Kim Closs supplied one goal for New Providence (1-0), which was also the beneficiary of a first-half own goal in Berkerly Heights. Rachel Schlobohm supplied the assist for Closs and Connie Haggerty stopped four shots. Leticia Caballero scored a second-half goal for Gov. Livingston (0-1) and Kristen Masulo made seven saves.
Goals: Kim Closs.
Assists: Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: New Providence 14. Gov. Livingston 5.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 4.
THE COURIER NEWS
Kim Closs scored on a pass from Rachel Schlobohm on Saturday to help the New Providence High School girls to a 2-1 victory over Governor Livingston. Connie Haggerty made four saves for New Providence. Leticia Caballero scored the only goal for Governor Livingston. Kristen Masulo saved seven shots for the Highlanders
Game 2 - September 16, 2008
New Providence 8, Hillside 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Jenna Fay led seven girls in the scoring column with a pair of goals and an assist to pace New Providence (2-0) in New Providence. Kim Closs, Gina Capara and Kate Langstaff all recorded a goal and an assist. Rachel Schlobohm, Ally Boyle and Erika Estes also scored once. Hillside is 0-2.
Goals: New Providence: Jenna Fay 2. Kim Closs. Rachel Schlobohm. Gina Capara. Ally Boyle, Kate Langstaff and Erika Estes. Hillside: Stephanie Argelo.
Assists: New Providence: Holly Tucker 2. Kim Closs. Gina Capara. Jenna Fay and Kate Langstaff.
Shots:. New Providence: 32. Hillside: 2
Saves: New Providence: Connie Haggerty 1. Hillside: Stephanie Zuna 24.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior forward Jenna Fay scored twice as New Providence scored all eight of its goals during the first half. Fay added an assist forthe Pioneers, while Kim Closs, Gina Caprera and Kate Langstaff each tallied a goal and an assist. Holly Tucker posted two assists for New Providence, which held Hillside to two shots on goal.
Game 3 - September 18, 2008
Brearley 2, New Providence 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Amanda Filippone and Brianna Dustin both clicked for first-half goals and freshman keeper Krissy Pinho notched her first shutout as Brearley beat New Providence for the first time ever under the lights in Kenilworth. Filippone was assisted by Hannah LoBello in the ninth minute, Dustin coverted a Samantha Hoag pass in the 28th, and Pinho recorded 13 saves for Brearley (2-2) and fifth-year coach Kristen Jeans. Prior to last night, Brearley had gone 0-11 against New Providence since 1999 and had been outscored, 56-3, in that span. Connie Haggerty made eight stops for New Providence (2-1).
Goals: Brearley Brianna Dustin. Amanda Filippone.
Assists: Brearley Samantha Hoag. Hannah LoBello.
Shots: New Providence 10. Brearley 12.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 8. Brearley Krissy Pinho 13.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior keeper Connie Haggerty stopped eight shots, but New Providence fell for the first time.
Game 4 - September 19, 2008
New Providence 9, Roselle Park 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs recorded a hat trick, Kate Langstaff and Rachel Schlobohm each scored twice and Gina Capara collected three assists for New Providence (3-1) in New Providence. Connie Haggerty stopped three shots to blank Roselle Park (1-1).
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs 3. Kate Langstaff 2. Rachel Schlobohm 2. Ally Boyle. Robin Farrell.
Assists: New Providence Gina Capara 3. Ally Boyle. Robin Farrell.
Shots: Roselle Park 5. New Providence 24.
Saves: Roselle Park Sam Ardino 18. New Providence Connie Haggerty 3.
Game 5 - September 23, 2008
New Providence 5, Dayton 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs, Robin Farrell and Rachel Schlobohm scored in the first half and Gina Caprara padded the lead for New Providence (4-1) with two goals in the second in Springfield. Closs, Farrell and Langstaff all had one assist and Connie Haggerty stopped four shots for her second shutout. Dayton is 1-4.
Goals: New Providence Gina Capara 2. Kim Closs. Robin Farrell. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Kim Closs. Robin Farrell. Kate Langstaff.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 4.
THE COURIER NEWS
Sophomore midfielder Gina Caprara scored two goals junior keeper Connie Haggerty made four saves to post her third shutout and lift New Providence. Junior Kim Closs scored a goal and added an assist for the Pioneers, while senior Robin Farrell chipped in with a goal and an assist.
Game 6 - September 25, 2008
New Providence 4, Oak Knoll
THE STAR-LEDGER - by RICH BEVENSEE
Added by Darren Levy - Photos by Chris Faytok
New Providence needed just 24 hours to take out its frustrations following its first-ever loss to Brearley last week. Roselle Park was the unfortunate victim, as Kim Closs and company registered nine goals in a shutout. New Providence made it abundantly clear yesterday that it is still venting its anger from that particular setback.
Senior captain Robin Farrell had a hand in the first two goals of the match and Closs, a junior, registered her second three-goal game of the season when New Providence rolled past Oak Knoll, 4-0, at Lieder Field in New Providence.
