Seven weeks ago, a conference title did not feel like a sure thing for CBA Soccer.

On opening day, the Colts dropped a game on their home turf to Marlboro, but 15 wins in a row later, the Shore Conference trophy came back to Lincroft.

CBA ran through the Shore Conference Tournament on the back of a staunch defense that has allowed just seven goals all season. On October 22 in Neptune, the Colts defeated Howell, 2-1, to capture their 12th conference title in team history.

Christian Brothers headed into halftime deadlocked at zero, but came out in the second half with a renewed energy. Five minutes into the half, junior midfielder Cameron D'Alterio found the net off a feed from junior Dylan Millevoi.

Less than 10 minutes later, junior Lawrence Mancino scored off a rebound, which proved to be the winning goal. Howell would score four minutes later to tighten the game up, but CBA outlasted the Rebels' final surge.

The title is CBA's second in as many years in the Shore Conference Tournament, as the Colts dominated the 2021 tournament as well.

After receiving a first round BYE, Colts defeated Southern Regional (3-2), Colts Neck (2-0) and Middletown North (2-1) to reach the championship game.

With a conference title in tow, CBA now looks forward to the NJSIAA Non-Public A Tournament, where they will receive a first round BYE in the south sectional. The Colts will look to win their eighth state championship.

CBA is currently ranked as the No. 3 team in the state by NJ.com.