Alex Schlobohm paced top-seeded New Providence (13-3) with two goals and Anna Crisafi and Emma Culleton both had two assists in a North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 first-round match in New Providence. Culleton, Olivia Arent, Gina Caprara and Stephanni Perini each scored once. Lauren Corigliano converted twice for eighth-seeded Roselle Park (6-12-1).
The Courier News
Sophomore Alex Schlobohm scored two goals, and junior Emma Cullerton added a goal and two assists as top-seeded New Providence played its quarterfinal game three days early. allergies
Senior Gina Caprera chipped in a goal and an assist for the Pioneers (13-3), who will face the winner of Friday's game between fourth-seeded Whippany Park and No. 5 seed Secaucus in Tuesday's semifinals.
1st 2nd Final
New Providence 5 1 6
Roselle Park 0 2 2
Player's Stats Goal Assists Goal Assists
Alex Schlobohm 2 Stephanni Perini 1
Gina Caprara 1 1 Olivia Arent 1
Emma Culleton 1 2 Anna Crisafi 2
Goalkeeper Stats
Player Saves
Jill Ashinsky 2
The Star Ledger - November 2, 2010
NJ girls soccer: This week in Union County
by Rich Bevensee
TEAM TO WATCH
Thanks to a regular-season schedule pocked with matches against Union County's Group 3 and 4 schools, a battle-tested New Providence (13-3) should be ready to back up its top seeding in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 tournament.
New Providence's only losses this year have come against Union (Group 4) and Scotch Plains-Fanwood (Group 3), with the second of two losses to Scotch Plains coming on Saturday in the UCT semis. New Providence, which has won this sectional the last two years, should reach the final, where it could face second-seeded Glen Ridge, a team it beat for the sectional title in 2008.
Game 18 - November 09, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
Group 1 - Section 2 North
New Providence 1, Whippany Park 0
Caprara, Ashinsky star for New Providence
By Rich Bevensee - Star Ledger
When it appears that both teams in a soccer match are having one of those days, where stringing passes together seems like a daunting task, one swift strike is usually all it takes to decide the outcome. Senior midfielder Gina Caprara stepped forward early to provide that strike with authority for New Providence.
Caprara unleashed a 30-yard rocket that pierced the upper 90 of the near post in the seventh minute, and her team played well enough to thwart a potent Whippany Park club, securing a 1-0 victory in the semifinals of the NJSIAA/The Sports Authority Stores North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 tournament yesterday at Lieder Field in New Providence. Top-seeded New Providence (15-3) tries for its third straight sectional crown when it plays host to second-seeded Glen Ridge in the final on Friday at 2 p.m. New Providence defeated Glen Ridge in the section final in 2008 and in the section semifinals last season.
``None of us want the season to end, especially the seniors,’’ Caprara said. ``Everyone thought that since we lost seven starters from last season, we wouldn’t get this far. But we held our ground and we made it here.’’ Jill Ashinsky made four saves and anchored a unit that recorded its 11th shutout of the season.
Fourth-seeded Whippany Park (11-5-2) entered the match averaging nearly three goals per outing, but its three-headed scoring threat of seniors Stefanie Granato, Katie Karovic and Michelle Meggiolaro simply could not build any momentum. Whippany Park managed just four shots on goal, and none of them were particularly threatening.
Keeper Caitlin Brennan made seven saves for Whippany Park.
``It was tough coming in here and playing as the underdog on the No. 1 seed’s home field,’’ Karovic said. ``We know we can compete with this team. We didn’t play anywhere near our potential. We just didn’t have the right mentality today.’’
1st 2nd Final
New Providence 1 0 1
Whippany park 0 0 0
Player's Stats Goal Assists Goal Assists
Gina Caprara 1 Emma Culleton 1
Goalkeeper's Stats Saves
Jill Ashinsky 4
Game 18 - November 09, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
Group 1 - Section 2 - North
New Providence 1, Whippany Park 0
Courier News
Senior Gina Caprara scored seven minutes into the game, and the New Providence defense made it hold up to send the Pioneers to their third straight sectional final.
