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VIDEO: Middle flying high after two impressive results to start season

The Middle Township High School boys soccer team has posted impressive victories over Hammonton and West Deptford to start the season. (photo courtesy MTHS boys soccer/Jeanna Kiker)

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

The Middle Township High School boys soccer team knew it would get tested as soon as the regular season began.

The team has passed its first two tests with flying colors.

One game after netting the winning goal with less than a minute to play against Hammonton, Middle scored a 1-0 victory over perennial South Jersey power West Deptford Saturday morning.

“I thought our effort was excellent, especially coming off that tough game against Hammonton on Thursday,” Middle coach Scott Kurkowski said. “We’ve been training for a long time now, and we’re starting to get that toughness you’ll need to go deep in the playoffs.”

Steve Berrodin jarred the ball free in the right side of the penalty area long enough to get a shot away and slotted inside the far left post midway through the second half for Saturday’s lone goal. The assist went to Colin Kastremski, who won a header against two defenders before Berrodin collected the loose ball.

Berrodin also had the game-winner against Hammonton two days earlier, converting a penalty kick with 51 seconds remaining to give the Panthers a 2-1 victory.

“I can’t say enough good things about Steve,” Kurkowski said. “We all know the saying – big players make big plays in big games. He’s that guy for us.”

Middle did well to not give West Deptford many chances thereafter, although the Eagles did have a shot whiz just wide of the right post with about five minutes to play. Middle Township goalkeeper Devon Bock made eight saves for the shutout and did show by showing steely nerve, particularly in the second half. 

“Devon played absolutely phenomenally,” Kurkowski said. “That was an awesome game for him. He really took control of the box. He’s becoming a leader on the team.”

Kurkowski also pointed out the strong work of backs Matt Sgrignioli and Jason Campbell, as well as midfielders Will Casterline and Landon Osmundsen.

Saturday’s win avenged a 4-1 defeat to West Deptford in the second round of the South Jersey Coaches Tournament.

West Deptford is considered one of the favorites to win the South Jersey Group II title. Meanwhile, Hammonton is considered by some to be the team to beat in the Cape-Atlantic League. Hammonton had knocked Middle out of the four-team CAL Tournament last season.

“These are two massive results for us,” Kurkowski said. “We’ve been training all summer with these kinds of games in mind. We wanted to figure out a way to propel ourselves to two good results. To come out with two wins shows how driven and how committed the boys are.”

Middle is next in action Tuesday at home against St. Joseph.

The Middle Township High School boys soccer team has posted impressive victories over Hammonton and West Deptford to start the season. (photo courtesy MTHS boys soccer/Jeanna Kiker)