Soccer: RBC Caseys Fall to Freehold

The Freehold boys' soccer team didn't need lightning to strike twice during Thursday's game against Red Bank Catholic.

Following a 30-minute lightning delay in the early minutes of the second half, the Colonials came out strong, adding two quick goals to give themsevles a comfortable three-goal possession.

Freehold Boro would hold on to that lead, taking the Caseys down 3-1 at Count Basie Park in Red Bank.

"I was hoping we would [play better]," Freehold head coach John Lachacz said. "We came off the bus today and we were pretty slow. We had a few rough days of practice the last two weeks, and it was evident today."

"We came out as a totally different team."

After accumulating a number of chances throughout the first half, the Colonials couldn't bury any of them until the 37th minute, when Brody Indursky hit forward Dan Marketta with a perfect ball. Marketta took a couple of steps and drilled the ball to the far post.

The goal gave the Colonials' the lead, and some life, heading into the halftime break.

"It helped us out, considering we had a ton of chances in the first half, but, unfortunatley, we kept the ball close enough to their keeper and he was able to make a few plays," Lachacz said. "That first goal is always key, it really helped out out. It breaks the pressure and lets us settle down a little more."

After playing six minutes in the second half, both teams were forced off the field as a light drizzle turned into torrential downpour, bringing thunder and lightning along with it.

After the madatory 30-minute stoppage, Ryan Bailey scored in the 50th minute, weaving through a number of Casey defenders and beating the goalie to the right post.

Later, in the 59th minute, Bailey's cross was eventually met by Marketta, who easily knocked home his second goal of the game, going short-side to give the Colonials' the 3-0 advantage.

RBC scored their only goal in the 80th minute, on a penalty shot with 22 seconds remaining in the game.

Bailey was responsible for a good percentage of Freehold's chances throughout the game, as he and Marketta proved to be a tandem that was too tough for the Caseys to handle.

Elias Mejia was a strong midfielder for Freehold, as well, teaming up with captain Rob Soto to help the Colonials' control the game throughout the day.

Bailey had two free kicks placed just outside the 18-yard-box in the first half, but both sailed just high of the net.

Jason Lundy was as force defensivley, with Freehold not allowing the Caseys to sustain any type of offense.

"It's an experienced backfield that we have. They do a good job, they win balls in the air, they make smart plays, and you have feeling that they aren't going to make too many mistakes," Lachacz said.