The top-seeded and two-time defending champs will look to grab their third crown against second-seeded Glen Ridge at 2 p.m. Friday at Lieder Field.
Junior Emma Cullerton provided the assist on the goal, while junior keeper Jill Ashinsky made four saves to post her 10th shutout for New Providence (15-3).
November 12, 2010
NJSIAA Tournament Scouting Reports
North 2 - Group I - Finals
By Simeon Pincus - Courier News
Who: No. 2 seed Glen Ridge (15-2-1) at No. 1 seed New Providence (15-3).
When/Where: 2 p.m. today/New Providence High School.
How they got here: Glen Ridge defeated No. 7 seed Harrison and No. 3 seed Brearley; New Providence defeated No. 8 seed Roselle Park 6-2 and No. 4 seed Whippany Park 1-0.
Outlook: New Providence, which is seeking its third straight sectional crown, has had to do it with a new cast of leaders after the graduation of seven starters. The Pioneers moved up to the Mountain Division of the Union County Conference this season and continued to perform, sweeping through their conference slate. Their only losses have been to Union and Scotch Plains-Fanwood (twice), with two of those by one goal. Glen Ridge, too, has performed well against bigger schools, with the Ridgers' lone losses coming to West Orange and Montclair — both Group IVs — with a draw against West Orange on Glen Ridge's slate as well. Juniors Gina Caprara and Emma Culleton and sophomore Alex Schlobohm lead an offense that has averaged 3.3 goals per game, while Allie Boyle and Nicole Saitta head a defense in front of junior keeper Jill Ashinsky that has allowed fewer than a goal per game and posted 10 shutouts. New Providence has a successful history against Glen Ridge in recent seasons, with victories over the Ridgers in last season's sectional semifinals and the 2008 final. That should continue today.
Prediction: New Providence 2-0.
Game 19 - November 12, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
Group 1 - Section 2 North - Finals
New Providence 1, Glen Ridge 0
by Mike New - Staff Writer - Courier News
Caprara's goal, stingy defense help
New Providence defend title
After 40 fruitless minutes of trying to go over, around and through the staunch Glen Ridge back line, New Providence High School senior Gina Caprara finally just stopped, settled and shot.
After another 40 minutes, it was time to celebrate. Caprara's strike from 25 yards out snapped a scoreless tie in the opening moments of the second half, and the top-seeded Pioneers held on 1-0 to claim their third straight NJSIAA North 2 Group I championship.
"It never gets old. Winning never gets old, and neither does winning sectional titles," New Providence coach Scott Murphy said. "The other two were great. This one is a little different, because it's a totally new group of girls. I'm just happy for them that they were able to feel what it's like to win one."
New Providence will face North 1 winner Belvidere in a Group I semifinal Tuesday. The County Seaters eliminated last year's state runner-up, Cresskill — which knocked out the Pioneers in last year's state semis — in a shootout to claim their sectional crown. New Providence is seeking its first state championship since sharing the Group I title with Glen Rock in 2003.
"It was literally amazing," Caprara said. "All I wanted to think about (after the goal) was getting back and defending and make sure we have the chance to go to the semifinals. It was hard.
"Nobody thought we were going to do it at all. And we proved them all wrong."
The Pioneers (18-3) held possession for much of the first half but were constantly turned away by the Ridgers' back three of junior Erika Sliwak, sophomore Meghan MacDonald and freshman Victoria Finlay. New Providence's best look came during the 14th minute, as sophomore Alex Schlobohm slipped behind the defense and got into a foot race with Glen Ridge keeper Margaret Provost.
Schlobohm won by a split second, getting by Provost and keeping the ball at her feet, but Finlay came swooping in to keep her away from the open net and eventually wrested the ball away.
