Under The Lights: Governor Livingston 3, Johnson 0

(This article written by GL dad Jeff Bamundo)

After a first half that saw Governor Livingston dominate possession -- and have nothing to show for it -- the Highlanders started seeing the fruits of their labor in the second half of a 3-0 victory against long-time rivals Arthur L Johnson last night in Clark.

This was a very close contest early on, owing mainly to the sharpness and bravery of Johnson Junior Goalie, Nick Stolarz, who stopped point-blank and longer distance shots to keep the score even at 0-0 for the first 40 minutes. To the naked eye, it looked as though GL hardly left the ALJ side of the field during this time.  Good chances were repelled over and over by Stolarz who finished with a multitude of strong saves for his team.

The breakthrough came early in the second half following a foul down the GL right side that allowed Senior and usual-scorer-turned-provider, Jeremy Robbins, to send a free kick to the far post that was met perfectly by a rising Senior Kyle Morris who headed it in to finally give GL a well-deserved lead.  It was a clinical finish that pretty much showed exactly how balls should be delivered and met in the air from a set piece.

Shortly thereafter, the welcome sight of Junior Julian Light streaking down the right touchline (he’s been missing since the first game of the season due to injury) resulted in an unfortunate Own Goal by Johnson on a strongly hit and low cross into the 6 yard box that Stolarz dove for but could not reach.  It was being sent to a waiting Louie Marke at the back post but was intercepted by a Johnson defender who could do nothing but turn it into his own net, giving GL a 2-0 lead.

A little later in the half, hard work by two Sophomores, Trevor Bachert and Chris Moran, resulted in goal #3.

Smartly continuing to “play the advantage” after an obvious foul outside the 18, Bachert kept his balance, cut inside a defender and crossed another ball into 6 where Moran was stationed in front of Johnson’s Stolarz who was screened by his own defender.  Moran deftly brought down the bouncing ball, wheeled and smacked it into the net as Stolarz dove instinctively in the direction where the shot was headed net-ward but to no avail.

The balance of the game was a continuation of solid defense by GL, owing to the work of Juniors Torbin Halvorsen, Max Dooley and Michael Bamundo, with ample assistance from Stopper Morris and the Holding Midfielder, Junior Dylan Weitz. Senior Goalie Jon Robbins (8 saves) was strong when tested – which did not seem that often – and the shutout preserved when he was relieved by just as strong play from Senior Matt Peltier (3 saves).

The win allowed GL to improve their record to 11-1-0, while Johnson moved to 7-7-0.

Coach Somma did get to enjoy this one for at least a few minutes, before turning his attention to GL’s next game which will see his Highlanders host Linden in today’s Quarterfinal UCT match on their home Turf field.

You can be sure that the Coach will be looking for the boys to bring the same intensity and efficiency they produced in last night’s game to their next match.

(Note:  Today’s UCT Game has been moved from Wednesday to Tuesday at 4pm to avoid the potential for very rainy weather that may come into the area tomorrow.)