The Bernards Boys soccer team put forward an impressive effort in the county semifinals as they secured a 3-0 victory over crosstown rivals Ridge. 

Before the game, head coach Joe LaSpada’s message to the team was clear: “We’re home, and we don’t lose at home.” This statement rang true as the game, played on Olcott Field, was dominated by the home side leading to the Mountaineers adding on to their incredible record of 14-0. 

Senior midfielder Tim Koke starred, with a goal and assist contributing to his impressive season tally of 16 goals and 8 assists. Goalkeeper Samuel Rios ‘26 excelled with a remarkable defensive effort, putting up a career high 15 saves.

The Mountaineers started out hot, as Tim Koke scored just ten minutes into the game. Koke received the ball on the right side of the penalty area from Jason Gimenez ‘27, before cutting to his left and slotting it past Ridge goalkeeper Oliver Perks with his left foot. 

With seven minutes left in the first half, Laspada made his first move to the bench, as Noah Britez ‘28 came on to replace Victor Panasik ‘26. Britez made an immediate impact, as just seven minutes later he scored a flying header from the foot of Jaykob Marquez, doubling the lead for Bernards.

At halftime the Mountaineers led 2-0, but that did not stop the offensive attack coming out of the half. Shortly after the break, Koke received the ball from a corner before chipping it into the penalty area as Joe Isasi ‘27 rose up for a header, directing it into the top left corner to make it 3-0. 

The Mountaineers settled in defensively after the third goal, comfortable as there were relatively few serious chances from Ridge until the full time horn rang, sending the Mountaineers to the county final.

Head coach Joe LaSpada praised the team’s performance, saying, “It was a team performance, we don’t win in the county semifinals unless [we] play as a team.” He particularly emphasized Bernards’ ability to play as a unit, rather than one specific performance that led the team to victory. 

Asked for his take on the team’s performance, Koke said, “We played very well, needed to calm down as we’re a hot starting team but we settled in and got the win.” 

In the postgame huddle, coach LaSpada could be heard telling his team, “Getting to a county final is a big deal, but winning it is a bigger deal.”

The boys soccer team will be aiming to do just that as they head to Torpey Field in Bridgewater on Saturday, October 25 at 11 am, to face off against Pingry in the county finals.

Up next for the Mountaineers, they look to win the conference in their next matchup at Voorhees on Tuesday starting at 5 pm.