On Friday, November 14, the Cherry Hill East boys varsity soccer team (16-6-1) fell to Southern (16-7-2), 5-1, in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV championship. The game was held in the new Cougar Stadium, hosting its first sectional championship, and marked Cherry Hill East boys soccer’s first sectional championship appearance since 2020.

The game was all tied up going into the half, but the Cougars weren’t able to hold on in the second half giving up all five goals. Southern was led by midfielder Brody Nacarlo (‘26), who had a hat trick (three goals) and was able to pick up an assist giving him seven total points in the game.

The Cougars were finally able to get things going with a goal from forward Mason Fowler (‘28), but not soon enough with not being able to find the back of the net again.

“It was great to get a goal in such a crucial game. It almost gave us the energy to come back. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough though. It was the last goal of our incredible season, which was pretty cool. I’m going to miss playing with a lot of the guys in this group. It was a great ride,” said Fowler.

Despite the season ending sooner than the Cougars had hoped for, many great achievements and moments came out from this group of guys, leaving with lots of great memories from this year. With the Cougars taking the boot back from Cherry Hill West (7-10-1), the most wins in a season under coach Melograna, and making the group IV sectional championship.

“This team was very special and I made a lot of great friends through East soccer,” said midfielder Patrick Weinstein (‘26). “I made a lot of memories that I won’t ever forget and being able to play two seasons with my brother was really special to me.”