New Providence (5-1) halted an eight-game winless streak against its Mountain Valley Conference foe. Oak Knoll (4-1) won six in a row in this series before these teams tied twice last season. New Providence had last won in this series on Oct. 2, 2001.
The Brearley game definitely got us down, but this was our first real test after that and we wanted to make sure we came out really, really strong, Closs said. ``Winning this game was really important because Oak Knoll always plays us tough. Next week we get Kent Place and we have to come out and do the same things we did today.
If New Providence controls pace and possession like it did in the second half against Oak Knoll, Kent Place is facing a difficult task when it plays host to coach Scott Murphy group on Thursday.
And even though Oak Knoll marked the first half by maintaining consistent possession in its offensive third, it was New Providence which made its chances count.
Just seconds after Oak Knoll’ Anne Flanagan foiled a one-on-one chance by Gina Caprara, Farrell one-timed a loose ball following a well-placed corner kick by Caprara in the 15th minute for a 1-0 New Providence lead. In the 33rd minute, Closs got going when Farrell drove through midfield and connected on a right-to-left pass and Closs drilled a beautiful left-footed shot from 20 yards out.
Just two minutes into the second half, Closs converted a pass from Rachel Schlobohm for a 3-0 cushion and New Providence proceeded to choke off any offensive flow that Oak Knoll may have carried over from the first 40 minutes. New Providence outshot Oak Knoll, 7-1, over the next 30 minutes and padded its lead as well in the 56th when Closs slipped a rainbow over keeper Alex Feltes (seven saves).
New Providence keeper Connie Haggerty needed only two saves to notch her third shutout of the season.
``I liked that we kept our focus for the entire match, Murphy said. ``After Brearley, the girls were upset because we didn’t play to our potential. But they were also fired up because we didn’t want that to happen again. We just didn’t have it that day, but we had it today.
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs 3. Robin Farrell.
Assists: New Providence Robin Farrell. Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: Oak Knoll 2. New Providence 11.
Saves: Oak Knoll Alex Feltes 7. New Providence Connie Haggerty 2.
New Providence's #11 Rachel Schlobohm moves
the ball in front of Oak Knoll's Katie Blake during
the high school girls soccer game between soccer
game between New Providence and Oak Knoll.
INITIAL TALLY -- Oak Knoll keeper Alex Feltes couldn't quite reach this shot off the foot of Robin Farrell (14) that became the first goal in New Providence's 4-0 soccer victory. Kim Closs (17), who was to score the other three NP goals, has a good view of the action
New Providence's #17 Kim Closs scores
a goal on this shot as Oak Knoll's #7 Katie
Blake defends during the high school girls
soccer game between New Providence and
Oak Knoll.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior forward Kim Closs notched a hat trick and junior keeper Connie Haggerty made four saves to earn her third straight shutout for New Providence. Senior forward Robin Farrell chipped in with a goal and an assist for the Pioneers.
THE INDEPENDENT PRESS – October 3, 2008
by Art Polakowski - Photo by J. Homer Fuentes
Pioneers boot Oak Knoll
NEW PROVIDENCE - Although confident his New Providence High School girls soccer team is a stronger contingent than its predecessor, Coach Scott Murphy would have been reluctant to express such a thought prior to last Thursday's match against area rival Oak Knoll School at NP's Lieder Field. Specifically since a week earlier, the Lady Pioneers had lost to a Kenilworth squad not regarded as a title contender in the smaller division of the Mountain/Valley Conference. However, Murphy was willing to share that opinion along about 6 pm, after New Providence defeated Oak Knoll by a 4-0 margin to improve its record to 5-1. Oak Knoll had entered the match with a 4-0 log - having outscored its opposition by a 22-3 margin, including a 3-0 victory over Kenilworth. "We're a better team than last year," affirmed Murphy, whose 2007 side finished with a 9-4-6 record and shared the MVC divisional crown in a three-way tie with Oak Knoll and Kent Place School. "Our kids knew we didn't play well at Kenilworth, and it serves as a learning experience. They're now determined to be focused for every match."
A highly skillful passing team - (who might be a year away considering the Royals start just two seniors) - Oak Knoll controlled the ball through much of the early action, but a defensive mistake enabled New Providence to notch a goal at the 14-minute mark. Senior forward Robin Farrell connected for the tally, which seemed to alter the flow of the match.
Now possessing the lead, the New Providence girls became more selective with their counter-attacks and, particularly, sought to deliver the ball to Kim Closs, the Pioneers' premier offensive weapon. Closs scored a spectacular goal at the 33-minute mark after collecting a long ball sent to her on the left side by Farrell. A junior who's left-footed, Closs nailed a shot while running full speed on which OKS goalkeeper Alex Feltes had no chance.
It proved to be the first tally of a natural hat trick for Closs, who scored her seventh, eighth, and ninth goals of the season last Thursday.
