Boys Soccer – Photo Gallery: Middletown South Upends Middletown North

MIDDLETOWN - It has been five years since Middletown South has posted a winning record, but entering Saturday's game against rival Middletown North the only streak the Eagles were concerned about was four.

That's how many consecutive games Middletown North had won over its crosstown foe, and now that the Eagles legitimately have their sights set on a winning season, getting even with their neighbors was part of the turnaround formula.

PHOTO GALLERY: Middletown North at Middletown South by Paula Lopez

Sophomore Danny Minze scored two goals in the second half and Middletown South beat Middletown North - the No. 7 team in the latest Shore Sports Network Top 10 - 4-2 to snap a brief two-game slide and get back on track in its pursuit for the first winning campaign for Middletown South soccer since 2012.

Sophomore Tyler Jerome opened the scoring to give Middletown South a 1-0 halftime lead and Minze's two goals gave the Eagles separation, 3-1. Senior Jonathan Santos later added a goal for Middletown South (5-3, 3-3).

Senior Ryan Binn and freshman Aidan Cardella each scored to try to keep Middletown North (5-3, 3-3) in the game, but the Lions could not rally and escape their second straight loss after a 5-1 start.

In Middletown South's last winning season, the Eagles reached the semifinals of both the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III Tournaments.