By Jim Hintelmann
RUMSON – Rumson-Fair Haven Regional (18-3-1) played one of its better defensive girls soccer games of the season in defeating AL Johnson Regional, 2-0, Monday, and the victory earned the Lady Bulldogs a berth in the CJ II finals against Holmdel Thursday.
Rumson has already beaten Holmdel twice this year since the two schools are in the Shore Conference A Division Central, but coach Mary Beth Coleman expects a difficult game this time.
“We’ve beaten them twice, “Coleman admitted, “but they have a dangerous team and I have a lot of respect for their coach and the program. I’m looking forward to the game.”
Sophomore Sophie Giglio and junior Grace Forsythe scored the goals for the Lady Bulldogs, and a tough Rumson defense did the rest.
NJSIAA CJ Group 2 semifinals on Monday. Photo: Sean Simmons
“The kids worked hard and the defense played very well today,” said Coleman, whose team won the A Central title with a perfect record. “We got a solid effort from everybody.
“We were unbeaten in the division and Holmdel was second,” she said.
Rumson dominated the game with a 14-2 shot advantage, but it didn’t score until 18:40 of the first half when Giglio kicked in a rebound shot from just in front of the net.
goal to give the Lady Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. Photo: Sean Simmons
“Grace (Forsythe) took a shot, but their goalie deflected the ball and I was there to put it in,” said Giglio.
Forsythe got the insurance goal 23 minutes into the second half when she lined an 18-yard shot into the right side of the net.
“I was in the middle and saw Jacqueline (Littleson) on the outside,” said Forsythe, “She’s been good with the crosses all season and I saw the ball coming in and tried to get as much of a touch on it as I could and put it in.”
