Christian Brothers Academy Soccer once again rules the Shore.
For a record 11th time, the top-seeded Colts won the Shore Conference Championship on October 28 with a 3-0 victory over No. 3 Toms River North.
Christian Brothers broke the game open in the second half, but it was junior Will Thygeson's goal just before halftime that started the scoring. CBA had more chances in the first half, but it wasn't until senior Dylan Cupo sent a ball across the box in the 34th minute that Thygeson headed in.
Thygeson would add a second goal five minutes into the second half, assisted by senior Jack D'Eletto. Cupo added another insurance goal in the 50th minute, when he outhustled the Toms River North goalie to a loose ball.
"This team has developed all the qualities necessary to win a championship," head coach Tom Mulligan said. "They have not only learned how to defend and attack as a group, but more importantly they know the the importance of playing for each other."
In front of a classic Colt Crazies student fan section, CBA ended a drought of sorts in the Shore Conference, having not won the title since 2016. The Colts ran the table in the conference this season, not losing a single game to a Shore opponent. In fact, CBA has not lost a game to a New Jersey yet this year. The lone loss on the schedule game against La Salle College High School (Pa.).
Christian Brothers did not allow a goal in the Shore Conference Tournament, shutting out Pinelands, Wall, and Manalapan on the way to the championship game. Senior Ryan Hayes and sophomore Joe Grossman split time in the goal throughout the regular season and tournament.
The Colts will now rest up for a run in the state tournament, which will begin on November 4. CBA is currently the No. 4 team in NJ.com's state rankings and will receive the top seed in the NJSIAA Non-Public A south sectional.
"The upperclassmen provided the backbone of support for a talented group of underclassman to thrive in the CBA soccer program this season," Mulligan said. "I am confident we are prepared to navigate our way through the final weeks of another demanding, competitive state tournament."
