The Verona High School boys soccer team went 1-1 this week, losing to the Livingston Lancers and beating the Nutley Raiders. The loss to Livingston came after the Lancers scored a goal off a free kick that was relayed in by a Livingston striker. Livingston then loaded up on the defensive side for the rest of the game to prevent any Hillbilly opportunities. The final score was 1-0.
The Hillbilly offense looked a lot better on Wednesday, beating Nutley 2-1. Verona’s first goal came early in the first half off a Michael Daggett throw-in. Nutley’s defense allowed the ball to bounce in the box, giving Sal Vassallo the perfect opportunity to place the ball in the upper left corner of the net. The lone Nutley goal came late in the first half, after Verona left a man open on a Nutley corner kick. That man then crossed it into the box for an easy header goal.
The Hillbillies came out of halftime aggressive, creating many scoring chances and they finally took the lead in the 70th minute when Vassallo threw the ball into Nutley’s box and Cole Smith headed the pass past the keeper. A frustrated Nutley squad couldn’t get an equalizer in the final 10 minutes, giving Verona their fourth win of the season.
Verona will take on West Essex at West Essex High School on Monday.
Photos copyright Andy Yeates. Used by permission.
