Historic. That is the best way to describe the 2021 boy’s soccer season. The Pats have reached their first state final since 1982. Not only that, but they won the state semifinal in the most dramatic way possible. Regulation and overtime passed with the score still 0-0 versus Toms River North. In a nail-biting penalty shootout, third-choice goalie Jack Goldsmith saved two penalties and star senior Josh Hocheiser chipped in a dazzling Panenka-style penalty to give the Pats an incredible victory. The determination and drive to push for a win no matter the circumstances truly encapsulates what has been a season for the ages for the Patriots.

The Pats season thus far has yielded an impressive 18-3-1 record. They won a third consecutive A-North Division title and reached the final of the Shore Conference Tournament. Also, they claimed a fourth ever Central Jersey Group 4 title. The only three losses came against Christian Brothers Academy (the number one team in the Shore), Elizabeth, and Toms River North in the Shore Conference Tournament final. The lone draw came at Toms River North. Some of the most impressive wins came in the forms of a 4-0 thrashing of Manalapan and a 5-0 beating of Saint Joseph’s of Metuchen. Whatsmore, the great results were a true team effort. Senior Herman Colbert led the way with 16 goals and 14 assists. Hocheiser (9 goals and 6 assists), Ryan Keegan (7 goals and 3 assists), and JT Gold (2 goals and 4 assists) were also among the stats leaders. Goalkeeper Richard Lockard also made an impressive 27 saves before getting injured. Clearly, the Pats’ season has been a brilliant collaborative effort thus far that has deservedly won a multitude of titles. 

While spectacular, the Pats’ season isn’t over just yet. On Saturday 11-19 at 3:00, the Patriots will take on Kearny in the Group 4 state final at Kean University. At stake is a historic first state title since 1982, nearly 40 years ago. Coach Mehl and his team have been the envy of the Shore Conference for years, but now they have an opportunity to show the entire state just how good they really are. Patriot Nation will fully be behind the boys in blue and will be at Kean in droves to cheer them on. Good luck and make us proud, boys!