There were other chances but nothing particularly dangerous. Caprara found an open Scholobohm in the box during the 23rd minute, but the defense closed in quickly and forced an off-balance shot. During the 33rd, the Pioneers countered off a rare Glen Ridge shot, but Schlobohm's solid header past Provost didn't beat senior mid Sarah Malone guarding the post.
But all that effort went down the drain in a hurry for the second-seeded Ridgers (17-3-1), who were trying to avoid being eliminated by New Providence for a third straight season. Caprara pounced on a loose ball and began to charge toward the box. But instead of trying to force it in again, she curled off and lofted a shot to the far post. It caromed off and in, and the Pioneers were on their way.
"We made a slight adjustment at halftime, having a forward track back a little bit more," Murphy said. "(Caprara) won the ball and then, that's just a patented Gina shot. Left side to the back post."
Caprara nearly did it again from the opposite side during the 66th minute, missing the post by a few inches. Schlobohm got a great look as well a few minutes earlier, getting loose on a breakway after a Ridger corner kick, but the far side help drifted offsides, and the threat was quickly diffused.
"When we do score, we then settle in, and we keep trying," Murphy said. "We smell blood in the water. We didn't get a second one, but we had our opportunities."
The final 15 minutes or so saw Glen Ridge press up, but as it had all afternoon, the New Providence defense limited the Ridger attack to mostly harmless shots from well outside the box. Though the Pioneers held a 14-8 advantage in shots, junior keeper Jill Ashinky actually made six saves to Provost's four.
"We allow teams to shoot from distance, figuring that it's not going to cause as much panic," Murphy said. "And we rarely get beat with through balls, and I think they were trying to do that and bring it from the outside. But we stayed tough and finished the game."
Game 19 - November 12, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
Group 1 - Section 2 North - Finals
New Providence 1, Glen Ridge 0
Star Ledger
Gina Caprara stole the ball from a midfielder, took three touches and connected on a left-footed strike from 20 yards in the 42nd minute to spark New Providence to its third straight NJSIAA/The Sports Authority Stores North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 title with a 1-0 victory over Glen Ridge yesterday in New Providence.
Jill Ashinsky made eight saves for her 11th shutout of the season for New Providence (16-3), which will play Belvidere in the Group 1 state semifinals on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Indian Hills in Oakland. Margaret Provost stopped eight shots for Glen Ridge (16-3-1).
1st 2nd Final
New Providence 0 1 1
Glen Ridge 0 0 0
Player's Stats Goal Assists
Gina Caprara 1
Goalkeeper's Stats Saves
Jill Ashinsky 8
Game 19 - November 12, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
Group 1 - Section 2 North - Finals
New Providence 1, Glen Ridge 0
Glen Ridge falls in sectional final
by Matt Choquette - Glen Ridge Voice
Another fantastic season has come to a close for the Glen Ridge High School girls soccer team.
Top-seeded New Providence continued to be the thorn in the side of the No. 2 Ridgers. Glen Ridge was eliminated by New Providence from the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group 1 tournament for the third year in a row, this time in the state sectional championship on Friday afternoon in New Providence.
New Providence won the sectional crown with a 1-0 win over Glen Ridge.
After a scoreless first half, New Providence converted an opportunity two minutes into the second half and held on. It was a rematch of the 2008 sectional final, which was also taken by New Providence. Glen Ridge was ousted from the 2009 tournament in the semifinal round, again at the hands of New Providence.
“We had a great run,” head coach Oscar Viteri said. “It was another great season by our girls and we’re really building up state tournament experience for some of our younger girls. It’s tough to see our wonderful seniors go out like this, but they have been nothing short of fantastic all season and their whole time here at Glen Ridge.”
The Ridgers finished the season with a 16-3-1 overall record, including their second straight Super Essex Conference-Liberty Division title, which they shared with West Orange for the 2010 fall season.
Goaltender Margaret Provost kept her team in striking distance throughout, making five saves in the sectional final. Glen Ridge took 11 shots, but just couldn’t find the back of the net.
“In a state final, it becomes a chess match,” Viteri said. “All it takes is one mistake. Unfortunately, that’s what happened today.”
