Cougar Soccer Sweeps Phillipsburg in Pair of 2-1 Overtime Thrillers.

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

Girls Edge Phillipsburg 2-1 at Home

MONTGOMERY, NJ — The Montgomery High School girls soccer team delivered another dramatic finish Wednesday night, rallying from an early deficit before defeating Phillipsburg 2-1 in overtime at home.

The victory improved the Cougars to 2-1 on the season, while Phillipsburg fell to 2-2. The Stateliners struck first, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime behind a goal from Samantha Fares. Montgomery responded after the break, finding the equalizer in the second half and forcing the match into overtime tied at 1-1. The Cougars then broke through again in the extra period to secure the one-goal victory.

Emma Seamon and Nicole Schwarcz accounted for Montgomery’s two goals, while Quinn Donahue and Amelia Montas each recorded an assist.

In goal, Ellie Andes turned in another strong performance for Montgomery, finishing with seven saves and holding Phillipsburg scoreless after the opening half.

The win marked Montgomery’s second consecutive overtime victory. The Cougars previously rallied past North Hunterdon 4-3 in overtime after trailing 2-0 at halftime.

Seamon has remained a key part of Montgomery’s attack early in the season. After scoring twice in the opener and recording a hat trick against North Hunterdon, she added another goal against Phillipsburg.

Wednesday’s result again showcased Montgomery’s ability to respond when playing from behind. After being held scoreless in the opening half, the Cougars found the tying goal after intermission and finished the comeback in overtime.

Boys Rally Past Phillipsburg in Overtime, Improve to 2-0

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ — The Montgomery High School boys soccer team rallied from an early deficit and completed the comeback in overtime, defeating Phillipsburg 2-1 to remain unbeaten through its first two matches of the season.

Phillipsburg struck first, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, but the Cougars answered after the break with the tying goal and forced the match into overtime.

Montgomery then found the game-winner in the extra period to secure the victory and improve to 2-0, while Phillipsburg fell to 0-2.

Lucas Cerra and Macintyre Jerdonek accounted for Montgomery’s two goals, while Sergio Rodriguez recorded an assist. The submitted box score does not specify which Cougar scored the overtime winner.

Goalkeeper Nischal Ande delivered a strong performance in net, finishing with seven saves and holding Phillipsburg scoreless after the opening half.

Montgomery was credited with five shots on goal and showed patience after falling behind early, responding with one goal in the second half before finishing the comeback in overtime.

The victory follows Montgomery’s 3-2 season-opening win over Franklin and gives the Cougars back-to-back one-goal victories to begin the year.

Photo Credit: Nick Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomry.com