A year ago, Closs and classmate Rachel Schlobohm formed New Providence's starting striker tandem as 10th-graders. Farrell was deployed as the third forward, usually substituting for Schlobohm. However, the latter is functioning in a new role this fall.
"We need those three girls on the field, and the best option was for Rachel to play in the center midfield," Coach Murphy explained. "Although we're not taking the fullest advantage of her speed and scoring prowess there, Rachel is also a very creative playmaker. The positional switch is working well." Schlobohm delivered the best-looking assist of the afternoon, looping a perfect dish that Closs turned into the Pioneers' third goal just 1:40 into the second half. Allison Boyle assisted Closs on the final tally.
While returning most of its firepower up front, New Providence needed to replace three starters at the defensive end of the field, and Murphy is very pleased with the results there. Junior Nan Tucker has taken over at the sweeper position, while senior Caitlin Sneeden, who saw action as both a midfielder and defender a year ago, holds forth at the stopper post.
Senior Lindsay Rosenstein, a much-improved player, has claimed the marking back spot on the right side.
There's quality experience at the goalkeeper position where junior Connie Haggerty has operated since her freshman year.
FAIR EXCHANGE -- New Providence forward Rachel Schlobohm
green uniform) and Kent Place sweeper Carolyn Bradley share
a mutual push as they battle to collect the ball
Game 7 - October 02, 2008
New Providence 3, Kent Place 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs, Jenna Fay and Rachel Schlobohm each marked a goal for New Providence (6-1) in Summit. Closs and Robin Farrell each had an assist and Connie Haggerty gained her fourth straight shutout with six saves. Kent Place is 6-1.
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs. Jenna Fay. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Kim Closs. Robin Farrell.
Shots: New Providence 16. Kent Place 11.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 6. Kent Place Blair McDonald 8.
The COURIER NEWS
Junior Kim Closs notched a goal and an assist, and junior keeper Connie Haggerty made eight saves to post her fourth straight shutout as New Providence cruised to its sixth victory. Juniors Rachel Schlobohm and Jenna Fay also tallied goals for the Pioneers.
THE STAR LEDGER – October 1, 2008
Around Union County – TEAMS TO WATCH
One soccer team that seems to have all of its pistons firing is New Providence. The team just posted shutout victories over Roselle Park, Dayton and Oak Knoll. Senior co-captain Robin Farrell and junior Kim Closs have accounted for 12 of the teams 28 goals, and junior sweeper Nan Tucker has anchored a defense which has yielded four goals in six games for 5-1 New Providence. Tomorrow, New Providence travels to Kent Place (6-0) which boasts one of Union County’s best midfielders in senior Carolyn Bradley. Last year these teams fought to a pair of 1-1 deadlocks,
THE INDEPENDENT PRESS – October 7, 2008
by Art Polakowski / Photos by Amy Horowitz
NP girls defeat Kent Place, claim league soccer lead
SUMMIT -- The New Providence girls soccer team seized control of the Mountain/Valley Conference title race via an impressive 3-0 victory over previously-unbeaten Kent Place School in a match-up of area rivals last Thursday at Kent Place. Kim Closs, Rachel Schlobohm records. New Providence's dominance was especially pleasing to Coach Scott Murphy insofar as confirming the wisdom of a tactical decision he'd made a week earlier. One of the story lines entering NP's campaign was the utilization of three athletes who'd functioned as forwards last season. A year ago, Schlobohm and Robin Farrell shared the right side striker position working up front with Closs, who normally operates on the left.
Murphy's objective to keep the three of them on the field prompted Schlobohm's move to a center midfield post, a conversion formulated during preseason. Yet even with the Pioneers' boasting a 5-1 record, the coach wasn't convinced he'd chosen the best option. Thus with a full practice week between a Sept. 25 match against Oak Knoll and Thursday's encounter with Kent Place, Murphy elected to flip-flop Schlobohm and Farrell., and Jenna Fay collected the tallies for the Lady Pioneers, and goalkeeper Connie Haggerty registered a relatively comfortable shutout on an afternoon her teammates thoroughly controlled the flow of the game. The result left both sides with 6-1
"You might see us switch back 15 minutes into the match if it's not going well," quipped Murphy, while informing this writer of the change just prior to last Thursday's start.
However, New Providence grabbed a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute of play when midfielder Farrell sent Closs a ball that Kim deftly carried past a defender to notch her 10th goal of the autumn, a shot on which Kent Place keeper Allison Beeman had no chance. And it was 2-0 before the half ended, with Closs - her back to the net - head-balling an assist dish to a flying-by Schlobohm, who finished a picturesque scoring play. Yeah, the revised positional switch seemed to be working okay.
"It was partly a matter of pairing (junior classmates) Kim and Rachel again," Murphy explained. "They've grown up playing together, and you want to take full advantage of that chemistry. Plus Rachel's speed is more of a weapon at that position."
The bigger, stronger Farrell was viewed as more of a pure finisher, a logical reason for Robin remaining up front when Murphy originally opted to go that route. Nevertheless, this senior also possesses the skills and decision-making capacity to orchestrate from a center midfield slot.
