South Jersey Coaches Cup Girls Standouts
Sterling girls joined Clearview boys as first-time champions of the South Jersey Coaches Cup and they did it in magical fashion, beating Eastern on penalties after a scoreless draw. Interestingly enough, the final was the first time the Silver Knights…
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Continue ReadingSterling girls joined Clearview boys as first-time champions of the South Jersey Coaches Cup and they did it in magical fashion, beating Eastern on penalties after a scoreless draw. Interestingly enough, the final was the first time the Silver Knights weren’t trailing in a game in the competition. They mounted comeback wins over Cherokee (in OT), Kingsway and Ocean City en route to the final.
Below is a look at players who stood out in the competition.
Montgomery scored the first two goals in the second half comeback against Ocean City and was instrumental throughout the tournament in creating chances and putting pressure on back lines. Her technical ability, movement and skill with the ball at her feet in tight spaces are all key components of her game.
Ireland Kay
Ireland Kay
One word comes to mind to describe Ireland Kay: Gamer. Already with expectations that can come with being the coach’s daughter, Kay seems to step up most in the critical moments. Her service on corner kicks and her flare for the dramatic – scoring a late goal from distance in the semifinal – were crucial to the never-say-die attitude that carried the Silver Knights through to the trophy.
Araba Abanyie
Araba Abanyie
Abanyie was great in the semifinal in leading Eastern to a PK win over Shawnee and had another clean sheet in the final against a potent Sterling attack.
Madison Sims
Madison Sims
While the work of the offense in mounting comebacks stole a lot of the headlines, Sims ended up being the player who perhaps did the most to ensure the victory in the end. Sims was massive in keeping Eastern off the board and again in winning the shootout. Though just a sophomore, Sims looked comfortable and confident in both the semifinal and final playing at the home turf of her club team.
Though they were never able to find a breakthrough in a scoreless draw that ended on penalties in the semifinal, Shawnee’s most noticeable player in the attack was the sophomore Sadusky. An obvious talent in the midfield after playing as an outside back, she tested the stout Eastern back line at every turn.
Antonia Troila
Antonia Troila
Antonia leads the Sterling team in goals this season but it’s work rate that is perhaps most impressive. She puts so much pressure on opposing teams that she doesn’t always even have to touch the ball to do damage. She set up the winner in the semifinal and scored the equalizer in the first round and the winner in the second round.
Naomi Nnewihe
Naomi Nnewihe
Nnewihe is scored the second goal to put Ocean City up 2-0 in the semifinal on a great header and was a headache throughout the semifinal. She also had a goal earlier in the tournament but her presence in the front line alone opens things up for her teammates. She can beat you in a variety of ways with and without the ball too.