November 15, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
Group 1 - State Semifinal Scouting Report
by Simeon Pincus - Staff Writer - Courier News
Who: North 2 champion New Providence (16-3) vs. North 1 champion Belvidere (16-6-2).
When/Where: 6:30 p.m. today/Indian Hills High School, Oakland.
How they got here: New Providence defeated Glen Ridge 2-0 in the North 2 Group I final; Belvidere defeated Cresskill 2-2 (3-1 in a shootout) in the North I Group I final.
New Providence report: The three-time North 2 Group I champs hope the change of venue for the state semis will bring the Pioneers their first trip to The College of New Jersey since 2002. New Providence has played each of its previous Group I semifinals at Ridge High School, and both ended in heartbreakers. The Pioneers fell to to Waldwick in a shootout in 2008 before being edged by Cresskill last season, with the game's lone goal coming with 4:31 left in regulation. This year, facing an upstart opponent at Indian Hills, New Providence hopes to return to TCNJ, where it shared the state Group I title in 2003. After winning two 1-0 games heading into this one, senior striker Gina Caprara and friends hope to flex their offensive muscles today.
Belvidere report: Belvidere has consistently played high-scoring games all season, a trend that has continued into the state tournament where the matches have averaged more than five goals per contest. The County Seaters, who finished third in the Skyland Conference Valley Division and were seeded fifth in North 2 Group I, have averaged 3.5 goals per game — 3.25 during the tournament — while allowing just under two goals per match. Meghan Turney and Christine Nechay have been the offensive leaders, especially during the playoffs. Turney, who scored both goals against Cresskill, has four in the states, while Nechay has tallied five. Nechay scored two goals each in the quarterfinals and semifinals; in the latter, Belvidere also needed a shootout to win.
Outlook: Two runs are expected to end today: New Providence's state semifinals drought and Belvidere's unlikely stomp through the state tournament. Considering strength of schedule and the fact New Providence has beaten plenty of bigger teams than itself and more accomplished squads than Belvidere, it would seem the Pioneers' offensive prowess should prove overwhelming for the defensively challenged County Seaters. New Providence's defense also should be plenty good enough to keep Belvidere's offense in check, which could make for a pretty lopsided score. Either way, expect to see the Pioneers in Ewing on Saturday.
Prediction: New Providence 4-1.
Game 20 - November 16, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
GIRLS GROUP SEMIFINALS
NEW PROVIDENCE 3, BELVIDERE 0:
New Providence Cruises into Group I Finals
by Simeon Pincus - Staff Writer - Courier News
Here’s what went down:
Senior Gina Caprara scored a goal and assisted on both tallies by Alex Schlobohm, and junior keeper Jill Ashinsky earned the shutout with four saves, as New Providence advanced to the NJSIAA Group I final for the first time since 2003 with a 3-0 drubbing of Belvidere on Tuesday night at Indian Hills High School.
The Pioneers will face Pennsville at 5:00 p.m. Saturday at The College of New Jersey for the Group I state championship.
ANALYSIS: If you read my picks you would know this result was anything but surprising. If I had stuck with my original instinct, I would have nailed the score, but I am more than happy to get the margin of victory correct, and even happier to see coach Scott Murphy and his squad get a shot at a state title.
Game 20 - November 16, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
GIRLS GROUP SEMIFINALS
New Providence shuts down Belvidere in Group I Semis
by Ryan Dunleavy - Staff Writer - Courier News
Thanks in part to her own effort Tuesday night, Gina Caprara will not have to wait until next fall to visit The College of New Jersey campus. Caprara tallied the decisive goal and assisted on the first of Alex Schlobohm's two goals to help send the New Providence High School girls soccer team to a 3-0 victory against Belvidere in the NJSIAA Group I semifinals at Indian Hills High School.
New Providence, which was making its third straight semifinals appearance, will face Pennsville at 5:00 p.m. Saturday at The College of New Jersey in its first trip to a state final since sharing the title in 2003. "The feeling is amazing," said Caprara, a senior midfielder who will attend TCNJ next year and hopes to play soccer for the Lions. "We were just so pumped up when we came out."
