Boys’ Soccer

The Verona High School boys’ soccer team started off their season with a record of 5-1, and aspirations of a conference and even a state championship on their minds. The dominant start reminded Hillbilly fans of the 2011-2012 team, who finished their season with 17 wins and reached the state section semi-finals.

From there, the team lost four straight games, including a surprising 7-0 defeat to Columbia High School, who they had already beaten earlier in the season. The mid-season drought continued for Verona for weeks. Today, they find themselves sitting 9-10-1, with their record down, but their aspirations still as a high as ever.

When asked about Verona’s mid-season drought, senior captain Jack Yauch said, “It’s common for teams to lose their fire, but we’re going to be ready for the state championship.” Yauch seems confident that his team will soon find its chemistry again.

“We hit a rough patch. A lot of the guys started thinking negatively during practice and after games, but we’ll be back on track for the state tournament,” said senior standout Matt Braschi.

Braschi, who leads the team in points this season, is not the only player who still has a state championship in mind. When asked about the upcoming state tournament, senior captain Wall Brandt stated, “I think we have good shot of winning it. Our numbers are limited on the team, but what we have is solid.”

Notable games for Verona this season include a 9-0 dominating performance over Cedar Grove, a 4-2 victory over Columbia, and the 4-3 upset over Glen Ridge. With playmakers like Yauch, Braschi, Brandt, and senior Troy Carrington, the Hillbillies have shown how dangerous they are and proven that they should not be overlooked.

Due to Verona’s tough schedule, the Hillbillies are projected a 4th overall seed in the Group 1 North 1 tournament. The tournament will most likely start early next week, which gives the Hillbillies some time to prepare.

“I think we’re going to have a strong week of practice. Most of the guys seem focused. I know everyone still has that state championship in mind,” said Braschi.