Boys Soccer – Mike Schoener Golden Goal Gives Jackson Memorial a Win Over TR North

TOMS RIVER - When junior forward Mike Schoener scores a goal, it usually means good things for his Jackson Memorial boys soccer team, at least that is the case during the early stages of this season.

Once the Jaguars battled Toms River North - the No. 10 team in the Shore Sports Network Top 10 - into overtime Monday night, it meant another Schoener goal would also mean another win.

Schoener delivered again with his ninth goal of the season, the golden goal in the 94th minute that helped Jackson Memorial sink the Mariners, 1-0. In games in which Schoener has scored a goal, the Jaguars are 4-0-1 this year.

"Tonight was very much a must-win game," Schoener said. "It was one of the more important ones we've played as a group, coming off the loss to Toms River South (on Thursday) and trying to stay in the division race. We know North is a top 10 team and we knew that if we could finish this, we'd have an opportunity to beat anybody."

Toms River North turned the ball over in its own end early in the second overtime and the ball ended up at the feet of Jackson Memorial senior Dan Van Clef, who sent a long ball toward the goal. The ball carried over the head of Toms River North goalkeeper Tommy Lynch and Schoener - waiting on the back post - walked it into the net for the game-winner 3:10 into the second overtime period.

Schoener had the closest call up to that point as well, which was a one-hop rip off the right post in the 31st minute.

"They guys kept playing me through and it's tough because the turf plays fast," Schoener said. "You just have to keep trying and hope to get an opportunity and fortunately, I got one."

Toms River North controlled the game in the second half when the Mariners had the wind at their back, but managed just three shots on goal against Jackson Memorial goalkeeper Dylan Kanner.

Neither team produced a serious threat in the first overtime period, during which Jackson Memorial had the wind advantage. Despite surrendering that advantage in the second overtime period, the Jaguars capitalized on a mistake in the back by Toms River North, with Schoener doing the honors.

The Jaguars continue to play without senior center back Joe Mamola, who has not played yet during this regular season due to a hamstring injury. According to Jackson Memorial coach Steve Bado, Mamola is likely to return in two weeks.

With Mamola out, junior Christian Fryc has moved from his normal center midfield spot to the back line, which has made the Jaguars less potent in the midfield. Jackson Memorial relied on its organized defense to limit Toms River North's shot opportunities and send the ball long to both Schoener and senior Andrew Jozwicki up top to generate offense.

Monday's win gets Jackson Memorial back into the Class A South division race and gives the Jaguars their first win in a close game this season. Jackson Memorial was 0-2-1 in games that ended in a draw or a one-goal margin entering Monday.