The Pioneers, who controlled possession throughout the first half, broke through during the 18th minute when Caprara scored off of a rebound. Emma Culleton's free kick deflected off of the hands of the keeper and hit off the post. Caprara left-footed the loose ball into the air and across the net for the goal.
"It was crossed, and it went off the goalie's hands," she said. "I didn't even know I scored until my teammate told me." Protecting the lead wasn't easy. During the 29th minute, keeper Jill Ashinsky stopped a rising line-drive shot from 30 yards out by jumping straight up and batting the ball back with two hands. It wasn't even the best save of the half, however.
Belvidere turned a corner kick into a quality scoring chance, but a power shot from inside the box was blocked by a defender standing just in front of the goal line.
North 1 champion Belvidere saw its potent offensive attack, which was averaging 3.5 goals per game, stifled by the back line of Ashley Evangelos, Allison Boyle, Nicole Saitta and Jenna Madden. Ashinsky made four saves in the shutout.
"Attackers and goal-scorers get noticed all the time, but the defenders really shut down a team that knew how to score," New Providence coach Scott Murphy said.
Caprara set up an insurance goal midway through the second half, but it was Schlobohm's dizzying effort that really made it happen. The speedy sophomore forward chased down a 60-yard clear, circled back, dribbled through two defenders and ripped a high shot into the net. "That's Alex," Murphy said. "She's not all-effort, because she has a lot of skill, but when she sees an opportunity, she takes it. She's one of the few players I've seen who is as quick with the ball as she is without it."
Schlobohm added a goal during the 71st minute after breaking into open space along the wing. "From the beginning of the game we came out hard, and we had an attacking point of view," Schlobohm said. Murphy said he addressed New Providence's recent semifinal shortcomings throughout the NJSIAA Tournament, but he did not mention it leading up to the game.
His players' intense focus — especially during the second half — suggested that atonement was on their minds anyway. "At the beginning of the season no one even said we could get back to the sectional final because we were all brand-new to each other," Caprara said. "We wanted this so bad ... and at halftime we had a talk that fueled us."
Game 20 - November 16, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
GIRLS GROUP SEMIFINALS
New Providence 3, Belvidere 0
by Rich Bevensee - Star Ledger
Alex Schlobohm, unquestionably the smallest player on the field but also the fastest, provided two highlight-reel goals for New Providence last night. And now, thanks in part to the speedy New Providence sophomore, coach Scott Murphy’s team can relive those moments on the bus ride down to the state final in Ewing.
Schlobohm connected twice in the second half to pad a one-goal halftime lead provided by Gina Caprara and New Providence roared past Belvidere, 3-0, in the NJSIAA/The Sports Authority Stores Group 2 state semifinals before 200 at Hank Boggio Field in Oakland.
New Providence (17-3) earned its first state championship berth since 2003 -- when it battled Haddon Township to a scoreless tie -- and will face Pennsville for the Group 1 title Saturday at 5:00 p.m. at The College of New Jersey in Ewing. Pennsville defeated Point Pleasant Beach, 3-2, in the other semifinal. This victory ended a curse of sorts for New Providence, which lost in the state semifinals the last two years and in its last three semifinal appearances. The Union County program bowed out in the semis in 2004 as well. ``After losing the last two years in the semis, this is a bit of redemption for us seniors,’’ senior defensive back Allie Boyle said. ``I’m glad I had the opportunity to get my team into the finals. This is the spot where we kept stopping the last two years. I guess the third time is a charm.’’
Belvidere (16-7-2), the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 champion, is feeling a bit like New Providence did last season, having won the program’s third section title (2005-06, 2010) and failing to advance any further. ``New Providence wanted it more than us,’’ sixth-year Belvidere coach Amy Krushinski said. ``They sprinted to every 50-50 ball and outhustled us totally. That second goal was the turning point for us.’’