New Providence's defense turned in another outstanding performance last Thursday. Junior sweeper Nan Tucker is playing very well as a first-year starter, and senior Lindsay Rosenstein has been one of the team's most pleasant surprises handling the right fullback position. They've joined returning veterans Caitlin Sneeden (stopper) and Alexa Lesnewich (left fullback) to comprise a stellar back-four.
Although Kent Place won its first six matches, the season hasn't gone as smoothly as its win/loss record implies. Several players are presently sidelined due to injuries, the most notable (and disturbing) case being Margot Sirois. Although Coach Phil Wolstenholme utilized her as a goalkeeper out of necessity last fall, Sirois projected as an impact offensive performer this 2008 campaign. However, she suffered a concussion in the second game of the season and hasn't been cleared to return.
"We've been able to get by without a couple of our kids, but today was a different story," Wolstenholme said. "New Providence is a very good team, and we simply didn't play well."
Kent Place returned five starters from a squad that shared the MVC division crown in a three-way tie with New Providence and Oak Knoll last season - sweeper Carolyn Bradley, fullback Kate Sheridan, midfielders Amanda Rhodes and Christina Doherty, and the aforementioned Sirois. Among the half-dozen graduated regulars were Kesi Irvin, the school's all-time leading scorer, and midfield star Meredith LaRose.
DRAWING ATTENTION -- It proved a frustrating afternoon for Kent Place School's midfield standout Kate Sheridan (white uniform) defended very closely by counterpart Amy Marchisio
TAKEAWAY - Kent Place School's Amanda Rhodes (white uniform), faced the challenge of marking Kim Closs, on this occasion the senior fullback succeeded in winning the ball from the New Providence star.
Game 18 – November 6, 2008
New Providence 3, Brearley 0
Schlobohm boosts N. Providence, 3-0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm picked up a goal and an assist to steer New Providence to a 3-0 victory over Brearley yesterday in a regular-season game in New Providence. Kim Closs and Caitlin Sneeden each chipped in a goal and Gina Caprara picked up two assists for New Providence (14-2-2), which held a 1-0 lead at the half. Connie Haggerty and Jill Ashinsky combined on four saves for the shutout. Krissy Pinho rejected five shots for Brearley (11-6-2).
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs. Rachel Schlobohm. Caitlin Sneeden.
Assists: New Providence Gina Caprara 2. Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: Brearley 5. New Providence 7.
Saves: Brearley: Krissy 5 New Providence: Haggerty and Ashinsky 4
Game 8 – October 03, 2008
New Providence 6, Roselle Park 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Gina Caprara and Kim Closs both scored two goals for New Providence in a 6-0 win over Roselle Park yesterday in New Providence.
Connie Haggerty was able to get the shutout for New Providence (7-1) with three saves and a strong defense in front of her. Rachel Schlobohm had a goal and two assists. Nan Tucker scored the other goal of the game for New Providence. Sam Ardino had a busy day in goal for Roselle Park (2-4), finishing with 10 saves.
Goals: New Providence Gina Caprara 2. Kim Closs 2. Rachel Schlobohm. Nan Tucker.
Assists: New Providence Rachel Schlobohm 2. Caitlin Sneeden 2. Erika Estes. Robin Farrell.
Shots: New Providence 14. Roselle Park 3.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 3. Roselle Park Sam Ardino 10.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior Kim Closs and sophomore Gina Caprara each scored two goals for New Providence. Rachel Schlobohm added a goal and two assists for the Pioneers. Nan Tucker capped the scoring for New Providence with her first of the season. Junior Connie Haggerty made three saves to post her fifth straight shutout.
THE STAR-LEDGER - October 06, 2008
Westfield, Scotch Plains claim top seeds for UCT
If the top seeds are any indication of the championship matchup, then Westfield and defending champion Scotch Plains-Fanwood are prepping for a third straight meeting in the finale of the 28th Union County Tournament. Westfield (6-1-1), No. 16 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, was awarded the top seed and Scotch Plains (8-2) earned the second seed. Scotch Plains has earned at least a share of the UCT title the last three years, with ties against Oak Knoll in 2005 and Westfield in '06, and a victory over Westfield last fall. Summit (7-2), coming off a semifinal berth last season, received the third seed. Johnson (7-0), off to its best start in 14 years, rounded out the top four. There are two preliminary games to be settled this week and the first round begins Saturday at the site of the higher seed. The championship match is slated for Nov. 1 at Johnson High in Clark.
First round: 16-Roselle Catholic/17-Roselle Park winner at 1-Westfield; 9-Kent Place at 8-Union; 12-Brearley at 5-New Providence; 13-Linden at 4-Johnson; 14-Elizabeth at 3-Summit; 11-Gov. Livingston at 6-Cranford; 10-Oak Knoll at 7-Union Catholic; 15-Rahway/18-Plainfield winner at 2-Scotch Plains.
