When it comes to Group 1, Brearley boys’ soccer is the best once again!
For the second time in three years and for the third time in program history, Brearley captured the Group 1 state championship.
This time the Bears bested a 21-1-1 Shalick team 1-0 in the Nov. 22 title game played at Kean University’s Alumni Stadium in Union.
It was a goal by Justin Estremera in the first half that lifted Brearley past the South Jersey champs. Shalick had a 19-game (18-0-1) unbeaten streak snapped.
Also sparked by the outstanding play of goalkeeper Juan Martinez, who came up big with several huge saves, Brearley finished its 2015 season at 13-7-2 and on a six-game winning streak – all the victories coming in state tournament play.
Martinez posted five shutouts in six games – including the last three in a row – and only allowed one goal.
Brearley outscored six state tournament foes by an impressive 16-1 margin.
The Bears shut out three of their four North 2, Group 1 opponents, including winning the final at North Arlington 3-0.
Brearley then defeated North 1 champion Waldwick 1-0 in overtime in the Group 1 semifinal played at Millburn.
Longtime head coach Vince McGowan has now guided Brearley to two state championships.
In 1990 when Brearley Regional won and in 1989 when Brearley Regional lost in Group 1 final play, the Bears were guided by head coach Al Czaya.
Brearley in Group 1 state championship games:
2015: Brearley 1, Schalick 0 – at Kean University
2013: Brearley 3, New Egypt 0 – at The College of New Jersey
1990: Brearley 1, Haddonfield 1 (co-champs) – at Trenton State College
1989: Bernards 1, Brearley 0 – at Trenton State College
BREARLEY IN 2015 STATE TOURNAMENT PLAY:
GROUP 1 FINAL AT KEAN UNIVERSITY:
Brearley 1, Shalick 0
GROUP 1 SEMIFINAL AT MILLBURN:
Brearley 1, Waldwick 0 (OT)
NORTH 2, GROUP 1 FINAL AT NORTH ARLINGTON:
Brearley 3, North Arlington 0
NORTH 2, GROUP 1 SEMIFINAL AT GLEN RIDGE:
Brearley 2, Glen Ridge 1
NORTH 2, GROUP 1 QUARTERFINAL AT ROSELLE PARK:
Brearley 2, Roselle Park 0
NORTH 2, GROUP 1 FIRST ROUND AT BREARLEY:
Brearley 7, North Star Academy 0
BREARLEY BOYS’ SOCCER 2015:
A good cast is worth repeating:
2-Dylan Zickgraf
3-Kevin Scozzarro
4-Andrew Lomnicki
5-Nick Minio
6-Darion Ferreira
7-Jake Santos
8-Marc Cunha
9/GK-Juan Martinez
10-Sebastian Lopes
11-Justin Estremera
12-Christian Estremera
13-Walter Centeno
14-Raffaele Zito
15-Derick Santos
16-Diego Stanzioloa
17-Joseph Renda
18-Jimmy Luna Barraboza
19-Lucas Scozzarro
20-Joseph Campos
21-Herman Fernandez
22-Alex Rodrigues
23-Denis Llagami
24-Alec Hernandez
25-Nicholas Rodrigues
GK-Michael Duffy
GK-Dylan Jorge
MGR: Antonio Sacca
Head coach: Vincent McGowan
Assistants: Chris Moreno, LeAnne Dunn