F.B. state champions dominate District team
BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer
Freehold Borough's girls were not only the class of the Freehold District, but the state as well.

Elyse Bizzozzaro's Colonials ruled girls soccer in 2007 as they overcame all the obstacles that a defending champion has to hurdle on the way to their second straight NJSIAA Group III state championship.

Keeper Ashley Lewis pointed out that the 2006 state championship banner reads co-champions, and in 2007 they wanted to erase the world "co" - which they did.

In an irony or ironies, the two teams that split the Group III title in '06 met again at The College of New Jersey. After playing to a 1-1 tie in regulation, the teams appeared headed for another tie and another shared title. Then Shannon Mayrose struck in the second overtime, and Freehold Borough had the 2-1 win and the state championship to themselves.

Unlike last fall, the Colonials coasted to the Central Jersey Group III championship, beating Hightstown 3-0 in the final.

The Colonials did have to call on their overtime magic in the Group III semifinal, scoring on Jackie Scalgione's golden goal off an Amy Flannigan serve to beat Moorestown, 1-0.

Mayrose scored both goals for the Colonials in their state championship victory.

During the regular season, Freehold Borough won its third straight Shore Conference B North Division title.

Over the past two years, the Colonials have gone 42-3-1.

The Colonials may have overshadowed everyone in '07, but that didn't mean there wasn't some fine soccer played elsewhere.

The return of Marlboro to the post-season was one of the best stories of the year. After a long period of struggle, the Mustangs had simply had enough of losing and put everything into winning.

Manalapan did not need its accustomed stretch run to make the playoffs. The Braves were much more consistent this year.

Howell was the fourth area team to make the postseason. The Rebels used a strong second half to take second place in the A North Division and finish 11-6.

As would be expected, the Colonials are well represented on the News Transcript's 2007 All-Freehold Regional District Girls Soccer Team.

Joining teammates Mayrose, Lewis and Flannigan are Alexandra Eagle, Nicole Paulucci, Alexa Rozzi and Jackie Scalgione. The other All-District selections are: Tara Troisi and Rachel Breton, Freehold Township; Jocelyn Bellemare, Lauren Kirsch and Lauren Panfile, Marlboro; Margaux Pickell, Sarah Shaughnessy and Joelle Urquhart, Howell; Amy Carhart, Ashton Foley and Angelica Modica, Manalapan; and Kate Bower and Gabby Haden, Colts Neck.

Mayrose was the dominant player in the Shore. She set a school record for goals in a season (30) and was equally effective setting her teammates up, as her 12 assists prove.

Strong with either foot, fast and aggressive, Mayrose couldn't be marked by any one player. Ramapo made the mistake of giving the junior space in the state championship match and the Raiders paid for it: she scored both of her goals from beyond 25 yards.

Mayrose has a chance to be one of the special players in Shore history.

That distinction could also go to sweeper Eagles, who has quarterbacked a defense that has put up staggering numbers, 37 shutouts in two seasons. Cool and collected at all times, she directs a well-coordinated defense that covers the entire field. She had three goals and three assists this year in addition to directing the defense.

Lewis may not face many shots à la Ken Dryden, but she always makes the game-saver. She is the Colonials' security blanket. With 37 shutouts in the past two years, she will graduate as the most successful goalie at a school that has a tradition of great keepers. Besides making the saves, she communicates with her teammates in the back.

Flannigan is one of the few seniors on the Colonials and will be missed. Not only is she one of the anchors on that defense, but her restart and corner kicks were a huge part of the Colonial offense. It was her serve that Scalgione netted for the winner. She did the same thing in the semifinals last year with Mayrose heading in the corner kick. She's tied with Mayrose for most assists on the team with 12. She also had two goals.

Veteran experience was important to Freehold's defense. They had a trio of returners in Eagle, Flannigan and sophomore Paulucci. Like her teammates, Paulucci covers well and doesn't give up uncontested shots. She had three goals and one assist.

Rozzi is a heads-up midfielder who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. She had nine assists to go with four goals.

Scalgione had a habit of scoring her goals when they mattered most. She deposited 10 goals for the Colonials, with five of them game-winners, including the golden goal in the state semifinal against Moorestown and in the 1-0 win over Princeton in the sectional quarterfinals. The junior added five assists.

Marlboro's turnaround was sparked by seniors like four-year starter Bellemare, who put the time in during the offseason to make themselves and the team better. Midfielder Kirsch, a junior, was the Mustangs' playmaker.

Manalapan got to the postseason its usual way: behind a sturdy defense and just enough scoring. It was Carhart, a junior, who led the team's offense with 13 goals and six assists. Foley was the playmaker at midfield with five goals and seven assists. Modica played stopper on the young defense that improved over the course of the season. As a senior and four-year starter, her leadership made the difference.

Pickell, the Rebels' center-midfielder, provided the team's offense in '07. The senior tallied 13 goals and three assists for the postseason-bound Rebels.

The Rebels' outside backs Urquhart and Shaughnessy were the focal points of a defense that registered 11 shutouts. Both are juniors, which is good news for Howell.

Four-year starter Troisi displayed her allaround talent by playing sweeper and midfield for Freehold Township. Although in defensive positions, she still scored six goals.

Breton, another senior with four years of experience, led the Pats in scoring with nine goals and four assists.

Colts Neck's most consistent player was four-year starter Bower. She moved to sweeper during the season and helped bring continuity there. Haden, another experienced senior, led the Cougars with 11 goals.

Those earning Honorable Mention for 2007 are: Simone Dixon, Paige Preston and Kim Bauerenfiend, Freehold Borough; Erin Cordimer and Adj Trepidino, Freehold Township; Stephanie Regina, Devon Hope and Jacquie Rucci, Howell; Kristy Rubino, Nicole Rynecki and Katie DiPaola, Manalapan; and Chelsea Buttacavoli and Andrea Rehr, Marlboro.