West Orange HS Boys Soccer Team Notches Big Win, Brings Home Sectional Championship

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following article is written by Max Shadow, and comes courtesy of the WOHS Sports Media Group. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange captured the NJSIAA North 1, Group 4 Sectional Championship Friday night with a 2–1 win over Mount Olive, marking the program’s eighth sectional title and first since 2022.

The Mountaineers struck early when Denis Banegas redirected a precise cross from Marcus Williams into the back of the net just minutes into the game, giving West Orange an immediate edge. Mount Olive responded in the first half, leveling the score on a low cross that was converted, keeping the game even at halftime.

In the second half, West Orange maintained control, pressuring the Marauders and creating multiple opportunities. The decisive goal came from a well-executed set piece. Marcus Jackson headed the ball toward the far post, where Darius Millington extended it to Carl Hall, who finished putting the Mountaineers ahead with under 15 minutes remaining.

Defensively, West Orange withstood late pressure from Mount Olive, preserving the one-goal advantage and closing out the victory. The win highlights the Mountaineers’ depth and coordination on both ends of the field, as well as their ability to execute under playoff conditions.

With the sectional title secured, West Orange advances to the Group 4 Semifinals, set to face Scotch Plains on Tuesday, November 18 (time TBD at the time of publishing). The team enters the next stage with a strong mix of experience and talent, looking to continue its pursuit of a state championship.

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