Bryan Hess’s Goal with 30 Seconds Left in Regulation Sends Rumson to the South Group I Sectional Final

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Sophomore midfielder Bryan Hess scored the game-winning goal with 30 seconds left in regulation to lift third-seeded Rumson-Fair Haven past second-seeded Madison, 6-5, on Thursday afternoon in the semifinals of the NJSIAA South Group I Tournament.

The Bulldogs will play at top-seeded New Providence on Saturday for the sectional title. New Providence rallied with six fourth-quarter goals to clip Bernards 10-8 in the other semifinals.

Hess finished with two goals, as did junior attackman Griffin Schultz, to send Rumson (16-6) to its fourth straight sectional final. Sophomore Charlie Curran and junior Robbie Garavente also scored for Rumson while junior Henry Sillen had an assist. Junior goalie Kyle Knapp made seven saves in his fourth straight start to pick up the win.

Rumson trailed 4-3 at halftime and 5-4 heading into the fourth quarter before netting the last two goals to advance.