Game 9 - October 07, 2008
New Providence 8, Hillside 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kate Langstaff connected twice and notched an assist for New Providence (8-1), which leaped to a 7-0 halftime lead in Hillside. Gina Caprara, Kim Closs, Erike Estes, Robin Farrell, Julia Moser and Stephanie Perinni each added a goal. Hillside is 0-9.
Goals: New Providence Kate Langstaff 2. Gina Caprara. Kim Closs. Erika Estes. Robin Farrell. Julia Moser. Stephannie Perinni.
Assists: New Providence Jenna Fay. Kate Langstaff. Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: New Providence 19.
Saves: Hillside Stephanie Zuna 11.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior forward Kate Langstaff posted two goals and an assist, and the New Providence defense held Hillside without a shot to notch its sixth straight shutout.
Game 10 – October 10, 2008 – UC Tournament
New Providence 7, Brearley 1
New Providence rolls in UCT 7-1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Rachel Schlobohm scored three times and Kim Closs picked up four assists to go with a goal in pacing fifth-seeded New Providence to a 7-1 victory over 12th-seeded Brearley yesterday in the first round of the Union County Tournament in New Providence. Gina Caprara, Robin Farrell and Jenna Fay all had a goal for New Providence (9-1), which established a 3-1 lead by halftime. Samantha Hoag scored for Brearley (5-5-1).
Goals: Brearley Samantha Hoag. New Providence Rachel Schlobohm 3. Gina Caprara. Kim Closs. Robin Farrell. Jenna Fay.
Assists: New Providence Kim Closs 4. Rachel Schlobohm. Holly Tucker.
Shots: Brearley 6. New Providence 23.
Saves: Brearley Krissy Pinho 19. New Providence Connie Haggerty 4.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior Rachel Schlobohm posted three goals and an assist Friday to power the fifth-seeded New Providence High School soccer team into next Saturday's second round of the Union County Tournament with an 8-1 blasting of Brearley. The Pioneers will face the winner of today's between 13th-seeded Linden and fourth-seeded A.L. Johnson. Junior Kim Closs added a goal and four assists for New Providence.
The COURIER NEWS - October 14, 2008
Girls Soccer Notebook:
New Providence taking different path to success
By SIMEON PINCUS • Staff Writer
This year New Providence High School girls soccer team is making coach Scott Murphy reflect fondly on the not-so-distant past. The Pioneers are off to a 9-1 start, and the way the team has performed makes Murphy think this team might have what it takes to relive the 2003 season, when New Providence finished as NJSIAA Group I co-champions.
But while the 2003 team did it with defense, this year's squad has become quite adept at putting the ball in the net. "Potentially, they can be right up there with them," Murphy said. "But this group is much more offensive-minded. That year, through the whole season, we only scored (33) goals. And I think Kim (Closs) and Rachel (Schlobohm) might already have close to that.
"They're starting to jell together. They like to play together and be around each other, so it's a combination of the team effort and the ability that's kind of falling into place."
Through Saturday, the Pioneers had scored 52 goals and allowed just five, with Closs (14 goals) and Schlobohm (9 goals) doing most of the damage. But they aren't the only ones getting it done.
"This is one of the years when we give out a most improved player (award) at the end of the year, there could be anywhere from six or seven girls that get that," said Murphy, who has been particularly impressed with stopper Caitlin Sneeden and forward-turned-midfielder Robin Farrell. "And this is one of the reasons that we are where we are."
The catalyst for the Pioneers' success, ironically, might have been the only adversity they have faced: a 2-0 loss to Brearley in the third game of the season. Since then, the Pioneers have reeled off seven straight victories, with the first six coming via shutout. "Not to take anything away from them beating us, but we kind of felt like we didn't play as well as we could have (against Brearley)," said Murphy, whose team walloped the Bears 7-1 Friday in the first round of the Union County Tournament. "So now, every game is focused on us doing what we need to do, and the results will kind of take care of themselves."
Game 17 – October 30, 2008
New Providence 5, Roselle Catholic 0
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs netted three goals and assisted on another, while Robin Farrell and Kristen Lucid also scored in New Providence's 5-0 victory over Roselle Catholic yesterday in Roselle. Connie Haggerty made two saves for the shutout. Melissa Tobie stopped eight shots for Roselle Catholic.
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs 3. Robin Farrell. Kristen Lucid.
Assists: New Providence Kim Closs. Robin Farrell. Rachel Schlobohm. Caitlin Sneeden.
Junior foward Kim Closs led New Providence with three goals and an assist. Robin Farrel and Kristen Lucid also scored for the Pioneers. Connie Haggerty, the New Providence keeper, stopped two shots for the shutout.
THE INDEPENDENT PRESS - November 06, 2008
by Art Polakowski / Photos by J. Homer Fuentes
NP girls claim league soccer crown
NEW PROVIDENCE -- Junior strikers Kim Closs and Rachel Schlobohm connected for the goals during a soccer match New Providence thoroughly controlled, and the result was a 2-0 victory over local rival Kent Place School that enabled the Lady Pioneers to clinch the Mountain/Valley Conference division championship last Wednesday afternoon at Lieder Field.
