Montclair Resident Big Boost For State-Ranked MKA Soccer

Montclair Kimberley Academy's state-ranked boys soccer team is eyeing a state title this season with standouts such as Montclair resident Solomon Lucas helping to lead the way for the Cougar booters who are coming off their second straight prep B-Division tournament title with a 4-0 win vs. Gill St. Bernard's on Monday, Nov. 3.

Lucas, a junior starter, had two assists in the prep final vs. Gill and has 4 goals and 4 assists on the season for the Cougars who take a 12-5-1 record into its Thursday, Nov. 6, NJSIAA Non-Public, North B state tournament opening-round contest where they will host Morris Catholic.

MKA, the No. 1 seed in its section, is seeking its first overall Non-Public B state title since 2012 and first Non-Public, North B state sectional crown since 2013.

The Cougars, who are ranked No. 12 in the state according to nj .com, captured back-to-back Non-Public B titles in 2011 and 2012 and have advanced to the North, Non-Public B final the last three seasons but have been defeated by Gill St. Bernard’s each time.

MKA's losses are all against state powers including twice vs. West Orange (including 3-1 in the Essex County Tournament semifinals), No. 1 ranked and now 2-time ECT champion St. Benedict’s, Peddie and Delbarton.

The Cougars also won 10-straight games from Sept. 27-Oct. 25 when they allowed just four goals and posted six shutouts.