New Providence’s first goal began with a 30-yard restart in the 18th minute from Emma Culleton, which she blasted high enough to force Belvidere keeper Kelsey Barofski to fend off but not catch. The rebound bounced toward the goal mouth, where Caprara was waiting to cash in. The next New Providence goal will be talked about for quite some time by fans who were lucky enough to see the play.
In the 60th minute, Schlobohm chased down Caprara's 60-yard clearing kick into the Belvidere box, but sweeper Kaitlyn Penna cleared it away. Schlobohm re-collected the ball inside the box, reversed direction, split Penna and outside back Jenna Kovalsky with her speed and drilled a low line drive past Barofski for a 2-0 New Providence lead. ``When the defender cleared it, I just didn’t give up on it,’’ Schlobohm said of her first goal. ``Sometimes I feel like I have to score, and today I was lucky that I pulled it off.’’ Just eleven minutes later, Schlobohm worked her magic again, motoring down the left flank and unleashing a 20-yard laser into the lower-right corner.
New Providence’s flat-back defensive foursome of Boyle, Ashley Evangelos, Nicole Saitta and Jenna Madden was outstanding in keeping dangerous shots to a minimum for Belvidere, which entered the match scoring three goals per game.
Both Belvidere goalie Barofski and New Providence goalie Jill Ashinsky finished with four saves.
Lady Pioneers Earn Spot in Soccer Sectional Finals
New Providence Patch
New Providence High girls soccer coach Scott Murphy wanted his team to get off to a fast start in Tuesday's North Jersey, Section 2 Group I semifinal at Lieder Field.
Mission accomplished. A goal by senior Gina Caprara seven minutes into the game gave the Lady Pioneers' fierce defense to play hard and earn a 1-0 victory over Whippany Park.
Murphy knew the visiting team wasn't used to playing on the faster turf field, so when Caprara scored seven minutes into the game, the top-seeded, two-time defending champions their third straight trip to the sectional final.
New Providence will play host to second-seeded Glen Ridge at 2 p.m. Friday at Lieder Field. Junior Emma Cullerton provided the assist on the goal, while junior keeper Jill. Ashinsky made four saves to post her 10th shutout for the Pioneers, now 15-3.
Murphy praised his backline of senior Ali Boyle, junior Nicole Saitta, sophomore Jenna Madden and freshman Ashley Evangelos.
"Whippany Park played very hard and are very skilled,'' said Murphy. "We were evenly matched. Anytime you have that it takes the little extra things and catching some breaks.''
Caprara, who has scored 16 goals this season, hit a searing shot about 18 yards away. Culleton threaded a through ball that Caprara nailed. "It was a rocket,''
Murphy said. "One of our pre-game talks was about getting a start early. They predominately play on grass, and they came to our place and it takes time to get used to it. I didn't think that one goal would stand up because they started to settle in and it was even back and forth with each team controlling the field.''
The trip to another sectional final might have surprised some outside of the Pioneers' circle, Murphy said. "We lost seven starters and many outside of our circle didn't expect us to get back,'' Murphy said. "Our main goal was to show everybody that just because we lost so many players, we could [still] do it.''
Senior Gina Caprara advances the ball down the field in scoring range. Caprara scored the only goal of the game.
Sophomore Alex Schlobohm runs to gain possession of the ball.
The lady pioneers run the ball down field in scoring range.
Freshman Ashley Evangelos pushes the ball out of Whippany Park territory.
Sophomore Alex Schlobohm (13) and Senior Gina Caprara (10) fight to advance the ball down field.
Emma Culleton, a junior, fights for possession of the ball.
Stephanni Perini, a junior, advances the ball down field.
The lady pioneers fights to score against Whippany Park.
The Pioneers shake hands after the game with Whippany Park players.
The lady pioneers are all smiles after their 1-0 victory over Whippany Park.
Alex Schlobohm, a sophomore, moves the ball up the field.
Gina Caprara, a senior, fights for possession of the ball.
