Sophomore Boosts MKA's State-Ranked Soccer Squad

Montclair resident Noah Cesareo has emerged as key performer for the state-ranked Montclair Kimberley Academy boys soccer team which is busy with state tournament play while seeking its first NJSIAA Non-Public B state title since winning back-to-back crowns in 2011 and 2012.

Cesareo, who has two assists this season, has been a manstay while boosting the defensive efforts of the Cougars who take a 12-5-1 record and No. 12 ranking in the state into their NJSIAA Non-Public, North B state sectional opener vs. Morris Catholic on Thursday, Nov. 6, at Van Brunt Field.

Cesareo had an assist when MKA defeated private school soccer rival Gill St. Bernard's, 4-0, in the prep B tournament final on Monday, Nov. 3, marking the second straight year that the Cougars have defeated the Knights in a prep tourney championship match.

MKA won 10 straight games following a 0-0 tie vs. township rival Montclair High on Sept. 24, before falling to powerful West Orange, 3-1, in the Essex County Tournament semifinals on Monday, Oct. 27.

Should the top-seeded Cougars keep advancing as expected in the Non-Public B state tournament the state sectional final is slated for Thursday, Nov. 13, and the overall Non-Public B state final is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 16, at Franklin High School in Somerset County.