system went off with 15:15 remaining in the first half and both teams retreated to the high school's hallway to wait out the delay, sitting on the floor a few feet apart from each other as various spectators - students, fans, parents, etc. - lingered and walked around them.

After a 40 minute interlude the game resumed, periods of rain coming and going (as had been the case before the interruption). Between the conditions and the intensity of play, the game settled into a defensive battle with few quality chances. The Pirates were unable to possess the ball as much as they usually do as Millburn players flew at them all game long.

The Prep had three good looks at goal with Devin Perlee getting two of them. He had one shot from in front saved and another from an angle catch the side netting. For much of the second half, Perlee was severely limited by a back injury. Brandon Savino had a clear steal in the midfield and got off a 20 yard shot that beat the keeper but went just wide of the far post.

Millburn was most dangerous on set pieces, but Seton Hall's back line of Brandon Adler, Mike LaRose, Joe Cellitti and Linas Razgaitis (filling in for Owen Buckley who was injured in the opening minute of the game) continuously stood strong in front of keeper Casey DeFluri, who was very effective coming off his line to handle long serves. Savino also filled in ably on the back line. Millburn did have one ball bouncing around in front of the net, but the Pirate defense managed to clear it out, and another great chance on a counterattack. In that latter opportunity Defluri made a superb save. Millburn managed to put the rebound in, but the goal was called back for an obvious offsides.

Seton Hall also got an excellent effort from its midfield, led by Matty Berman, who battled all day, and subs Jonathan Azzinari and Billy Zimmermann, both of whom saw considerable action.

After the contest ended and the handshake line ensued, the Seton Hall players initially had an empty look on their faces, a look of disappointment even, until they realized that they had indeed made History and were bring the first ECT Soccer championship trophy back to Seton Hall Prep. They might not have been able to play a "pretty" game, but they had played tough and had certainly earned it.

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