MCT Preview: Boys Soccer

THE ROUND OF 16

RESULTS:

#2 Kinnelon 3 - 2 #15 Morris Knolls

PREVIEWS:

#16 West Morris at #1 Delbarton: The #1 Seed have a great out-of-conference schedule that only benefits the Green Wave in situations like this. West Morris has rolled off three straight wins, all 1-goal victories. Their last loss was a 5-0 setback to Columbia.

Why Delbarton will win: The Green Wave are solid in every aspect of the game. No one has been able to find a weakness in Delbarton’s armor and that because there may not be one. Six of nine victories have come via the shut out. Delbarton’s depth on the field allows for a steady, yet aggressive back line while he offense will attack in wave, a little pun intended. The returning MCT finalists are lead by Theo Patsalos-Fox and John Scally with Will Walsh in goal. Donny MacMaster knocked in two against Caldwell and is just one of many in a cast of goal-scorers for the Wave.

How the Highlanders can pull the upset: Tough task here, but West Morris has played an ultra-competitive schedule. Columbia has a solid grip on the IHC-Iron, and dominated West Morris earlier in the week. Can a 5-0 less be helpful? Definitely, if Central can learn what not to do against a Delbarton squad that can explode for goals. West Morris will not only need to play strong, pesky-like defense to take Delbarton out of their offensive flow, but also take advantage of any good scoring chances they get. Matt Gelsinger and Kyle Cavanaugh scoring earlier in the week against Morristown. Evan Guarini and Phil Brigando knocked in goals in a 2-1 win over Randolph. If the Highlanders can get a few quality shots while Delbarton concentrates on the Mike Pytlar and Anthony Germinario, an upset may not be much of a surprise. They need to get an early goal and not allow Delbarton to build any momentum.

Prediction: I like West Morris’ tough and aggressive physical play, but Delbarton is just too strong and too deep. This game should be close at the half and do not be surprised if Central has lead, but Delbarton is too well rested and will get the best of the second half. Delbarton by two

#14 Morristown at #3 Chatham: Tough week with he Cougars have had a two one-goal victories over Dover and West Essex. While both teams are strong, Chatham will have little rest coming off the Friday night battle with par Hills. Morristown also defeated Dover by one goal, but has since lost two straight.

Why Chatham will win: Despite coming off the Friday night game with Par Hills , the cougars will be ready. Chatham has been consistant all year and an overtime win over West Essex can only bring more confidence to the already successful Cougars.

How the Colonials could advance: Morristown is opportunistic, and this is one major opportunity. In now way does Morristown fear the Cougars and despite being on a two game losing streak, the extra rest may be just work in their favor.

Prediction: Morristown benefits from their large home field, but the turf at Chatham is a Cougars Ace in the hole. Chatham by 2.

#12 Randolph at #5 Par Hills: It’s no secret that Par Hills is a team to be reckoned with. The Vikings are in need of a big conference win tonight at Chatham. (You maybe be reading this after that game.) You and I both know that the Vikings are ready to beat Chatham, who took the 1^st meeting 1-0 on opening day. Randolph had just lost to West Morris for the second time this year, 2-1 on Thursday and 4-0 in September.

Why Parsippany Hills will win: Despite coming off the Chatham game and having one less day rest, the Vikings will be ready. Par Hills has been finding the net. Dave Pryzblo has scored the Vikings last 4 goals, not counting the Weequahic game -- all three goals in a 3-0 victory over Summit and one in 3-1 loss to West Essex. The counties leading scorer has an obvious knack for the net and big game players set it up in big games.

How the Rams can knock down the Vikings? The Rams has lost 4 of their last 5 and are in desperate need of a win here. The key … shutting down Morris County’s leading scorer. No secret there. Randolph will keep this close and match Parsippany Hills physical game. A Randolph win comes at the hands of keeper Andrew Brower. Randolph has been limiting shots, so one or two key saves could get the Rams through – maybe in a shoot-out.

Prediction: This should be a very close game – almost an understatement for a MCT game. I stomach keeps telling me to take Randolph on kicks, but I keep writing down Vikings by one. Par Hills in overtime.

