Week 4 Shore Sports Insider Boys Soccer Top 10
September is just about in the books and the Shore Conference remains as wide open as it has at any point this season and perhaps at any time in the last 10 years. Last week’s new No. 1 team in the Shore Sports Insider Boys Soccer Top 10 had a minor slip-up this past week, but did any other team do enough to overtake that team?
Two new squads join the fray, which has been the norm since Week 1. With that being said, there are a long line of teams pushing their way toward the Top 10.
1. Colts Neck (8-0-1, 4-0-1) Last Week: 1
Although no longer perfect following a draw against Manalapan, Colts Neck remains unbeaten heading into October. Squandering a 3-0 lead against a one-loss Manalapan side is indeed a missed opportunity, but it was not a loss, and it should reinforce to the Cougars that there is still work to be done in order to reach a championship level.
2. Christian Brothers Academy (7-3, 2-1) Last Week: 5
Since losing a 1-0 decision to Rumson-Fair Haven, CBA has been convincing in winning its last four matches. The Colts took down two ranked opponents during that stretch – Toms River North and Manasquan – and did so by a combined 5-0 margin. The tough opponents keep coming this week, with Holmdel paying CBA a visit Monday, followed by a trip to Howell the next day. If CBA continues its winning streak this week, the Colts will have made a strong case to be No. 1.
3. Manalapan (9-1-1, 4-0-1) Last Week: 8
It remains to be seen if Manalapan is actually the best team in the Shore Conference, but it’s hard to argue that there is a more entertaining team. The Braves are the highest-scoring team in the Shore Conference and they are also giving up nearly two goals per game, which has led to some high-scoring shootouts. Curbing the opposition’s scoring will be paramount in Manalapan reaching its postseason potential, but the Braves’ scoring prowess gives them a chance to beat anybody.
4. Manasquan (5-3, 1-2) Last Week: 2
The win over Howell is still a win worthy of a top-five ranking, but the Warriors showed some warts in the last several games. The 3-2, overtime loss at Colts Neck showed Manasquan’s resolve and the loss at Holmdel was a function of playing a man down for 20-plus minutes. The 3-0 loss at CBA, meanwhile, was the result that showed the Warriors still have work to do in rounding into championship form.
5. Howell (6-1, 3-1) Last Week: 3
Injuries might be the only reason Howell is not still undefeated. This week, the Rebels will have an opportunity to climb back to the top three in the rankings. The week starts Tuesday with a home match against CBA and, at the very least, the Rebels will have senior Nick Turturro at full strength after sustaining a facial laceration in a loss at Manasquan. The bigger question is whether senior midfielder Tye Maser will be able to play after sitting out the last two weeks with a hamstring strain. At full strength, the Rebels should still be considered on the short list of Shore Conference Tournament favorites and getting completely healthy likely remains their priority.
6. Toms River North (5-3-1, 3-0) Last Week: 6
This might be Toms River North’s biggest week of its season. The Mariners start it with a trip to Southern for a showdown under the lights, followed by a clash with Central on Wednesday for a pair of games that will determine the final order in the Class A South standings.
7. Toms River East (6-2, 2-2) Last Week: 7
One-goal losses to Toms River North and Central will probably keep the Raiders from winning the Class A South championship, but the Raiders have been in every game and have been especially good in close games. Toms River East has beaten Manalapan, Holmdel and Southern – all by one goal – and is in line to receive a first-round bye in the SCT as long as the Raiders can beat Ranney next week.
8. St. John Vianney (6-1, 3-0) Last Week: Not ranked
The Lancers burst into the rankings for the first time in 10 years on the heels of a win over Ocean last week that sets St. John Vianney up to win the Class B North championship. There is still work to be done, namely a head-to-head match with Raritan this week, but the Lancers have proven they can take down a top team and have made it this far without injured standout Anthony Marano. SJV’s first major test as a ranked team will be Saturday at CBA.
9. Ocean (7-2, 2-1) Last Week: 4
A loss to St. John Vianney drops Ocean five spots, but it is a result that has a chance to help the Spartans in the long run. Up until that loss, Ocean did not appear to have many flaws, having allowed one goal in its six wins and dropping a highly competitive match at Howell. With a strong back line and a balanced group on the attack, the Spartans are still a threat in the SCT – even if the Class B North title may have slipped through their grasp with the loss to SJV.
10. Toms River South (7-1-1, 4-0) Last Week: Not ranked
The second of two teams to debut in the Top 10 this week, Toms River South went toe-to-toe with Toms River North this week and played the Mariners to a 1-1 draw. That and a season-opening loss to No. 1 Colts Neck are the only games Toms River South has failed to win, and those winning ways have led to the Indians being the first Shore Conference team to clinch a share of a division championship.
Dropped Out
Southern (5-2-1, 1-1-1) Last Week: 9 – Although the Rams have struggled to remain consistent, they have been impressive at their best and have a chance to make a statement this week against Toms River North, Shawnee and Manalapan.
Marlboro (6-3, 1-2) Last Week: 10 – After a two-week bout with injuries, the Mustangs are close to full strength again and will try to get back on track this week vs. Rumson-Fair Haven and Long Branch.
Top 10 Watch List
Middletown South (6-3-1, 2-2) – Saturday starts a huge stretch of games for Middletown South: Manasquan, St. John Vianney, Colts Neck, CBA.
Wall (6-4-1, 1-2-1) – The Crimson Knights get their shot at the Top 10 on Tuesday, when they take on Manalapan on the road.
Rumson-Fair Haven (4-4, 3-1) – The Bulldogs’ win over CBA continues to carry weight and an overtime win over Holmdel looks even better after the Hornets turned around and beat Manasquan two nights later.
Holmdel (5-3-1, 2-2) – The Hornets finally closed out a signature win Friday by beating Manasquan and will look to keep the momentum in Monday’s showdown with CBA.
Middletown North (4-4, 2-3) – The Class A Central division is out of reach, but a win over Middletown South keeps the Lions in the Top 10 mix.
Shore (7-3, 3-1) – The B North championship is still on the table for Shore if Raritan can give Shore and Ocean some help by beating St. John Vianney and a remaining game at Ocean is a chance to win their way back into the Top 10.
Central (5-3, 3-1) – The Golden Eagles will have a chance to earn a ranking and at least a piece of the Class A South championship Wednesday against Toms River North.
Point Pleasant Beach (7-0, 4-0) – The Garnet Gulls are going to lose at some point but it might not be this week. A Thursday game vs. Brick Memorial will be a chance for Point Beach to win an outright division championship.
