Boys Soccer – Final Top 10

1. Manalapan (19-3-1, 11-2-1)

The 2013 Shore Conference Tournament champions had the best year of any Manalapan team since 2007, and even those Braves lost in the SCT final before winning a share of the NJSIAA Group IV championship. There is some talent returning to Central Jersey Group IV next year and the Braves will have to retool the defense around current sophomore Mike McNicholas, but the pool of talent at Manalapan is deep and with so much of it back in the starting lineup, the Braves will have a chance to do even more damage next year.

2. Rumson-Fair Haven (19-3-1, 10-1-1)

Despite falling in both the SCT and Central Jersey Group II championship games, Rumson likely had its best team in recent program history this season. The Bulldogs trotted out a roster of 17 seniors – nine of which were in the starting lineup – and the return was a share of the Class A Central championship and appearances in two different tournament championships. A Shore Conference Tournament and sectional final were both uncharted territory for Rumson, so while the Bulldogs missed an opportunity, they also raised the bar for the program going forward.

3. Holmdel (16-2-3, 10-1-1)

It would have been interesting to see what a healthier version of Holmdel could have done, but health did not cooperate with the Hornets down the stretch of the season. Despite battling injuries to multiple players during postseason plat, Holmdel managed to reach both the SCT and Central Jersey Group II semifinals. As they have done in each of the past three years, Holmdel is in position to keep their run going with a core of players that emerged this year.

4. Wall (14-3-6, 6-1-5)

It wasn’t all smooth sailing and the season came to a heart-breaking end at Allentown in the Central Jersey Group III final, but Wall followed the preseason blue print and it nearly netted the Crimson Knights a sectional title. Wall incorporated sophomore Gerardo Medina and CBA transfer Joe Tashjy into the mix and once the Knights had their full squad, they took off. There will be some key cogs to replace, but Wall should be among the teams best set-up to make deep runs in both tournaments next year.

5. Ocean (12-3-5, 7-1-4)

Although the Spartans came up short in defending their Shore Conference Tournament title, they gave Manalapan the toughest challenge of any team during the tournament before losing 1-0 in overtime of the semifinal match. The outgoing seniors had a great run and they leave behind a group of sophomores that took a leap forward this season. As juniors next year, that group will have a chance to continue the run.

6. Christian Brothers Academy (13-5-2, 9-3-2)

Playing with its youngest roster in program history, CBA restored order to the program after its first ever losing season in 2012. There are some areas of concern heading into next year – the struggles against Manalapan and in the Shore Conference Tournament, some difficulty scoring against top teams and a handful of graduations – but another year together should make this roster one of the deepest and dangerous in the conference.

7. Toms River North (9-4-5, 9-2-3)

The Mariners were far from perfect this season, but they always seemed to find a way when needed. They followed up a loss to Lacey by beating Toms River East to clinch the Class A South title and they played both Red Bank and Ocean to a draw in the SCT – winning one and losing the other. There would be no chance at redemption after Toms River North’s season abruptly ended against Toms River East in the opening round of the South Jersey Group IV Tournament, but a Class A North title for the first time in four years was a solid way to send off a strong senior class.

8. Freehold Township (13-6-1, 9-4-1)

The Patriots were sort on senior influence heading into the season and a midseason injury to Brian Dziobak reduced that influence even more. Despite the lack of senior experience and health, Freehold Township had yet another competitive season in Class A North. Freehold Township experienced some growing pains without Dziobak after starting the season 8-2 with him, but the injury forced the Patriots to get an early look at 2014.

9. Colts Neck (9-4-5, 7-3-4)

The Cougars were the first team to beat Manalapan this season and later lost two one-goal decisions to the Shore Conference’s No. 1 team, so on its best day, Colts Neck was among the best teams in the conference. In total, the Cougars finished behind Manalapan, CBA and Freehold Township in the A North standings and never got a chance to play any team outside the division because of the SCT pairings. Colts Neck could make the case that it should go ahead of a few more teams based on the win over Manalapan and the SCT win over Freehold Township, but the total body of work says this is the right spot.

10. Jackson Memorial (13-6-3, 9-3-2)

Considering how much Jackson Memorial lost from last season’s 23-2 team, this season was a success for the Jaguars. With only three starters back – one in goal – Jackson Memorial stayed in the Class A South race until the last day and won a game in both the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV Tournaments. Although Jackson incorporated a new crop of players, the Jaguars will have trouble replacing a number of top players. Based on the success this year, the Jaguars have proven they can handle the losses.

On the Bubble

Red Bank (9-8-2, 6-5-1) – A torrid finish to the season and a strong 2014 class make a Red Bank a sleeper heading into next year.

Monsignor Donovan (14-5-2, 12-2-0) – One of the Shore’s most consistent programs may not enter next year as the Class B South favorite, but the Griffins will be in the mix.

Lacey (11-6-3, 8-4-2) – The Lions fell just short of a Class A South title and showed they can replace a talented scorer and still compete.

Raritan (11-6-2, 6-4-2) – The Rockets are building toward another run at the division and sectional championships and this season was a big step in that direction.

Toms River East (9-9-2, 6-6-2) – The Raiders were up and down, but a win over Monsignor Donovan and a state tournament win over Toms River North put a nice cap on the season.