NICK OF TIME: Princeton High boys soccer player Nico Carusone heads a ball during a 2020 game. Last Wednesday, senior forward Carusone scored the winning goal late in the second half as the PHS defeated Robbinsville 2-1 in its season opener. The Tigers, who tied Steinert 0-0 last Saturday, will play at WW/P-North on September 18 before hosting Allentown on September 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Nico Carusone knew it was time to step up his efforts.
With the Princeton High boys soccer team deadlocked 1-1 against Robbinsville late in the second half last Wednesday in the season opener, senior forward Carusone produced a moment of genius .
Putting the ball back into the box, Carusone rolled and sent the ball into the back of the net to score and give PHS the margin of victory in a 2-1 triumph.
“With 15 minutes left in the game we had to give it our all,” Carusone said. “I knew the goal was there and I achieved it.”
It took PHS a while to find rhythm as the opponents were deadlocked in a goalless draw at halftime.
“They had their back line so far back that they let us play in front of them, which kind of led to our possession,” Carusone said.
“I I think they did a really good job keeping us in check. Once we had a break before the second half, we explained to the team what they were doing and figured out how to score two goals.
The trio of Carusone, sophomore Patrick Kenah and junior Richard Wegman started to figure things out after halftime, with Kenah scoring the first goal of the day, putting in a rebound 14 minutes into the half-time.
“We’re all on the same page at this point, we had a really good pre-season together,” Carusone said.
“All three of us scored great goals in pre-season and now it’s showing in the regular season.
In Carusone’s opinion, PHS is collectively on the same page in welcoming new faces into the lineup.
“Last year we had a lot of seniors, we had a shortened season you could say, so it’s great to start,” Carusone said.
“We have a lot of new guys here, a lot of guys I’ve never played with before.”
PHS head coach Wayne Sutcliffe admitted his team didn’t play well early against Robbinsville.
“It was a bit of a slow start, it was a bit disconnected,” Sutcliffe said.
“I thought they got off to a better start, we were happy with the second 20 minutes of the first half. We were just finding connections, putting passes together and being threatening.
Kenah has been threatening since the start of the preseason. “It’s his fourth goal of the year, including all the scrums and everything,” Sutcliffe said.
“He had an impressive pre-season; he’s a very good player. He established himself through his quality and his athletic qualities.
Sutcliffe is not surprised Carusone scored the winning goal.
“That’s what we expect from him because it’s his third year as a starter and he’s capable of a clinical finish like that in a big moment,” Sutcliffe said of Carusone.
The Tigers’ defense was successful in some big moments, led by senior guard Carl Birge who was making his first varsity start.
“All four defenders had their hands full because Robbinsville was finding some possession deep, putting a few together, then hitting a long one, throwing it in,” said Sutcliffe, whose team tied Steinert 0-0 last Saturday and plays at WW/P- North on September 18 before hosting Allentown on September 21.
“It was very problematic in the first half but then in the second half with that wind, I think it was a factor in the game. Thanks to the last four and Carl. He kept us in the game, he made a big save on the one that came off the bar. It was a superb save.
The victory tasted a little sweeter for PHS as it fell 3-2 to Robbinsville in 2020.
“We’re really happy, there was a little something extra today after last year,” Sutcliffe said.
“What we have to do is take it seriously to win the opening match. Advance in a game, tie the game and then find a way to win it late. This is what we take out of this, take it out and find a way.
Sutcliffe likes the way his team has come together. “I’m really proud, we’ve worked really hard all summer and we couldn’t be more proud of not only the guys on the field but all the guys on the team,” Sutcliffe said.
“We had a great pre-season camp. We are a team and we will remain a team.
Carusone, for his part, is looking for a strong final campaign with PHS.
“It’s my senior year,” Carusone said. “Especially with the shortened season ahead, it is even more important to make the most of the season.”
