Pioneers Vindicated in 4-3 Victory Over Harrison

New Providence's 4-3 victory over Harrison in Tuesday's North Jersey, Section 2 Group I semifinal at Lieder Field was vindication for the Pioneers -- especially for senior forward Tim Terrezza and senior center midfielder Bobby Libera.

They were sophomores when the Pioneers lost to Harrison in the sectional semifinals in penalty kicks two years ago.   

"I told Timmy that we owed him one and he took it to heart,'' said Pioneer head coach Ted Niedzielski. "I had a good feeling about it.''   

Niedzielski added that he told Terrezza before the game that he would score three goals.

Terrezza did one better, scoring four, including the game-winner in the 71st minute. The game was tied 1-1 at halftime.     

"I've scored four goals in a game before, but not in a game like this,'' said Terrezza. Junior Michael Herrigel, senior Justin Singer and Libera had assists for the Pioneers.       

The Pioneers (14-4-1) will play the winner of Tuesday's Glen Ridge-Dayton game for the sectional championship Thursday afternoon. If Dayton wins, the Pioneers would play in Springfield. If Glen Ridge wins, the Pioneers would host the Bergen County squad. But for one moment, they just wanted to savor this little bit of revenge. 

"It was just such an amazing feeling, knowing that we could come back and that I would score again and lead us to the win,'' Terrezza said. "Two years ago they knocked us out, so I knew we had to win.''   

Junior Michael Herrigel, senior Justin Singer and Libera had assists for the Pioneers, which was tied 1-1 at halftime.

Junior goalkeeper Zach Klotwald, who started in place of sophomore Mike
Zamora, recorded 15 saves for the Pioneers.   

Klotwald made two great saves in the waning minutes as the Pioneers protected their lead.   

"It definitely was an entertaining game for the fans,'' said the coach.   

The Pioneers took a 3-1 lead in the first five minutes of the second half, but Harrison roared back to tie the game. Terrezza made sure the Pioneers reclaimed the lead.   

"We knew we just had to keep doing what we were doing and we would win. We played to win,'' Terrezza said.