Brookdale Girls Soccer Win Second Straight Region XIX Title; Now Head Back to Nationals

Above photo: NJCAA Region XIX Champs

By Mike Ready (Open Post)

LINCROFT – Region XIX Player of the Year Caroline Duerr scored two goals and assisted on another helping the Jersey Blues win their second consecutive NJCAA Region XIX women’s soccer title by defeating Union County 6-0 Saturday in the wind and rain at Ocean County College.

Brookdale won their first Region XIX women’s soccer title in 1998 and Saturday’s win represents the fifth regional championship in school history. They now have a chance to rewrite the Brookdale record book by becoming the first-ever team to win back-to-back national titles when the NJCAA DIII Women’s Soccer National Championship Tournament commences November 13-16 at Ocean County College Stadium.

The Jersey Blues (17-1-0) have been ranked No.1 in the country in NJCAA DIII polls since the first rankings were released back in August and roll into the national tournament as the No.1 seed. They will face Ann Arundel Community College (11-6-0) of Arnold, Maryland Thursday November 13, at 10:00 a.m. in quarter final action.

In Saturday’s Region XIX final – their 15th straight win of the season - Brookdale took an overwhelming 4-0 lead into halftime as sophomore midfielder/forward Nicole Rodriguez (Union H.S.), Duerr (Manasquan H.S.) with two goals and freshman forward Brianna Penex (Ocean Township H.S.) all found the back of the net. Sophomore midfielder Raquel Rodriguez (Red Bank Regional H.S.) had two assists while Nicole Rodriguez assisted on Duerr’s second goal - Duerr’s first goal at 24:26 was unassisted.

Freshman midfielder Ashley Cafarella (Old Bridge H.S.) netted an unassisted goal five minutes into the second half, and 13 minutes later freshman midfielder Kimberly D’Ermillio (Old Bridge H.S.) put the finishing touches on the title clinching win with Duerr assisting.

Duerr was named tournament offensive Most Valuable Player while sophomore sweeper Amanda Anastasia (Middletown South H.S.) was selected defensive MVP.

Anastasia and freshman goalkeeper Marti Stewart (Marlboro H.S.) were once again instrumental in posting the teams 10th shutout of the season and third in a row. Brookdale’s defense has allowed only eight goals in 18 games this season for a sensational 0.44 goals per game average. Freshman stopper Meredith Parleman (Middletown North H.S.), freshman Alexandria Montefinese (Monmouth Reg.) and sophomore Ali Madock (Henry Hudson Reg.) have all contributed mightily in the back for Brookdale.

Both Anastasia and Stewart were named second-team All-Region XIX as well as Nicole Rodriguez (10 goals and 10 assists) at the midfield spot.

Joining Duerr on the All-Region XIX first- team was sophomore midfielder Brooke Tartis (Neptune H.S.) and Cafarella. Duerr ranks third nationally in points (68) and goals scored (28). Tartis ranks 14th nationally in points with 43 and is second in the country with 19 assists while also scoring 12 goals. Cafarella was one of the top freshmen in DIII while scoring 14 goals - 22nd nationally - and assisting on three others.

Brookdale is playing its best soccer of the season and enters the tournament running on all cylinders. They’ll be playing on field turf at Ocean County which will allow Duerr – probably the fastest player in the tournament – to take advantage of her speed which is a huge plus for Brookdale. Plus, they have a phenomenal core of experienced players who have been there and done that, and can show their talented freshmen all the ropes of playing in a national tournament. Add to that the fact that they’ll be playing locally and sleeping in their own beds and you have a recipe for success.

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