Karagjozi Goal Gives RFH Victory

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By Jim Hintelmann
RUMSON – For the first time since 2004, the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional girls soccer team (15-2-1) will be playing in a Shore Conference Tournament semifinal game.
The No. 6 seed Lady Bulldogs’ defense, led by goalie Sam Beaudreault, made an early goal by freshman Grace Karagjozi to stand up in a 1-0 victory over 14th seeded Jackson Memorial in a SCT quarterfinal game Monday.
Rumson played No. 2 seed Freehold Township Wednesday and, if they won, they would meet the Wall-Çolts Neck winner in the championship game Saturday at Summerfield School in Neptune. Game time will be 5 p.m.
“Our game plan was to execute and stop their offense,” said Rumson coach Mary Beth Coleman. “It was a very physical game, but it worked and I’m proud of the girls. We capitalized on our opportunities and played as hard as we could.”
The only goal in the game came 2:30 into the contest when Karagjozi, on a fast break, took a perfect pass from Grace Forsyth and knocked in a 10-yard shot into the left side of the net.

Grace Karagjozi (8) of RFH scored the only goal of the game during Monday night's SCT quarterfinal showdown against Jackson Memorial. Photo: Sean Simmons
Grace Karagjozi (8) of RFH scored the only goal of the game during Monday night’s SCT quarterfinal showdown against Jackson Memorial. Photo: Sean Simmons

“There were one or two tough passes that helped me get that shot,” said Karagjozi. “It really came from the back and went all the way to the middle. We didn’t miss any part of the field.”
“Grace has been our second leading scorer this season,” said Coleman. “She always seems to be at the right place at the right time and she is a very skilled player.”
Rumson, however, probably would not have won the game without some spectacular saves from Beaudreault.
Beaudreault was credited with nine saves with four of them coming in with diving stops on Jackson shots from in close.
“We knew that we had to stop them in the back and prevent the Jackson forwards from attacking,” said Beaudreault, a junior who is starting her third varsity season. “We had to keep our composure and keep them under control.
“Sam has been fantastic for us throughout the season,” said Coleman. “She usually comes up with the big plays, and we couldn’t have done it without her.

RFH goalie Samantha Beaudreault makes a diving save as Jackson Memorial's Caitlyn Fogarty (22) closes in. Beaudreault turned back nine shots to record the shutout for the Bulldogs. Photo: Sean Simmons
RFH goalie Samantha Beaudreault makes a diving save as Jackson Memorial’s Caitlyn Fogarty (22) closes in. Beaudreault turned back nine shots to record the shutout for the Bulldogs. Photo: Sean Simmons

“The last time we reached the semis was in 2004, but I wasn’t the coach that year,’ said Coleman. ‘This is an exciting time for us and we look forward to playing in the next round.”
The success this season was a bit of a surprise to Coleman.
“We knew that we would be competitive this year, but we didn’t think we would get this far,” she said. “We have 10 seniors on the team and all of them know their roles.”