The Oratory Prep Rams soccer season is just about to hit the halfway point, as the boys have dropped a few close matches against some quality opponents. Oratory played division leader Summit to a 2-1 loss at home, New Providence to a close 2-0, and Johnson. Although these seem like “moral victories” the Rams do not care about anything else but the W result. Since their first win away against Roselle, Oratory has dropped 5 straight games. Although losses motivate them there were several key injuries that hit the squad such as star junior striker Henry Griffiths with a sprained achilles, senior standout Enzo Sarango with a broken collarbone, promising freshmen Ryan Mount with a hip injury, as well as Ethan Garcia, Charlie Spiegel, and Pat Barret to name a few more. These injuries are in fact major setbacks, but that does not stop them from working hard towards wins.
Union Catholic would visit Cavalero Field to close out the Rams four game home stand before playing No.9 in the state Scotch Plains away Monday night. Oratory would open up the scoring of the game as senior captain Max Cook scored his 5th goal of the season. UC at the end of the half got a controversial penalty, awarding George Fagan a yellow card, as they would go onto tie the game 1-1 heading into the half. Barressi told the boys at half that the defensive effort could be better, but the main way they would win this game was finishing their chances. Oratory squandered three key chances in the first half, but only came away with one, leaving UC in the game. It could be said that Coach B’s pep talk had an effect on OP’s offensive production in the second half, as Max Cook completed the brace just minutes into the half, with the help of Dereck Zapata. Max Cook would continue his stellar game by adding an assist to his resume to set up a Julian Stauffer goal. Stauffer would also net another goal off a George Fagan punt (and what a punt it was) to put the Rams up 4-1 just 15 minutes into the second half. The Rams defense would hold down the fort with Aidan Fahy leading the way. Fahy today made his first start of the season, making a huge impact and earning his first career MOTM. The Rams improve to 2-6 and play on Monday away at Scotch Plains.
