In a tense match at Mike Perone Field, Nick Angiolino played a pivotal role in helping the Notre Dame High School varsity boys’ soccer team secure a 2-2 tie against Toms River North on Saturday. With senior fullback Jayce Palumbo sidelined due to injury, Angiolino shifted from midfield to bolster the defense as the Irish struggled to maintain their two-goal lead.
The game began positively for Notre Dame, which opened the scoring with two goals in the first half. Luca Ercolano netted the first goal with a well-placed shot, assisted by Riley Miracola, giving Notre Dame a 1-0 advantage with 17:36 left in the first half. Just before halftime, Kole Feltes extended the lead to two goals, finishing a long pass from Felipe Samuel.
Despite the strong start, Toms River North responded with determination. After the break, the Mariners found their rhythm, largely thanks to junior goalkeeper Gavin Stryker, who made 15 saves throughout the game. Stryker’s long goal kicks ignited the Mariners’ attack. Just two minutes into the second half, he launched a kick that reached junior forward Manuele Lubrano, who scored the first goal for Toms River North, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
The momentum shifted further when, with 15:35 remaining in regulation, Stryker connected with Josh Girtain, who scored his first varsity goal on a counterattack, leveling the score at 2-2. Angiolino, recognizing the need for defensive stability, returned to a defensive role to prevent further goals from the Mariners.
“We had chances. We just didn’t connect,” Angiolino stated after the match. His shift to defense helped maintain the tie, and junior goalkeeper Anthony Merluse contributed with eight saves, securing Notre Dame’s second tie of the week following a 1-1 draw with Princeton High on Tuesday.
Reflecting on the match, Angiolino emphasized the need for his team to learn from the experience. “We have to take the rest of this weekend to learn and reflect. I’m really excited about what lies ahead,” he noted. Notre Dame’s upcoming schedule includes challenging games against West Windsor-Plainsboro South and Steinert as they approach the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Tournament.
As a senior, Angiolino feels a heightened sense of responsibility for the team, especially during challenging moments. “I feel I have more accountability for the team, especially in a situation like today,” he remarked, highlighting his leadership role in navigating the pressures of the season.
The match concluded with a final score of Toms River North 2, Notre Dame 2, showcasing the resilience of both teams as they continue their respective seasons.
Final Statistics:
Toms River North (4-6-5) 0 2 0 0 — 2
Notre Dame (11-1-2) 2 0 0 0 — 2
Goals: Lubrano, Girtain (TRN), Ercolano, Feltes (ND)
Assists: Stryker 2 (TRN), Miracola, Samuel (ND)
Shots: 10 (TRN), 17 (ND)
Saves: Stryker 15 (TRN), Merluse 8 (ND)
