Soccer Heartbreak

After 100 minutes of dead-even soccer, Verona’s boys team fell in a penalty kick shootout to Waldwick High School in the semifinal round of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 playoffs Tuesday afternoon at Centennial Field. The Hillbillies (17-3 overall) had battled back to tie the game at 1-1 on a Troy Carrington goal in the latter part of the first half and the teams played scoreless soccer through the second half and two 10-minute overtimes. Senior forward Chris Unis was credited with the assist on sophomore Carrington’s goal.

In the shootout, the first four players for Waldwick (16-5-1) converted their penalty kicks to give the Warriors an insurmountable 4-2 edge in the shootout. Verona’s defense, once again, turned in a strong effort against Waldwick, led by junior goalie Mike King’s nine saves. Waldwick goalie Zach Neugebauer made 14 saves against a Hillbillies offense that just couldn’t quite finish on their numerous opportunities.

The boys have a chance for redemption today when they play for the regular-season conference championship at East Orange High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. (The game was scheduled for late October but had to be postponed, and Verona won the first time the two teams met in September.)