BIRTHDAY GIFT: Princeton High boys soccer player Harvey Smith, left, goes after the ball last Wednesday as top-seeded PHS faced fourth-seeded Monroe in the semifinals of Central Jersey Group 4 section of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Freshman midfielder Smith, who was celebrating his 15th birthday that day, scored on a free kick in the second half to give PHS the margin of victory in a 2-1 triumph. Last Saturday, Smith contributed an assist as PHS defeated second-seeded Howell 5-1 in the sectional final. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Harvey Smith turned 15 last Wednesday and it ended up being a birthday he will never forget.
While the top-seeded Princeton High boys soccer team was tied 1-1 with fourth-seeded Monroe midway through the second half of a group sectional semifinal matchup 4 in the NJSIAA Central Jersey, freshman midfielder Smith took a free kick that echoed across the field. crossbar and went into the back of the net to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead.
The precocious Smith was calm as he stood over the ball. “I just looked up and thought it was in a good range,” Smith said. “It’s only 20 meters away. I’ve practiced it a lot and I can just hit them.
Smith then hit the ball cleanly. “When I first hit it I felt like it might go in, but towards the end I saw it going towards the crossbar so I got worried,” Smith said . “I thought it was going to ping over the crossbar, but then it pinged down and inwards.”
Smith’s moment of brilliance proved to be the margin of victory as PHS held off Monroe to win 2-1.
“It’s a special feeling to be in a sectional final and score the winning goal,” Smith said. “But we have to keep going and try to win the sectional and state semifinals and finals.”
Last Saturday, PHS produced another special performance, winning 5-1 over second-seeded Howell in the sectional final and improving its record to 20-2.
“I just think the whole team, we’re all motivated, we all help each other out,” Smith said when reflecting on the team’s qualities. “In training, we train hard to improve everyone. We are all very happy to be part of the team and to be here.
In defining his role on the team, Smith was helped by his older brother, PHS junior midfielder Archie.
“It’s easier for me because I have a brother; he’s friends with the other players,” said Smith, who had an assist in the win over Howell. “He and I are close so it’s a lot easier to make friends.”
The brothers have maintained this close bond on the field. “I feel like I have really good chemistry with him,” Smith said. “We always give each other a pass or two.”
PHS head coach Ryan Walsh credits the younger Smith with giving the Tigers an exhilarating game in his freshman campaign.
“Harvey has become a great set-piece taker here,” said Walsh, whose team hosts South Jersey champion Washington Township on Nov. 8 in the Group 4 semifinals, with the winner advancing to the final on November 11. “He’s only a freshman, but in his spirit he’s a senior. He’s a mature kid. He’s really connected with our whole team through his brother. He’s been with the guys for a while. On the pitch, he and his brother always know where they are without even looking at each other. It’s a great feeling and that’s why they are so good in the middle for us.
Smith, for his part, considers himself a nice customer in the field.
“I bring composure,” Smith said. “I feel like when I’m on the ball it calms people down because I’m finding the pass instead of just kicking it all the time.”
