The Notre Dame High School boys’ varsity soccer team secured a hard-fought 2-2 tie against Toms River North on March 15, 2024. The match, held at Mike Perone Field, showcased a resilient performance from both teams, with Notre Dame’s Nick Angiolino stepping up significantly in the absence of injured senior fullback Jayce Palumbo.
After taking a commanding two-goal lead into halftime, Notre Dame found itself under pressure as Toms River North rallied to equalize. Angiolino, typically a midfielder, adapted his position to bolster the defense, a tactical shift that proved vital in maintaining the tie. “We were missing Jayce, so we needed to make some adjustments,” Angiolino explained. “I dropped back, and Felipe Samuel moved back into the midfield. I thought it brought confidence to our defense and confidence to our team.”
The scoring began with Notre Dame’s senior forward Luca Ercolano, who netted a goal with 17:36 left in the first half, following an assist from senior back Riley Miracola. Just before halftime, Ercolano’s teammate Kole Feltes extended the lead to two with a well-placed shot off a long pass from Samuel.
Despite the early lead, Toms River North responded swiftly after the break. Junior goalkeeper Gavin Stryker played a crucial role, stopping a total of 15 shots throughout the match. His long goal kicks created opportunities, leading to junior forward Manuele Lubrano scoring the Mariners’ first goal just two minutes into the second half.
With 15:35 remaining, Toms River North struck again, as Stryker assisted Josh Girtain for his first varsity goal, leveling the score at 2-2. Angiolino’s defensive shift became even more critical in the final moments, as he focused on solidifying the backline to prevent further damage.
Reflecting on the match, Angiolino noted, “We had chances. We just didn’t connect.” The game marked Notre Dame’s second tie of the week, following a previous 1-1 draw with Princeton High on Tuesday. Junior goalkeeper Anthony Merluse contributed with eight saves, ensuring the Irish did not fall behind in the tightly contested match.
Looking ahead, Angiolino expressed optimism for the upcoming challenges, including matches against West Windsor-Plainsboro South and Steinert. He emphasized the importance of learning from the weekend’s experience as the team prepares for the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Tournament.
“As a senior, I feel I have more accountability for the team, especially in a situation like today,” Angiolino said, highlighting his leadership role during crucial moments of the season. The performance against Toms River North illustrated the team’s resilience and adaptability, key qualities as they navigate the remainder of the season.
In summary, Notre Dame remains strong with a record of 11-1-2 following this encounter, while Toms River North improves to 4-6-5. The Irish will continue to build on this momentum as they strive for success in the upcoming weeks.
