The Verona boys soccer team played their best ball of the year in the first half of Monday’s 2-2 tie against Montclair Kimberley Academy at Centennial Field.
Both of Verona’s goals were scored by Sal Vassallo in the first half. Aside from the goals from Vassallo, the rest of the team was connecting on clean passes to set up scoring opportunities and breaking up MKA scoring threats before the Cougars could even get the ball past midfield. They played with a certain energy and fire that was not seen in the first 10 games of the season. The defense and midfielders were not giving MKA an inch of room to advance their offense.
Coach Weber preaches the ability to “step up” when the ball is being advanced across the field and you can hear him yell the phrase many times over the course of a game. To “step up” is to have all 10 players be able to move as a unit, following the ball so there are no holes left in the offense or defense.
The Cougars did even the score with two second half goals and both squads failed to convert in overtime.
The tie was Verona’s first of the season, making its record 5-5-1. It was a successful game in that it showed the Hillbillies what they are capable of if everyone plays to the best of their abilities and executes in all facets of the game. Verona’s next game will be the second round of the Essex County tournament on Monday with the opponent to be determined this weekend. The Hillbillies earned the No. 12 seed and a bye in the first round of the ECT.
Photos courtesy Wendy Parent.
