By Rich Chrampanis
LINCROFT – Defense always has been and always will be the staple of the Christian Brothers Academy soccer team. The Colts ability to keep possession and stifle opponents has been one of the key cogs in one of New Jersey’s top soccer programs.
While CBA found itself in an offensive drought during the postseason, it only took one goal to return the team to the state championship game to defend its title. CBA has just two goals in three postseason games but no goals allowed and that’s the formula for a section championship and a chance to repeat as the best soccer team in New Jersey.
Lawrence Mancino’s header off a John Gambale free kick in the 86th minute was the difference in CBA’s 1-0 overtime win against Pingry in the Non-Public “A” South championship.
“The previous crosses Johnny put in were amazing so I was thinking maybe I could get my head on it, maybe I could put one away for my team and that’s what ended up happening,” Mancino said. “To be honest I didn’t think it felt real. It was such a surreal moment. I was confused at first and I didn’t know what to think but then it finally settled in and it felt amazing.”
The Colts’ backline and goalkeeper Miles Gallagher have been stellar with five consecutive clean sheets.
Gallagher made two saves on penalty kicks as the catalyst in the Colts’ win following a scoreless 100 minutes against St. Augustine in the semifinal. In the Pingry win, he was on point, making a number of high-quality saves, including an incredible reflex save off a header in the second half which represented Pingry’s best scoring chance.
“I know these times, it’s not going to be an easy win, none of these games are going to be easy wins,” Gallagher said. “So I know I have to step up and when my chance comes I have to take it, I have to save it, I have to do whatever my team needs me to do because they got me through this whole year pretty safe and sound so I have to repay the favor somehow.”
CBA will face Seton Hall Prep at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at Franklin High School in the Non-Public “A” state championship. Last year, the Colts beat the Pirates 1-0 to win the state title.
“We love these situations,” Gallagher said. “With all our fans that are out there, it’s great to see all the support behind us. We have to win it for them. We’ve got one more game to win. Come Friday at 4 p.m., we’re ready.”
The article originally appeared in the November 9 – November 15, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
