VIDEO, PHOTOS: Grier’s first varsity goal sparks Middle’s comeback vs. LCM
September 28, 2022
Lower, Middle meet Friday in different kind of Anchor Bowl
September 29, 2022PHOTO GALLERY: Middle still unbeaten after shutting out LCM
Middle Township's Chase McCray wins a header against a challenge by Lower Cape May's Evan Shoffler.
By BRIAN CUNNIFF
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township High School boys soccer team finished a good portion of its chances Wednesday.
It was a stark difference from a couple of days earlier, when the Panthers dominated the run of play but struggled to score in a 1-0 victory over rebuilding Buena.
Middle erupted for three goals over the final 16 minutes of the first half and added another in the second half to gain a thorough 4-0 victory over local rival Lower Cape May.
“It was something we talked about after the match Monday, how we needed to put the ball on frame to give ourselves a better chance at scoring,” Middle coach Scott Kurkowski said. “We’ve struggled doing that lately, so it was good to see us do it here.”
As has been the case all season, senior Steve Berrodin had his fingerprints all over Middle’s offense. He helped open the scoring with a beautiful assist to Landon Osmunden, who buried the ball into the goal after collecting a long crossing pass from his teammate.
Matt Sgrignioli scored shortly after, beating the Lower Cape May defense to a cross by Lucas Matthews and heading the ball into the goal
Berrodin then grabbed his first of the game at the stroke of halftime, blasting Eddie Hirsch’s delivery inside the post just before the horn sounded.
Berrodin added his second in the second half off an assist from Vinny Povio.
“We talked about how when we play Lower Cape May everything goes out the window,” Kurkowski said. “Anything can happen when it’s Middle versus Lower. It’s a battle every time despite whatever the records are. Lower really hung with us for a while. It was definitely a tough battle.”
Berrodin now has 12 goals and six assists through nine games and has firmly established himself as one of the top players in the region.
“Steve’s in great form and he deserves it because he trains so hard every day,” Kurkowski said. “He’s a great leader for this program.”
Middle goalkeeper Devon Bock recorded his fifth shutout as Middle improved to 9-0 overall.
“I’m ecstatic where we are, but like I tell the boys, we have to keep our heads down and work,” Kurkowski said.
Lower Cape May dropped to 4-4 with the loss.