Game 20 - November 16, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
GIRLS GROUP SEMIFINALS
New Providence 3, Belvidere 0
Lady Pioneers Topple Belvidere in State Semifinals
New Providence Patch
After a 3-0 victory, the girls soccer team gears up for the State Finals game this Saturday at The College of New Jersey
against Pennsville.
The New Providence High School girls soccer team broke through a barrier Tuesday night at the State Semifinals at Indians Hills High School.
After three fruitless visits to the NJSIAA Group I semifinals, the Pioneers toppled Belvidere 3-0 to earn a berth in Saturday's state group title game at The College of New Jersey against South Jersey champ Pennsville. Game time is 5:00 p.m.
Senior Gina Caprara scored the game's first goal and assisted on the first of Alex Schlobohm's two goals to spark the Pioneers. The trip to the state final is the first since 2003 when the Pioneers shared the state championship.
"The feeling is amazing,'' said Caprara, a senior midfielder who will attend the State Finals this weekend. "We were just so pumped up when we came out.''
The Pioneers were dominant for most of the game. Caprara opened the scoring off a rebound in the 18th minute of the first half. Emma Culleton's free kick deflected off the hands of the keeper and richocheted off the post. Caprara nailed the loose ball with her left foot into the air and across the net for the goal.
"It was crossed and it went off the goalie's hands,'' she said. "I didn't even know I scored until my teammate told me.''
The Pioneers were certainly tested. Belvidere averaged 3.5 goals per game, but the Pioneer defense led by Ashley Evangelos, Allison Boyle, Nicole Saitta and Jenna Madden kept the County Seaters in check.
Keeper Jill Ashinsky stopped a rising line drive shot from 30 yards out in the 29th minute by leaping up and deflecting the ball away with her hands. Ashinsky made four saves.
"Attackers and goal-scorers get noticed all the time,'' Coach Scott Murphy said. "But the defenders really shut down a team that knew how to score.''
Caprara extended the lead to 2-0 in the second half off a great effort by Schlobohm.
Schlobohm, a sophomore forward, caught up to a 60-yard clear, curled back, dribbled through two defenders and ripped a high shot into the net.
"That's Alex,'' Murphy said. "She's not all-effort, because she has a lot of skill —but when she sees an opportunity, she takes it. She's one of the few players I've seen who is as quick with the ball as she is without it.''
Schlobohm scored in the 71st minute to make it 3-0.
Murphy said he did mention New Providence's setbacks in the state semifinals during the tournament. But not the few days before the semifinals.
"We wanted this so bad ... and at halftime, we had a talk that fueled us,'' Caprara said.
The New Providence Girls Soccer Team heads to the State Finals this Saturday to face Pennsville. Pictured are team members on Senior Day a few weeks ago. From left, top row: A. Crisafi, A. Evangelos, E. Culleton, S. Perini, J. Madden, J. Ashinsky, K. Carroll, A. Schlobohm, A. Hartenstein, H. Lavine, P. Carleen, O. Arent, C. Trezza, B. Carleen, T. Crisafi. Bottom row left to right: A. Boyle, G. Caprara, C. Siberine, C. Martin, M. Melkowits - Credit Caitlin Mahon
Game 19 - November 12, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
GIRLS GROUP SEMIFINALS
New Providence 1, Glen Ridge 0
New Providence Soccer wins Sectional Title
New Providence Patch
With Senior Gina Caprara's early score and a strong defense, the Lady Pioneers win their third consecutive section title.
New Providence High School senior Gina Caprara goal two minutes into the second half was all it took.
The Pioneers protected that cushion and beat Glen Ridge 1-0 Friday at Lieder Field to earn their third straight NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2 Group I championship.
The Pioneers will play Belvidere in the state semifinal Tuesday afternoon at Ridge High School.
Caprara's blast from 25 yards away sparked the top-seeded Pioneers to their third straight section championship.
