The Cinnaminson Boys soccer team was scheduled to play Burlington Township on Monday, Oct. 12, but the match was rescheduled to Oct. 13 to allow the wet pitch to dry out from heavy rains over the weekend.
On a beautiful, sunny Tuesday afternoon, fans gathered to support the Pirates, a top-five team in South Jersey.
However the visiting Falcons did not give them much to cheer about as senior Brandon Moore scored a quick goal to open the match, and scored two more including a powerful blast from 20 yards out for a 3-0 lead.
During the first half, Burlington Township players made crisp, precise passes, were quicker to loose balls and put a lot of pressure on the Cinnaminson defense.
The Pirates did have a few good chances, thanks to great hustle by senior midfielder Mike Billman. Late in the half, junior left winger Gave Silva blasted a shot that ricocheted off the top corner of the goal post and he shrugged his shoulders in disbelief.
However, the Pirates regrouped during halftime as coach Matt Digney made some adjustments and the players came out ready to play in the second half. In an amazing comeback Cinnaminson scored five times for a 5-3 victory to the delight of the fans.
Senior forward Dylan Platenecky sparked the offense and put three balls into the back of the net for a hat trick. Junior midfielder Liam Digney scored a goal and dished out an assist, while senior forward Jason Pacetti scored a goal and had two assists. Setting up two goals with great passing was sophomore midfielder Ben Warwick.
Cinnaminson improved its record to 10-1-2 with the victory, with four games left in the regular season as of presstime – including two against rival Delran High School.
“Cinnaminson and Delran high schools have renewed their annual, year-long school competition aimed at promoting sportsmanship, school spirit, and healthy rivalry,” Pirates Athletic Director Brian Wilkinson said. “After taking home the trophy in the inaugural year, Cinnaminson enters this season looking to keep the Cup right where it belongs.”
After the Pirates final scheduled soccer match against Northern Burlington on Oct. 22, the team will get ready for the NJSIAA Group 2 South Jersey playoffs. Coach Digney said the players have worked hard all year and will be ready for the competition.
This year’s roster consists of seniors Kyle Schoenberger, Mike Billman, Jason Pacetti, Brayden Hymanson, Dylan Platenecky, Shimp Jaiden, Tiounoff Dan, Ronin Segrest and Todd Salmon.
The juniors include Mert Kol, Eamonn Walsh, Burak Balik, Liam Digney, Christian Oliveria, Kalbach Chace, Reid Hobson, Jackson Lane, Gabe Silva and Cameron Porter. The sophomores on the team are Ben Warwick, Macian Platenecky and Chase Mueller.
Senior midfielder Mike Billman, who hustled all game long, battles hard for the soccer ball during Cinnaminson High School’s comeback 5-3 victory over Burlington Township on Oct. 13.
