Defense Shines in 2-0 RBC Girls Soccer Win

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By Jim Hintelmann
RED BANK – Red Bank Catholic had started out slowly this season, losing two of its first three games, but RBC coach Frank Lawrence hopes Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Shore Regional might be the beginning of something good.
“We split our first four games last year but finished at 17-2-3,” said Lawrence, who is in his second year at RBC. “Consistency is something we strive for but it is still early in the season and we haven’t got there yet.
“We scored two workman-like goals today,” he said. “As long as we can put the ball in the goal, we’ll be okay. Our defense is very strong and our goalie (Jackie Robinson) is fantastic.  That is the key to our season.”
During the first half, RBC dominated but didn’t score. The Caseys finally broke though at 19 minutes. That was when Christiana Balacco, who will be playing soccer at Virginia Commonwealth University next season, got the ball off a direct kick and knocked it in following a scramble for a 1-0 RBC lead.
RBC scored an insurance goal at the 15-minute mark when Abby Shroba drilled the ball from in front at 10 yards out. Shore had several good scoring opportunities but failed to convert as Robinson made a couple of fine stops.
“It was a hard fought game and both teams played well and hard,” Shore coach George Moutis said. “They capitalized on their opportunities and we didn’t capitalize on our chances.
“We were 12-8 a year ago and hoped to be better,” Moutis said, “but four of our girls were sidelined with injuries and may miss the rest of the season.”

Brianna Urbanski, RBC’s No. 23, tries to dribble past Shore Regional’s Samantha McDonough.
Brianna Urbanski, RBC’s No. 23, tries to dribble past Shore Regional’s Samantha McDonough.

Lawrence said the Caseys are “a pretty young team. At one time in the game, we had three freshmen out there, but the team is talented.”
Last year, RBC reached the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public girls soccer finals last year before losing to Pingry School on penalty kicks.