"It never gets old. Winning never gets old, and neither does winning sectional titles,'' New Providence head coach Scott Murphy said. "The other two were great. This one is a little different, because it's a totally new group of girls. I'm just happy for them that were able to feel what it's like to win one.''
New Providence is seeking its first state championship since sharing the Group I title with Glen Rock in 2003.
"It was literally amazing,'' Caprara said. "All I wanted to think about (after the goal) was getting back and defending and make sure we have the chance to go to the semifinals. It was hard. Nobody thought we were going to do it at all. And we proved them all wrong.''
The Pioneers (18-3) held the ball for most of the first half, but were stoned by Glen Ridge junior Erika Sliwak, sophomore Meghan MacDonald and freshman Victoria Finlay.
The Pioneers' best opportunity came in the 14th minute when sophomore Alex Schlobohm beat the defense and got into a foot race with Glen Ridge keeper Margaret Provost.
Schlobohm did get the ball behind Provost, keeping the ball at her feet, but Finlay came swooping in to keep her away and took the ball away.
Other chances came, but nothing as close.
But the Pioneers came through, eliminating the second seeded Ridgers (17-3-1) for the third straight year.
Caprara hustled to the loose ball, and began to sped to the box. Instead of trying to force it, she curled off and lofted a shot to the far post. It caromed in.
"We made a slight adjustment at halftime, having a forward track back a little bit more,'' Murphy said. "(Caprara) won the ball and then, that's just a patented Gina shot. Left side to the back post.''
She just missed in the 66th minute, missing the post by inches.
"When we do score, we then settle in, and we keep trying,'' Murphy said. "We smell blood in the water. We didn't get a second one, but we had our opportunities. ''
Glen Ridge pressed late, but as it had all afternoon, the Pioneers stood strong, limiting their Essex County rivals to long and inaccurate shots.
New Providence held a 14-8 advantage in shots on goals. Junior keeper Jill Ashinky made six saves.
"We allow teams to shoot from distance, figuring that it's not going to cause as much panic,'' Murphy said. "And we rarely get beat with through balls, and I think they were trying to do that and bring it from the outside. But we stayed tough and finished the game."
Game 20 - November 16, 2010
2010 NJSIAA Tournament
GIRLS GROUP SEMIFINALS
New Providence 3, Belvidere 0
Pioneers Gear Up for State Semifinal Soccer Showdown
New Providence Patch
After winning the North 2 Group I Soccer Championship last week, the Lady Pioneers face North I Group I Champ Belvidere
tonight in Oakwood.
The New Providence High School girls soccer team is a win away from a shot at a state championship. The Pioneers, the North 2 Group I champions, meet North 1 champ Belvidere today at Indians Hills High School in Oakland. Game time is 6:30 p.m.
The winner will play for the state group title at The College of New Jersey in Ewing this weekend. "It never gets old getting to this point,'' said New Providence coach Scott Murphy. "We just have to get over that obstacle, keep our focus and hopefully we can get to Ewing. At this point, you just keep doing what has been successful for you. The kids are very excited about the opportunity."
New Providence defeated Glen Ridge 2-0 in the North 2 Group I final last week; Belvidere defeated Cresskill 2-2 (3-1 in a shootout) in the North I Group I final. The Pioneers are the three-time North 2 Group I champions and hope the change of venue for the state semifinals will bring them luck and their first trip to a group final since 2002. The Pioneers shared the title that year.
New Providence has played each of its previous Group I semifinals at Ridge High School, and both ended in heartbreakers. The Pioneers fell to Waldwick in a shootout in 2008 before being nipped by Cresskill last season. That game's lone goal came with 4:31 left in regulation.
Senior striker Gina Caprara and teammates are looking to break open their offensive game today after winning 1-0 in the sectional final.
"This [game] is a little different, because it's a totally new group of girls. I'm just happy for them that they were able to feel what it's like to win one (sectional title). Hopefully we can keep going,'' Murphy said.
Patch will be at the State Semifinal Soccer Game today in Oakwood. Check back late tonight for a full article of the game.