Closs took on a couple KPS defenders in traffic to notch the first tally ten minutes into the action, and Schlobohm added the second score five minutes after halftime. Senior midfielder Robin Farrell delivered the assist on Schlobohm's goal.
The triumph boosted New Providence's overall record to 12-2-2. Kent Place closed out its regular season with an 11-4-2 mark.
New Providence still has one regular-season contest remaining (against Kenilworth tomorrow), and then it's on to the State Tournament for a team who'll certainly contend for a State Section title. The NP girls are top-seeded in a seven-team North Jersey Section, so they'll begin in the sectional semifinal round next Tuesday, Nov. 11. It'll be either McNair Academy or North Arlington visiting Lieder Field that afternoon.
The Pioneers were likewise a top seed a year ago, when they were competing in Central Jersey. That tourney run ended with a sectional semifinal loss to Robbinsville.
If pressed on the issue, Coach Scott Murphy would likely admit NP's present North Jersey Section might be a tad less difficult, but the more significant difference this autumn is New Providence possessing a stronger side. Closs and Schlobohm, who each started as sophomores, form one of the better front tandems in Union County, while Farrell and sophomore Gina Caprara supply additional firepower from the midfield.
Senior Caitlin Sneeden is a standout at the stopper position fronting a stellar back-four that likewise comprises sweeper Nan Tucker and marking backs Lindsay Rosenstein and Alexa Lesnewich. Junior goalkeeper Connie Haggerty has been protecting the varsity net since October of her freshman year.
Whippany Park (11-6-1) is regarded as the team New Providence must beat to win the State Section.
Kent Place Coach Phil Wolstenholme, whose team lost, 3-0, to New Providence in September, made a couple tactical adjustments last week. The most evident was deploying Amanda Rhodes, a highly-skilled senior midfielder, as a forward for much of the game in the hope she would add more of a finishing threat.
With KPS trailing 2-0 midway through the second half, Wolstenholme also moved his team's best player, sweeper Carolyn Bradley, up to a midfield post.
Kent Place owns the fifth seed in its Parochial A North Jersey Section. That provided the KPS girls a home game against Paramus Catholic yesterday [Tuesday], from which the winner would travel to play Morris Catholic this Friday.
Game 11 - October 14, 2008
New Providence 4, Dayton 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Holly Tucker provided a goal and an assist to lead New Providence (10-1) to its eighth straight victory in New Providence. Rachel Schlobohm and Kim Closs scored once each and Connie Haggerty earned her seventh shutout in eight games with two saves. Emily Stein clicked in the second half for Dayton (2-8-1).
Goals: Dayton Emily Stein. New Providence Kim Closs. Rachel Schlobohm. Holly Tucker.
Assists: New Providence Holly Tucker.
Shots: Dayton 3. New Providence 25.
Saves: Dayton Stephanie Farber 15. New Providence Connie Haggerty 2.
THE COURIER NEWS
The Pioneers scored all three of their goals before Dayton got on the board with four minutes left in regulation. Rachel Schlobohm capped the scoring for New Providence (10-1), which has won eight in a row. Holly Tucker, who opened the second half with a goal, sent a pass to Schlobohm near the 18-yard box. Schlobohm's first touch beat the defender, and she sent the shot to the far post for the goal.
Kim Closs scored for the Pioneers in the first half. Coming up the left side of the field, Closs crossed up two defenders before aiming toward the right post for the 1-0 lead.
While venerable official Brian Kane remains in pursuit, New Providence's Rachel Schlobohm has separated from Kent Place defenders during this run in an Oct. 29 soccer match. Fleet striker Schlobohm scored one of the goals in a 2-0 New Providence victory that clinched the Mountain/Valley Conference championship for the Lady Pioneers.
SLIDING SAVE -- Kent Place School goalkeeper Allison Beeman succeeds in controlling this shot by New Providence sophomore midfielder Gina Caprara (white uniform), as KPS sweeper Carolyn Bradley arrives to supply an added line of defense
SOARING HIGH -- New Providence's Rachel Schlobohm, a very athletic junior striker, avoids a collision with Allison Beeman as the Kent Place goalkeeper makes a save in last Wednesday's soccer match.
Schlobohm scored the second goal of NP's 2-0 victory, which clinched the Mountain/Valley Conference championship for the Lady Pioneers.
Game 16 – October 29, 2008
New Providence 2, Kent Place 0
STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs and Rachel Schlobohm each netted a goal to help New Providence clinch the Valley Division title in the Mountain Valley Conference with a 2-0 victory over Kent Place yesterday in New Providence.
Robin Farrell and Holly Tucker were credited with an assist apiece and Connie Haggerty made four saves for New Providence (12-2-2). Allison Beeman stopped nine shots for Kent Place (10-4-2).
