The Brearley boys’ soccer team is 80 minutes away from capturing the program’s third Group 1 state championship and second in three years.
North 2 champion Brearley (12-7-2) came through again for the second time in three years in Group 1 semifinal play, this time blanking North 1 champ Waldwick 1-0 in overtime Tuesday at Millburn.
It was a goal by No. 4-wearing sophomore Andrew Lomnicki just over two minutes into the first overtime session that lifted the Bears into the program’s fourth Group 1 state championship game.
Brearley in Group 1 state championship games:
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
Justin Estremera sent a pass to Lomnicki, whose first shot was saved by the Waldwick goalie. Lomnicki then followed up by putting the rebound in the back of the net.
Brearley goalkeeper Juan Martinez made six saves for his fourth playoff shutout in five games.
Schalick, the South champion, defeated Central champ South River in penalty kicks. The final score was 1-1 after regulation and two sudden death overtime periods, with Schalick then winning the penalty kick shootout 3-1.
Schalick is 21-1-1. The Cougars had an 18-game winning streak snapped by South River, as their Group 1 semifinal is considered a tie for both teams.
South River finished its season at 14-8-2.
Waldwick, which was defeated in Group 1 semifinal round play for the second straight season, finished at 17-6.