By Rich Chrampanis
RUMSON – The early season usually has teams working through some kinks to find their form but for Red Bank Catholic and Rumson-Fair Haven girls soccer teams, game two on the 2021 season schedule had the feel of a Shore Conference championship game. And if RBC and RFH play like they did at Borden Stadium and Two River Times field Sept. 9, they could very well meet again in the title game.
Morgan Cupo’s third goal of the game with just 25.4 seconds remaining in the first overtime period gave the Caseys a 3-2 win over the Bulldogs. RBC rallied from a goal down two times in the second half to force overtime.
Obi Akunwafor
Following a scoreless first half that saw Rumson control the majority of play, the Bulldogs appeared to take control of the match thanks to Katie Aglione crashing the net and connecting from close range in the 44th minute. But the Caseys didn’t panic and turned to one of the state’s most prolific goal scorers to spark a comeback.
“Once they scored the first goal we knew we couldn’t give up,” Cupo said. “I knew that if I could get behind the defense I could make things happen.”
Cupo’s goal-scoring ability is a special talent but perhaps even more impressive was three different Caseys players making pinpoint passes to set up Morgan’s goals. Gianna Romeo was in the right corner and created space for herself to launch a perfect left-footed cross to Cupo who pounced from five yards out to tie the game at 1-1. After RFH’s Janey Sypeck gave the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead, sophomore Jyvanna Harris gained possession and launched a picture-perfect long pass down the right wing that traveled over 50 yards. Cupo chased down the gorgeous feed and drew the Caseys even at 2-2 with 11:30 to go.
With just seconds remaining in the first 10-minute overtime period, Iva Carton was able to make a pass near midfield that allowed Cupo to get behind the defense and in on a breakaway. Drawing out the goalkeeper near the 18-yard line, Cupo calmly moved left and deposited the game winner into the empty net.
Rich Chrampanis
“We (only) get so many opportunities. You can’t take that for granted,” Cupo said. “I just took it and I finished it. I know how to. This was one of our biggest games this season and it was a big deal and I knew we needed to win this game.”
Coach Frank Lawrence’s Caseys were 10-4 last season and closed the year with five straight wins while Rumson-Fair Haven was 14-1 in 2020. Both teams began the season ranked in the Top 10 in preseason state polls and the rankings are justified.
For the Cupo family, the soccer season is off to a rousing start. Dylan Cupo has scored in each of CBA’s first three games while sister Morgan’s hat trick has her at three goals in the first two games of the year. With 56 career goals and counting, Morgan still has the family bragging rights but both Cupos should have plenty of more big moments this fall at RBC and CBA.
The article originally appeared in the September 16 – 22, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
