In a back-and-forth, highly entertaining game that featured four lead changes, Middle School Soccer improved to 2-0 after defeating Briarcliff MS 5-4 on Lower Abbey Field on Friday, September 23rd. After falling behind in the first minute, the Green Wave controlled the midfield and applied near-constant pressure on the Briarcliff goal over the next 20 minutes. Kenz Raza '27 and Hudson Yee '27 scored in the 3rd and 12th minute, assisted by Henry Ferro '28, which put the Green Wave up 2-1. Only the outstanding play of the Briarcliff keeper (10 first-half saves, 15 for the game) which prevented the lead from being bigger.

Having withstood the Green Wave pressure, Briarcliff struck twice toward the end of the first half (22nd, 30th minutes) to go in front 3-2 at the half. Down one at the half, the Green Wave responded by scoring the next three goals to retake the lead 5-3. The run started in the 33rd minute with Ryan Shannon '27 finishing a cross from Henry Ferro '28. After setting up two goals, Ferro clinically finished on a breakaway after perfectly timing up his run to receive a through ball from Raza to regain the lead 4-3 in the 38th minute. The three-goal run concluded as it started with Shannon thumping home a cross from Ferro in the 44th minute that gave the Green Wave a 5-3. Before being able to celebrate the victory, the Green Wave had to navigate some nervy moments after Briarcliff finished off a corner in the 52nd minute to make it 5-4. Ultimately, the Green Wave defense held strong when it mattered most at the end to preserve the victory.

Middle School Soccer will be back in action on Tuesday, September 27 against Kinnelon at home, 4 PM kickoff. Come down to Lower Abbey Field to cheer them on as they go for a 3-0 start to their season!