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: New Providence Robin Farrell. Holly Tucker.
Shots: Kent Place 5. New Providence 11.
Saves: Kent Place Allison Beeman 9. New Providence Connie Haggerty 4.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior Kim Closs collected a pass from senior Holly Tucker on the right side of the field and fired a shot to the back post for the Pioneer's first goal. New Providence's (12-2-2) second goal came when junior Rachel Schlobohm moved past a defender and scored from 30 yards out. Junior Robin Farrell picked up the assist.
Game 15 – October 23, 2008
Union Catholic 3, New Providence 2
THE STAR-LEDGER
Guzman's goal in OT boosts Union C by N. Providence, 3-2
Alyson Guzman converted a rebound off the post in the first minute of overtime to give Union Catholic a 3-2 victory over New Providence yesterday in New Providence.
Emily O'Halloran began the winning play for Union Catholic (10-5-1) by sending a corner kick into the box, where Amanda Dalton managed a shot off the post before Guzman connected for the game-winner. Dalton scored twice, once in each half, to boost Union Catholic to a 2-0 lead. Rachel Schlobohm cut New Providence's deficit in half and Robin Farrell tied the match with 10 minutes left in regulation.
Samantha Pauls recorded nine saves for Union Catholic, while Connie Haggerty turned away eight shots for New Providence (11-2-2).
Goals: Union Catholic Amanda Dalton 2. Alyson Guzman. New Providence Robin Farrell. Rachel Schlobohm.
Assists: Union Catholic Missy Villegas. New Providence Kim Closs. Rachel Schlobohm.
Shots: Union Catholic 12. New Providence 15.
Saves: Union Catholic Samantha Pauls 9. New Providence Connie Haggerty 8.
THE COURIER NEWS
Aly Guzman scored in the opening minute of overtime to send Union Catholic to its 10th victory. New Providence senior Robin Farrell sent the game to overtime when she took a pass from Rachel Schlobohm, who also scored a goal, and one-timed it past Vikings keeper Samantha Pauls. Kim Closs sent a cross into Schlobohm to the far post, and Schlobohm quickly passed it backward to Farrell, who was standing in the middle of the box. Senior Amanda Dalton scored two goals for Union Catholic and has 12 for the year.
GOAL SCORER -- Oak Knoll's Laura Zito scored two goals.
TOP FORWARDS -- Kim Closs, marked above by Lauren Lecesse, tallied twice, including the overtime game-winner.above.
TOP FORWARDS -- Oak Knoll defender Bridget End wasn't always this close to Rachel Schlobohm, green uniform left, but she did do a fine job keeping one of New Providence's prime threats off the scoreboard.
Game 12 - October 16, 2008
New Providence 1, Columbia 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Caitlin Sneeden scored in the second half to help New Providence (10-1-1) salvage a tie in New Providence. Connie Haggerty recorded six saves for New Providence. Julia Jefferies scored for Columbia (3-5-5).
Goals: Columbia Julia Jefferies. New Providence Caitlin Sneeden.
Assists: Columbia Hayley Rutledge. New Providence Gina Caprara.
Shots: Columbia 8. New Providence 24.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 6.
THE COURIER NEWS
New Providence took three corner kicks in the final minute but did not enjoy the same success it had earlier in the contest and settled for a draw. Caitlin Sneeden headed Gina Caprara's corner kick into the back of the net in the 49th minute for the Pioneers. Columbia forged a 1-1 tie with three minutes left in regulation.
Game 13 - October 18, 2008
UC Tournament
Johnson 2, New Providence 1
THE STAR-LEDGER
Loralyn Sortino, Casey Dunn, Rachel Syko and Brooke Tropeano all converted their penalty kicks to give fourth-seeded Johnson (11-0-1) a 4-1 edge in a shootout in the quarterfinals of the Union County Tournament in Clark. Johnson will play top-seeded Westfield, ranked No. 12, in the UCT semifinals on Sunday in Clark. Syko gave Johnson a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the match and Kim Closs knotted the score on a 30-yarder in the 25th minute for fifth-seeded New Providence (10-2-1). Robin Farrell was the lone New Providence player to score in the shootout. Danielle Kohen stopped 13 shots for Johnson.
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs. Robin Farrell. Johnson Casey Dunn. Loralyn Sortino. Rachel Syko. Brooke Tropeano.
Shots: New Providence 14. Johnson 1.
Saves: Johnson Danielle Kohen 13.
THE COURIER NEWS
Kim Closs scored on a free kick from 20 yards out late in the first half for fifth-seeded New Providence, but after two overtimes, fourth-seeded A.L. Johnson won a shootout 4-1 to advance. Robyn Farrell was the lone Pioneers player to connect during penalty kicks, and Connie Haggerty finished with five New Providence saves.
