Shore Sports Network Final 2023 Girls Soccer Shore 16

Shore Conference Girls Soccer Final Shore 16

1. Freehold Township (20-3) Previous Rank: 4 - No surprise that the team that started the season on top, finished on top. The Patriots showed that they were the best when they got healthy and finished the season in convincing fashion. On their way to their second straight Group IV title, they defeated Howell, Manalapan, Central Regional, and Ridgewood -- a collection of games that included rematches with Manalapan in the Central Group IV final and Ridgewood in the overall Group IV final. The Patriots will have new leaders next season to replace one of the most talented groups of seniors in recent Shore Conference history. 

2. Central Regional (19-2) Previous Rank: 2 - Another group of seniors who made history, Central Regional won its first sectional title in school history. Second year coach Marykate Sullivan took a team that finished .500 two years ago and won 19 games this season. Central graduated several All-Shore players, but Sullivan was not afraid of playing underclassmen and getting them the experience they will need for next season. 

3. Manalapan (15-3) Previous Rank: 3 - Manalapan had one of the biggest wins of the season, ending Freehold Township’s 46-game unbeaten streak in the Shore Conference. Unfortunately, they fell short in the rematch in the Central Jersey Group 4 final, losing 1-0. Manalapan had a good mixture of seniors and underclassmen this season and will be challenging once again next season in both the Shore Conference and CJG4.

4. Wall (13-4-3) Previous Rank: 8 - Wall returned to the Group 2 final for the second straight season, losing to Ramsey, 3-1. The Crimson Knights avenged their loss to Rumson during the regular season, defeating them in a shoot-out to repeat as the Central Jersey Group 2 champions. If Wall can replace the senior goalies who shared time the last three seasons, it will contend for the CJG2 Title in 2024. 

5. Brick Memorial (15-5-1) Previous Rank: 10 - In a storybook season on the sideline and between the lines, coach Billy Caruso coached his twin daughters, Lexi and Mia, in their last season in high school and led them and the rest of the Mustangs to the Central Jersey Group 3 title in his 30th season as coach. The Mustangs bring back the majority of their defensive side of the field, but graduate most of their offensive production. If they can find the right combination to put the ball in the net, Caruso could return to the CJG3 finals in his 31st season.

6. Middletown South (15-4-1) Previous Rank: 1- Middletown South won the Shore Conference Tournament for the first time in school history and beat two teams that were ranked No. 1 this season to get there. The Eagles fell just short of winning back-to-back Central Jersey Group 3 titles, losing to Brick Memorial in overtime in the championship game. Every year, the Eagles graduate key players, but always have replacements waiting to step up, which is a reason coach Megan Barry collected her 100th win early in the season. 

7. Howell (12-7) Previous Rank: 5 - Howell has established itself the last two seasons, going from a five-win team in 2021 to making back-to-back trips to the Shore Conference Tournament final. The Rebels rebounded from losing their first three games to making it to the SCT finals. The Rebels graduate several key players, but bring back a good portion of players who made an impact this season. 

8. Rumson-Fair Haven (14-5-1) Previous Rank: 7 - Rumson only had one loss to a team outside the top 10 this season and that was on opening day. Rumson returned to the Central Jersey Group 2 finals for the second straight season, falling to Wall in a shootout. The Bulldogs will need to replace several seniors who made an impact on the field with their play and leadership.

9. Trinity Hall (15-4-1) Previous Rank: 13 - Trinity Hall finished as division co-champs in their first season of Class B North. The Monarchs followed the saying “Defense wins championships”, only conceding three goals during the regular season. Trinity Hall made it to the South Jersey Non-Public A final for the first time in school history, falling to Princeton Day. Trinity Hall graduates three players and will rely on the experience the underclassmen gained this season to compete in Class A North next year.

10. Manasquan (13-5-1) Previous Rank: 6 - Manasquan had a historic season, making it to the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals for the first time in school history. The Warriors followed that with a trip to the Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals, where they fell to Rumson-Fair Haven. Manasquan graduates a good portion of its starting lineup, but coach Bailey Price has the program going in the right direction.

11. Red Bank Catholic (12-4-3) Previous Rank: 9 - RBC went unbeaten in its first 12 matches and secured their second straight Class A Central title. Unfortunately for the Caseys, they fell in the second round of the Shore Conference Tournament and the semifinals of South Jersey Non-Public A. The Caseys graduate a good portion of their starting lineup, but bring back several key pieces that they can build around next season. 

12. Marlboro (9-6-2) Previous Rank: 12 - Marlboro came close to upsetting a New Jersey Top 20 team in Monroe in Central Jersey Group 4, falling in overtime and ending its season. The Mustangs showed improvement over last season, playing against some of the Shore Conference's best teams. They took Central Regional, which was No. 1 at the time, to overtime in the Shore Conference Tournament and tied the SCT champions, Middletown South, during the season. Marlboro brings back the majority of this year's team next year and will benefit from their division change to Class A Central. 

13. Point Pleasant Beach (15-4) Previous Rank: Not Ranked - Point Beach might have played in the game of the year in the Central Jersey Group 1 finals, coming back from trailing 3-1 to beating Shore Regional, 4-3, in overtime. The win gave the Garnet Gulls their second consecutive CJG1 title and they made it to their second straight Group 1 final, where they fell to Mountain Lakes in a rematch of last year’s final. Point Beach should be the favorites once again in CJG1 as the Gulls only lose three players to graduation. 

14. Point Pleasant Boro (13-3-2) Previous Rank: 11 - Point Boro went undefeated in Class B South for their second straight season and were division champions for third straight season. The Panthers could not get past the quarterfinal round in either the SCT, falling to Manasquan,  or CJG2, falling to Wall. Point Boro moves into Class A South in 2024, but they bring back a veteran team that will compete for a 4th straight division title. 

15. Lacey (12-6) Previous Rank: 14 - Lacey started off the season off giving up 15 goals in its first three games. The Lions had to replace their whole back-line from last year with two players graduating and captain Marley Besser having a season-ending injury. Once coach Jack Mahar found the correct formation, they only conceded one goal in 9 straight wins. Lacey brings back the majority of its roster next season and will contend for the title in Class B South.

16. Middletown North (7-8) Previous Rank: Not Ranked - Out of Middletown North’s eight losses, six came to teams inside the top 10. The Lions won the Shore Conference Coaches Cup, winning each game but two goals or more. Middletown North will benefit from moving to Class B North next season and will will be one of the favorites to win the division title.