The Delbarton JV soccer team, led by coaches Neil Murphy and Dan DiMeo demonstrated resilience, skill, and heart throughout an eventful season that ended with an impressive 12-5-3 record.
The Green Wave started with confidence, achieving commanding pre-season victories against Madison High School and Tenafly HS. The momentum carried into the season opener, as they dismantled Gill St. Bernard's with a 7-1 victory. However, a tough 1-1 draw at Morris Hills highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in finishing scoring opportunities.
In true Delbarton fashion, the team rallied. They responded to the draw with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Randolph, followed by back-to-back 1-0 shutouts against Don Bosco and Chatham, showcasing defensive grit and discipline.
Unfortunately, injuries began to take a toll, resulting in back-to-back losses to Mendham (0-2) and St. Benedict's (0-1). Despite these setbacks, the Green Wave displayed admirable resilience. Their defense shone brightly during a remarkable stretch of five straight clean sheets, defeating Roxbury (1-0), Mt. Olive (3-0), Chaminade (1-0), and Bergen Catholic (3-0), with a 0-0 ties at Morris Hills in between.
Seton Hall Prep was a very tough opponent, exploiting opportunities efficiently to hand Delbarton a tough loss despite numerous Green Wave chances, including two shots hitting the post. Nevertheless, Delbarton bounced back, beating Chatham 2-0. However, challenges lay ahead, as a narrow 2-1 defeat to Don Bosco and a tough 4-1 loss against powerhouse CBA, despite a stunning long-range strike from Sthir Khandelwal.
Determined to finish strong, the Green Wave earned back-to-back wins against Randolph and Mendham. After a 1-1 stalemate with Roxbury, Delbarton closed their season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mt. Olive at South Gate Field.
Despite injuries and a smaller roster, the Delbarton JV soccer team proved they could compete with any opponent. Their 12-5-3 record reflects a season of resilience, teamwork, and memorable moments on the pitch.