Game 14 - October 21, 2008
New Providence 3, Oak Knoll 2
Closs propels N. Providence
THE STAR-LEDGER
Kim Closs scored her second goal of the match in the 10th minute of overtime to lift New Providence in Chatham. The result was quite a departure from the previous game between these Mountain Valley Conference foes, when New Providence dominated at home, 4-0, on Sept. 25. Laura Zito gave Oak Knoll (9-5) a 1-0 lead in the first half, but New Providence (11-1-2) claimed a 2-1 lead in the second half thanks to goals by Closs and Caitlin Sneeden.
Zito tied the match for Oak Knoll with 10 minutes remaining in regulation. Connie Haggerty made one save for New Providence, while Alex Feltes recorded four saves for Oak Knoll.
Goals: New Providence Kim Closs 2. Caitlin Sneeden. Oak Knoll Laura Zito 2.
Assists: Oak Knoll Anne Flanagan. Abbie West .
Shots: New Providence 8. Oak Knoll 13.
Saves: New Providence Connie Haggerty 1. Oak Knoll Alex Feltes 4.
THE COURIER NEWS
Junior Kim Closs scored off a pass from senior defender Lindsay Rosenstein 53 seconds into the second overtime to lift New Providence. Rosenstein made a big switch and sent a 35-yard ball to Closs, who ran onto it on the left side about 20 yards out, put one touch on it and lofted it over the keeper's head for the winner. Closs also scored earlier in the contest, off a pass from Gina Caprera, while Caitlin Sneeden got the Pioneers going 4:10 into the sec
THE STAR LEDGER – October 17, 2008
Around Union County
PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK
Ever since Connie Haggerty took over the starting goalie slot last fall, New Providence has been a tough soccer team to score on. As a sophomore last season, she recorded a 1.21 goals-against average. She has been even more stubborn this fall. Through 11 games, Haggerty has allowed just six goals while logging six shutouts. Thanks in part to her rugged play, New Providence currently enjoys an eight-match winning streak. Fifth-seeded New Providence will need every bit of Haggerty's toughness when it faces fourth-seeded Johnson in the quarterfinals of the Union County Tournament tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Clark. Johnson is sparked by sophomore forward Rachel Syko (16 goals).
ond half.
THE INDEPENDENT PRESS - Monday October 27, 2008
by Art Polakowski - Photos by J. Homer Fuentes
Closs' OT goal lifts Pioneers past Oak Knoll
CHATHAM -- His Oak Knoll School soccer team is clearly an improved crew since losing by a 4-0 score to New Providence in September, and Coach Martyn Rushmore understandably believed the change of surface for last Tuesday's rematch of these area rivals likewise factored in the Royals' favor.
"Playing here makes it different," noted Rushmore prior to the contest, meaning on the grass of the OKS Sports Complex in Chatham as opposed to the turf at NP's Lieder Field. "The game isn't as fast, and that should help our girls defend New Providence's speed."
The match evolved much like Oak Knoll's veteran mentor projected. An evenly played 80 minutes of regulation soccer concluded in a 2-2 tie, as Rushmore's troops hung right with the more experienced Lady Pioneers. However, the speed quotient proved a determining quality early in the overtime when New Providence's Kim Closs received a diagonal long ball from fullback Lindsay Rosenstein, and the explosive junior striker got enough separation from three Oak Knoll defenders to nail a crossing shot into the upper right corner of the cage.
The victory virtually clinched a Mountain/Valley Conference championship for the Pioneers, who improved their overall record to 11-1-2 and need only earn a win or tie in one of two remaining league matches (Kent Place, Kenilworth) to secure the MVC division crown. Oak Knoll, which would have claimed at least a share of the title with a victory, saw its win/loss log slip to 9-5.
Midway through the first half of what was then a scoreless match, New Providence Coach Scott Murphy substituted for five regulars (including Closs), four of whom rarely leave the field.
"We've got good players besides our starters, and at that point I was looking for a spark," explained Murphy during a postgame interview. "The kids who came out weren't at fault. It was a matter of wanting to talk to our top girls while the game was proceeding and perhaps adjust to a couple things Oak Knoll was doing."
That starting quintet was re-inserted near the end of the half, by which time OKS had seized a 1-0 edge. The Royals' sophomore striker Laura Zito tallied off a creative assist from wing midfielder Anne Flanagan.
New Providence tied the match four minutes into the second half on a perfectly placed high ball from 25 yards away by senior stopper Caitlin Sneeden, a stellar performer at both ends of the field throughout the Pioneer campaign. Ten minutes later, Closs put the visiting side ahead, 2-1, via a signature drive-by from the left wing and a shot into the upper right corner.
Yet Oak Knoll succeeded in drawing even with 5:43 remaining, Zito rocketing a ball from 10 yards straight on that got in under the crossbar.
A team containing only three seniors, Oak Knoll should be a potent soccer side a year from now - although the Royals are graduating (arguably) their two best players in Flanagan and center midfielder Lizzie Nolan. Yet New Providence starts seven underclassmen, so it's not difficult envisioning NP and OKS once against contending for a league championship in whatever configuration the re-aligned Union County Conference assumes for 2009.
