The Willimers in America

v Flemington Storm

Hopewell Surge continued their unbeaten season by defeating Flemington Storm on Sunday. During a close fought first half, Craig Persing kept the score blank with some good goalkeeping, which he continued in the second half with three excellent saves. And it was a long clearance from Persing that Ben Schragger collected and slid past the Storm goalkeeper for the winner.

More photos...

v Millburn Wildcats

On Sunday Surge travelled to Millburn SC Wildcats, and came away 5-0 winners. Ben Schragger scored two goals, both assisted by Jimmy Wilson. Wilson scored the last three goals, with 2 assists from Craig Persing. Jamey Cane, as goalkeeper, completed a fine performance by the Surge with a shut-out.

More photos...

v Livingston Lobos

Hopewell Surge continued their unbeaten sequence this weekend with two very different games. On Saturday, Surge fought the wind and Livingston Lobos to a 1-1 tie. Going behind against the wind in the first half, Surge dominated the second period, and after scoring the equaliser, Jimmy Wilson almost won the game in the closing minutes when his shot hit the crossbar.

More photos...

Wall Fall Soccer Classic

Hopewell Surge returned undefeated from the Wall Fall Soccer Classic this weekend, with two wins and two ties in their four games.

On Saturday, Surge defeated Ocean United Storm 4-1, with goals from Jamey Cane, Johnny Weeks, Robbie Carrier and Matt Semple. After conceding a goal as the Storm fought back, Tom Willimer made a great save to prevent further scoring.

Surge followed this game with a hard fought 3-3 draw with Twin County Junior Blackjacks, coming from behind twice. Reaching half-time with no score, Surge conceded two quick goals from indecisive defending, but battled hard to get back in the game. Semple converted from Aubrey Toland's good hustle in the penalty box, and then had the another goal ruled out as the referee brought the game back for a Surge penalty. Jamey Cane converted the spot-kick to level the score. After going behind once more, Surge levelled through Semple, who finished off after a powerful run from midfield.

Early on Sunday, Surge comprehensively beat Ridgewood Maroons second string by 7-0 with goals from Steven Logan, Ben Schragger, Weeks, Toland, Willimer and two more from Semple. A great all-round team performance was characterised by a penalty save from Jamey Cane in goal.

In the final game, Surge played out a 1-1 tie with a much stronger Maroons A team. Surge spent most of the game defending their own goal, but conceded only one goal thanks to magnificent goalkeeping by Craig Persing, and later Jamey Cane. With time running out, Ben Schragger broke from midfield and rounded the goalkeeper before centering to Matt Semple, who struck the equaliser.

More photos...

v South Plainfield Storm

Hopewell Surge met strong opposition on Saturday at South Plainfield, and fought out an entertaining and deserved 1-1 tie. Surge recognised the quality of their opponenets at the outset, with Matt Semple, Jamey Cane and Aubrey Toland fighting to get control of midfield. Their hard work paid off in the second quarter.Jimmy Wilson hustled down the left wing to cross the ball which Sebastian Falvo finished off at the far post.

South Plainfield came back strongly after half time, and converted a long clearance with a shot past keeper Johnny Weeks, who later did well to keep out another strong shot. Hopewell almost claimed a tight game with the last kick of the game, when Craig Persing fired a long-range shot against the South Plainfield crossbar.

More photos...