#20 Boonton at #4 Morris Catholic: A 2-1 victory over Sparta is a perfect warm-up for their MCT opener.

Why Catholic will win: Although the Crusaders are rarely tested I the CHC. The Denville based school is solid throughout the field and posses plenty of depth off the bench. They just have too many weapons for the Bombers.

Boonton tidbits: The Bombers won their 4th game of the season with an MCT upset of conference-foe Mtn Lakes. The Bombers advanced in dynamic fashion. First, Boonton tied the game up on a goal by Steven Villada, the Bombers goal-keep, with just 18 minutes left in regulation. After a scoreless overtime, Boonton hit on 3 penalty kicks while Mtn Lakes failed on all tries. Boonton had lost the last two meeting with Lakers by a score of 2-1. Boonton has the only played one game this week, a 2-0 loss to Whippany Park.

Prediction: Many would love to see a Cinderella run from the Bombers, but Catholic is just too strong. Look for the Crusaders to advance. Morris Catholic by 3.

#11 Morris Hills at #6 Mendham: These two teams met last Saturday in a rare night game in Rockaway. Morris Hills took the game 2-0 and has rolled off five straight wins going into today’s game against Parsippany.

What gives Mendham the edge: Ouch! I can hear you know … “Come on coach, Hills just beat Mendham 2-0, and 2-0 is a shut out! What are you thinking?” One – it is very difficult to beat a good team twice, none the less twice in one week. Morris Hills has lost their top player due to a Red Card on Monday and you saw what happens to Morris Hills when they lose players, even one. Plus Mendham is at home and the Minutemen are a tougher team at home. Rob Berish and

What can Morris Hills do to advance: Easy … play the same game and get much need help between the pipes. The Scarlet Knights are hot and playing at the level they were expected to during the preseason. Teamwork is key here.

Prediction: With Santiago missing, Mendham gets the advantage on paper. This one is a coin flip either way. Morris Hills in overtime.

#10 Madison at #7 Montville: Montville ran into Delbarton last week and the result was in the Mustangs favor. Madison, also having a great season, has dropped two in a row. The first a loss to Pequannock, who was winless entering the game, came on the heel of the Dodgers knocking the Panthers out of the MCT. The second loss came to Montville 3-0.

Why the Mustangs will win: Monvtille experienced one of its best season in school history last year and this team is eager to remain on that pace. After a 3-0 win yesterday, as well as witnessing what happened to Madison. Ekene Okereke a definite play-maker. Okereke, along with Sam Gehman will be the difference.

Can Madison turn the tables? The loss to Pequannock must have been a big surprise to most, but defeating a conference team two games in a row is not an easy task. Madison was in the midst of a 4 game winning streak before falling to Pequannock and Montville.

Prediction: Montville is too strong for the Dodger. Montville by 2.

#15 Morris Knolls at #2 Kinnelon: Do not look now, but Morris Knolls has not only won four straight, but the Eagles have not let up a goal since their loss to Columbia two weeks ago. Kinnelon is one of two undefeated teams left in Morris County. The Colts toughest match so far was a 2-1 victory over Whippany Park.

Will the #2-seed advance: This does have the making of upset and Kinnelon was in no way rewarded for their undefeated season with a 15-seed like Knolls. The Golden Eagles maybe the best team Kinnelon has seen thus far. Knolls will definitely be the most physical team that Kinnelon has seen. Kinnelon does have too many weapons for most teams, and Knolls has secured up their back. A win here will not easy. Keeper Eric Makinen is solid and will be the difference.

Is Knolls really the Dark-Horse? Looking at the last 4 games, you can easily rename the Eagles, a contender … at least a favorite to make the top 4. I know I have said this before, but smaller schools historically have not faired well in the MCT. The four straight shut-out wins make you wonder ...

The Prediction: Could this tournament be any tougher to predict? My expert had Kinnelon winning here, but that was before Knolls was back to full strength. I am going with my dark horse here. Knolls by 1.