Hazlet Crush U9s enjoys a winning holiday

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Above, Hazlet's Barry O'Sullivan gets a step on a pair of New Egypt players during the Crush's 6-1 win on Saturday in Manalapan. At left, Hazlet's Johnny Helmus beats a New Egypt player to the ball.

The MNJYSA Hazlet United S.A. Crush celebrated their holiday weekend at Manalapan Soccer Club's 21st Annual Memorial Day Tournament where they were victorious as they matched skills with four MOSA (Monmouth-Ocean Soccer Association) teams in the U9 boys blue flight.

Hazlet's solid teamwork rewarded the squad, and their coaching staff, with four wins despite Saturday's tremendous heat and Sunday's high humidity. With a rock-solid defense and a dynamic offense, the Hazlet Crush team went undefeated at 4-0-0 with 20 goals scored and only four scored against them.

Saturday afternoon, at Manalapan H.S., the Crush defeated New Egypt S.A. Storm 6-1 in their first match of the tourney. Later that evening, under slightly milder conditions, they met with the Millstone United T.S. Revolution and were awarded their second victory with a final score of 5-1.

Sunday's venue was the Manalapan Soccer Complex where the Hazlet Crush concluded their four matches by chalking up two additional victories over the Ocean Township United S.C. Surf, 3-1, and the tournament host Manalapan S.C. Celtic, 6-1.

Hazlet wish to congratulate and thank their hosts, the Manalapan Soccer Club, for a most enjoyable and very well-run tournament weekend.

The Hazlet United S.A. Crush have several challenging outings slated including the conclusion of their Mid New Jersey Soccer Association's spring league run.

Their final MNJYSA flight 3 match is scheduled for Friday, June 8, when the Hazlet United S.A. Crush and the Princeton S.A. Galaxy meet once again. Hazlet will play host, though the match will be played in Princeton. The Crush hope to improve their 7-1-1 record (33 goals for and 14 goals against) with one last away victory.

June 9 and 10, the Crush will take part in the National Soccer Rankings 2007 East Coast Cup to be held in Holmdel. The Hazlet Crush are scheduled to compete with highly competitive U9 travel teams from the East Coast in this elite tournament that will be hosted by the Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club at Cross Farm Parks.

The U9 Hazlet United S.A. Crush are Brandon "Bo" Bentley, Cameron Cabrera, Adam Elliott, Alec Fortune, Johnny Helmus, Joey Koempel, Joseph "Junior" Koempel, Andres Medina, Jordan Robinson, Barry O'Sullivan and Jake Wosleger.

The Hazlet Crush are coached by Vito Koempel and Carlos Mejia. Sal Liguori, III (U15 Red Bull's Academy Player) and Matt Mejia returned to assist the Crush coaching staff for the Manalapan Tourney.