Slow Soccer Start: Holmdel Boys Varsity Loses to Toms River

By Valerie Marchiano

In a disappointing start to the season, the Holmdel boys soccer team lost 2 to 1 to Toms River South.

Holmdel came out strong and dominated in the first half. The Hornets scored first in the 13th minute. Senior midfielder Menos Hiras sent a ball up the middle to junior Nick Chrystal, who passed it to sophomore Brendan Wall. Wall buried the ball in the net for his first goal of the season.

Toms River’s Ryan Shiffer had a good shot about 30 minutes in but junior goalkeeper Tyler Marchiano came up with a good save keeping them scoreless.

Ultimately, the game was a tale of two halves. And, it was all Toms River South’s game in the second half. Cameron Geerinick scored on a breakaway in the 66th minute to tie the game. Then it was Shiffer again, who connected a rebound and put it in about the 70th minute for the go-ahead goal.

This was a non-divisional game for the Hornets. Holmdel hopes to regroup before they travel up the road to play nearby Matawan on Thursday, September 11 at 4:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Holmdel girls varsity team travels to Middletown South Tuesday at 3:45 p.m.

Come out and support our student athletes! There are great players and good plays to watch, and each team deserves the hometown support from their community.