Secaucus 1-3 Jersey Shore Boca-Game Report

Rutgers Alumni Field, Newark – In what was billed the “game of the season” by Secaucus FC’s Daniel Brown, the boys in blue from North Jersey came out against South Jersey’s mighty Boca ready for war, and a war is what they got. Right from the start, coaches and players realized Boca would be the best team Secaucus have faced all year.

Boca put together an impressive display of tactical awareness, experience, and ball movement Sunday evening in Newark even after traveling 90 miles up the length of the state.

Secaucus FC struck first after Daniel Brown’s first roll of the dice paid off when Christian Acuna was inserted up front replacing young George Galarza. With his first touch, Acuna put Boris Shabovta through for a right footed shot past the keeper and into the net.

Just before halftime, however, Boca was able to equalize on an effort that took the wind right out of SFC’s sails. The second half started and Secaucus was eager to take back the lead before Andrew Errico seemingly pulled down an onrushing winger in the box and was called for a penalty. The Boca striker coolly slotted the ball past Jeff East.

A goal down and 20 minutes to go Brown adjusted his tactics and switched from containing to attacking. It wasn’t until now that Secaucus FC was able to dominate the game a bit. Four of five chances were created during this time, with the team getting so close to scoring the equalizer. Boca took advantage as Secaucus pressed for the equalizer, scoring the third and final goal of the game minutes later.

Despite the disappointing loss, Secaucus are through to the quarterfinals, finishing as one of the two best second placed teams out of the six League Cup groups. Secaucus FC will now take on Union Ukrainians this Sunday, June 7th in Union for a do or die match. Hopefully the team will be boosted from their failure this weekend, only their third loss of the season, and get past the Ukrainian test.

- June 01, 2009