UPDATE: In a thrilling semifinal match, No. 9 Delbarton triumphed over Bergen Catholic with a 2-1 victory at the North Jersey Non-Public A Tournament in Oradell earlier today. This decisive win propels Delbarton into the finals, where they will face top-seeded St. Benedict’s on Thursday.
The game saw an explosive start, with Liam Murphy putting Delbarton ahead just six minutes into the first half. After receiving a precise assist from Owen Miller, Murphy’s goal ignited the crowd and set the tone for the match.
However, Bergen Catholic, ranked second in the tournament, responded fiercely. As the game progressed, Delbarton’s defense and goalkeeper Vain Swamy held strong, making critical saves to maintain their lead. The defining moment came in the 74th minute when Peter Wynne scored the go-ahead goal, assisted by Dylan Mazzarella, sealing the victory for Delbarton.
Delbarton now prepares for a high-stakes rematch against St. Benedict’s, who defeated Seton Hall Prep 5-1 in their semifinal. The upcoming final is particularly significant; last season, St. Benedict’s eliminated Delbarton with a 4-0 victory in the same tournament.
This year’s final marks a critical opportunity for Delbarton, who last claimed the Non-Public A title in 2018 with a thrilling 3-2 shootout win against Seton Hall Prep. Since then, Delbarton has reached the finals three times, each time striving to reclaim their title.
As excitement builds for Thursday’s championship, fans and players alike are eager to see if Delbarton can avenge last year’s loss and secure their place in history. The match promises to be a nail-biter, showcasing the fierce competition and talent in New Jersey high school soccer.
Stay tuned for updates as Delbarton gears up for this pivotal showdown against St. Benedict’s.
