Wrapping up the season and entering playoffs, the Cherry Hill High School East boys varsity soccer team went against Camden Catholic on Wednesday, October 23rd. The Cougars secured a win with the final score of 3-0. A notable mention of players are Mason Fowler (‘28) and Matthew Cyganik (‘25), who both scored a goal for the Cougars.

As the Cougars were warming up, Coach Michael Melograna reflected on their record and expressed his feelings on the legacy they left behind for the season.

 “I’d say we underachieved a little bit. We have a lot of talent, and we have overcome a lot of adversity to be where we are. Our record is not great, we’re [6-9-3], but within that, we have [about] six one-goal losses, five [of] which are teams in the top 20 in South Jersey. Our biggest achilles heel has been [us not being able to put] the ball in the net enough.”

Coach Melograna also mentioned the improvement in Camden Catholic’s team, as they suffered an additional 3-0 loss against the Cougars last season.

“[Camden Catholic] is a good club, [and] they have a new coach this year. He’s doing a nice job with them, [and] they’ve had some close results and some good wins this year. I expect a really tough game today,” said Coach Melograna.

As the whistle blew, the first half began as Camden Catholic started with the ball. The Cougars quickly gained possession as they showed intense aggression against their opponents, and immediately passed to one another, slowly forming chances. With constant back and forth of aggression, the East defense prevented Camden Catholic from creating any opportunities during the first few minutes. As Cruz Candray (‘26) received the ball, he outpaced a Camden Catholic player and passed to Mason Fowler, striking the ball on the left side of the net, with Fowler starting the score at 1-0. 

As play moved on, the Cougars created another opportunity to score, with Candray scoring a goal after receiving a long ball from Andrew Gallardo. Candray changes the score to 2-0 before halftime. 

Eventually, an error made by one of the East defenders provided an opportunity for the Camden Catholic players to score, however, center-back Scott Chacker (‘25) managed to retreat to the backline in time and clear the ball for a corner.

With the persistent switching of counterattacks by both teams, the whistle was blown and the teams huddled together during halftime.

As the second half began, Camden Catholic started to show more aggression in their playing style, often clearing the ball and leaving limited chances for the Cougars. With a recovery of possession, Candray gives an incredible pass to Fowler as he starts the counterattack, but the Cougars are denied. Later in the match, the Cougars are given a direct free kick, and center-back, Matthew Cyganik, scores a goal, assisted by Andrew Gallardo (‘25). The Cougars end with a score of 3-0. 

“Being a captain [comes with] a little bit of pressure, but not too much…I think we had a very good game today,” says Nolan Perry (‘26), a crucial midfielder for the team and first year captain.

Candray reflects on his achievements as the season comes to a close, finishing with 18 goal contributions for the Cougars, being the top goal-scorer and having the most assists going into playoffs.

“I think [Coach Melograna’s confidence in me] helped me achieve these numbers, especially because he brought me on as a sophomore last year. Next year, I want to do even better than I did this year, [and I hope to get] even more goal contributions. Next [season], I want to win states, that’s my goal,” said Candray.