Delbarton Invitational Best XI, recap

Simply put, the timing was right for St. Benedict’s (N.J.) and Delbarton (N.J.) to renew a long-lost rivalry. St. Benedict’s has long dominated the New Jersey prep scene, while Delbarton has been a perennial Non-Public A state title contender. Yet, the schools, which have a shared history, haven’t played on the varsity level since 2008. That changed Sunday when St. Benedict’s met Delbarton in the finale of the annual Delbarton Invitational, and St. Benedict’s emerged with a 3-0 victory before a capacity crowd at scenic Ryan Family Field on the Delbarton campus. St. Benedict’s ended the two-day event with a 2-0 record, followed by Delbarton and Haverford School (Pa.) at 1-1 and Chaminade (N.Y.) 0-2. Haverford defeated Chaminade 3-1 in the other Sunday match. On Saturday, Delbarton blanked Chaminde 3-0 and St. Benedict’s went on a wild scoring spree in the second half en route to a 7-2 win over Haverford. PrepSoccer.net Best XI

F Ransford Gyan Ransford Gyan M St. Benedict’s | 2024 State #3 Nation NJ , St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.), So.

Electric. That’s the only way to define this speedy, crafty forward. Gyan was the MVP on the weekend, scoring the first two goals in St. Benedict’s win over Haverford and the first goal in the 3-0 victory over Delbarton. He’s very short but exceptionally fast. He seems to glide along for a while then out of nowhere finds an extra gear to run past defenders and his finishing touch is spot on.

F Peter Yaro Peter Yaro M/F St. Benedict’s | 2022 NJ , St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.), Sr.

Although Yaro did not score any goals, his presence was a mismatch for defenders. He’s a team captain who can take on defenders and create chances for himself and others. With Gyan putting up big goal numbers this season, Yaro might not need to score for St. Benedict’s to be successful, but his leadership and play will be key as it chases a state and national title.

M Kevin Cull Kevin Cull M Delbarton School (NJ) | 2023 State NJ , Delbarton School (N.J.), Jr.

Cull is a center mid who cleaned up a lot of plays, especially during Saturday’s win over Chaminade. The junior is receiving Division I interest, as is most of the players on this list.

M Belmar Joseph Belmar Joseph M St. Benedict’s | 2024 NJ , St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.), Jr.

Joseph is another one of St. Benedict’s exceptional athletes who is difficult to defend. He had the ability to make runs at goal and he even scored against Haverford.

M Thomas Kaplan Thomas Kaplan D Haverford School | 2024 PA , Haverford School (Pa.), Jr.

The defensive midfielder spent most of his time defending, especially in Saturday’s match against St. Benedict’s. He scored twice on the weekend, both as a result of corner kicks. He’s a workhorse, capable of going all 80 minutes at a high pace.

M Molik Jesse Khan Molik Jesse Khan M/F St. Benedict’s | 2022 MN , St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.), Jr.

Khan is a physical presence in the midfield. He plays good defense, wins balls, and gets St. Benedict’s into the attack. His role appears more like a set-up player as he’s not asked to score since the Gray Bees have plenty of talented finishers. However, he did have one goal in the team’s victory over Haverford School.

M Nate Zimmermann Nate Zimmermann M Delbarton School (NJ) | 2023 State NJ , Delbaron School (N.J.), Jr.

Zimmermann has the ability to take over matches. His fluid play led to several opportunities, one he cashed in for a goal in Saturday’s victory over Chaminade. Certainly, on Saturday he was the best player on the field for long stretches of the match.

D Aidan Donovan Aidan Donovan F/M NJ , Delbarton School (N.J.), So.

The sophomore was put under a lot of pressure Sunday but played well. Overall, this Division I prospect, whose older brother has committed to Holy Cross, was easily one of Delbarton’s top two players on the weekend. He kept the back organized in the shutout win over Chaminade.

D Anthony Careccia Anthony Careccia D NY , Chaminade (N.Y.), Sr.

Careccia is listed as a midfielder, but he played outside left back against Delbarton and was extremely effective. He was able to win possession, dribble out of trouble and served up crosses that led to scoring chances. He only played the first day as an injury kept him sidelined in the second match.

D Skylar Cunha Skylar Cunha M St. Benedict's | 2022 NJ , St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.), Sr.

Cunha is a center midfielder who has been pushed back into a central defender position, and he’s a natural. He’s a team leader who guides the defense. He has the ability to move up in the attack, as well. On Saturday, he converted a penalty kick that gave St. Benedict’s the lead for good in the win over Haverford School. He is receiving Division I interest and might soon commit.

GK Marcilio Soares Marcilio Soares GK St. Benedict's | 2023 NJ , St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.), Jr.

Marcilio Soares Marcilio Soares GK St. Benedict's | 2023 NJ has filled in nicely for St. Benedict’s after top prospect Jayden Hibbert Jayden Hibbert GK St. Benedict’s | 2022 NJ decided not to return this school year. Soares made one key diving save while the match with Haverford School was still in doubt. He was in goal for the Gray Bees’ shutout win over Delbarton. He’s very good with his feet, and almost acts like an extra defender on the field when the backs are switching fields.