Hopewell Boys Soccer Start Important Stretch with Shutout over Riverside

The Hopewell Boys soccer team entered a crucial stretch Monday afternoon against Riverside as they’re chasing down the final playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Section 2 of Class AA.

It was a great start as the Vikings blanked Riverside, 5-0.

The first goal of the game came within the first ten minutes when John Sakson was able to deliver a pass to Bryce Ray, who attempted a header, that was just off target. However, Tommy Armour was in the right position and was able to capitalize and put the ball in the net.

Sakson came through next, scoring the second goal after Armour connected with him on a throw-in, allowing Sakson to finish the play and put Hopewell up 2-0.

Right before the end of the first half, Hopewell created a strong opportunity when Michael Dinardo, playing in the back defense, found Armour in the middle who then passed to RJ Bushnell, who made a run toward the goal. Bushnell drew a foul inside the box leading to a penalty kick. Armour stepped up and converted the PK for Hopewell’s third goal of the game and his second of the contest.

Hopewell went into the half with a 3-0 lead.

Because of this lead and with another match today, this allowed Coach Richter to try and switch up some position changes challenging the boys to work outside their normal positions. The coaching staff also was able to play a lot more players yesterday.

This paid off when Alex Alvardo was able to score off a Bushnell assist putting the Vikings up 4-0.

The final goal of the match was scored when Quincy Sannan sent a perfect cross pass that was deflected by a Riverside player for an own goal putting the Vikings up by five.

Defensively, goalie Tallon Coleman recorded more than eight saves and added another shutout to his resume for the season. Hopewell kept scoring opportunities to a minimum. The closest Riverside goal came towards the end of the game when a shot was saved by Nico Crivelli in front of the goal, with a sliding deflection.

No day off for Hopewell (6-6) as they’re back in action tonight taking on second place Quaker Valley (11-1-1). The match begins tonight starting at 7:00 PM from Tony Dorsett Stadium.