When one thinks of all-time dominant soccer teams, there are a few examples that immediately come to mind. The 2003-04 Arsenal undefeated Invincibles. The Spanish Men’s National Team’s 2008-2012 World Cup and European Championship winning side. The Olympic Lyon Women’s team of 2015-2020 that won five consecutive Champions Leagues. And, of course, the 2021 Freehold Township Girl’s soccer team. 

The 2021 Patriots season has been one of record-breaking dominance. They currently sit at 19-0-1. The season’s lone draw came away at Red Bank Catholic. A second consecutive, and fourth in the last five years, A-North Division title was secured with ease. When the Shore Conference Tournament rolled around, the Pats were unphased. They steamrolled over Point Pleasant Boro, Middletown South, Manalapan, and Toms River North to capture a first tournament crown since 2011. Thus far, the Central Jersey Group 4 Tournament has been similarly easy, with a 9-0 (!) win over West Winsor-Plainsboro South and a 3-1 victory over Jackson Memorial setting up a semi-final tie with Manalapan on Tuesday, November 9. The Pats’ fine form has earned them the number one ranking in New Jersey for the past four weeks, as well as earning national recognition as the #18 team in the country according to the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll. 

While the team’s form and success is certainly impressive, some of the individual accomplishments have been ever more staggering. Five players currently have over ten goals, with Cassidy Corcione, Ainsley Moy, Gaby Parker, Hailey Santiago, and Kayla Wong all hitting double figures. Corcione led the Shore Conference in goals, with an astounding total of 22. Also, four of the top five assist-makers in the shore were Patriots, with Corcione, Moy, Wong, and Gabby Koluch all being among the leaders. Kayla Wong leads the shore in assists, with an incredible total of 14 and counting. Corcione’s outstanding play earned her Shore Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. Additionally, Corcione took home four A-North Division player of the week titles and three Shore Conference player of the week honors. 

Clearly, the 2021 Girl’s soccer team has had a season to remember. And, the best part is, it’s not over yet. Two more wins could hand the Pats a third Central Jersey Group 4 title, a clean sweep of the available trophies. The team has certainly made FTHS proud, and our school will keep cheering for them. Go Pats!