STONE HARBOR – A referees’ decision played a hand in the end of the Wildwood Catholic High School boys soccer team’s season.
Moorestown Friends scored in extra time for a 1-0 victory in the second-round South Jersey Non-Public B Tournament game Friday afternoon.
The goal came after Crusader goalkeeper Mike Sharkey spilled the ball in the area but not before he was fouled twice on the play, according to vehement protests by Wildwood Catholic players, coaches and fans. Moorestown Friends midfielder Lawrence Miles easily slotted the ball inside the right post for the goal.
Just prior to the goal, Sharkey attempted to charge off his line in an attempt to secure a ball in the air. Video taken by the Press of Atlantic City shows Sharkey may have first been obstructed by a Moorestown Friends player as he first came off his line. A moment later, Sharkey was on the ground and without control of the ball after contact with a second Quaker player. Whistles were silent, however, and Moorestown Friends netted the controversial winner.
Wildwood Catholic, the fourth seed in the tournament, had its season ended at 13-4-1. Fifth-seeded Moorestown Friends (11-4-4) advances to play No. 1 Gill St. Bernard’s on Tuesday.
— Brian Cunniff
(photos courtesy Lisa Mericle)