The Cherry Hill East boys soccer team took on Bishop Eustace as their impressive season continues. Saturday was senior day which commemorates the senior athletes that committed their four years of training, learning and winning with their team. The members of the freshmen, junior-varsity and underclassmen varsity squads all formed lines for the seniors and their families to be cheered on. Hugs were given, photos were taken, and a kickoff later commenced. 

Senior day meant that seniors that usually don’t get as much playing time get the opportunity to start today. The likes of goalkeeper Evan Pennock (‘23) and the twin pairing of Matthew and Jason Bellezza (‘23) were a part of the majority senior starting lineup. East would not be wearing either their red or white jerseys. Instead they debuted their brand new black jerseys for this event. The whistle sounded and the first half commenced.

East was able to control possession throughout the first half and create some chances to score early on. However, some poor communication by East center back Evan Pfeiffenberger (‘23) and Pennock lead to a takeaway by Eustace’s Liam Higgins (‘23) who tapped the ball in for an early score. 

Down early, East took off some of the seniors for the usual starters urgent to get a goal back. Their efforts almost paid off as an East corner nearly found the back of the net through Adam Blumenthal (‘23). However, another Eustace breakaway almost led to another Higgins goal, who’s shot went just left of the East goal. Towards the end of the first half another East corner was just short of scoring, being saved by Eustace keeper Karl Wissman (‘23). The follow up by Pfeiffenberger would be blocked off the line by a Eustace defender. The whistle blew to signal halftime as East trailed 1-0 going into the break.

East came into the second half with a strong offense as they attacked the Eustace goal. A Blumenthal free kick found Elija Moultrie, (‘22) who’s shot produced another save from Wissman. Moultrie found another chance minutes later on a breakaway, as his shot came off the post and out. East’s continued pressing would later be rewarded the ball found its way to East’s Alec Herring (‘23) whos shot flew straight into the net to equalize the match. Minutes later a through ball fell to the feet of Elian Moultrie, who’s blistering speed torched the Eustace defense, before passing the ball past Wisdman’s net and giving East the lead. 

East’s dominance continued throughout the second half. A free kick from Adam Blumenthal found the head of Evan Pfieffenberger, who’s header connected for another East goal, giving them a 3-1 lead. They continued to extend their lead through Eitan Volodarski (‘23), who took advantage of the miscommunication with the Eustace defense, and tapped the ball to make it 4-1. The huge lead allowed East to bring back their seniors. Both Bellezza’s appeared back onto the field. Other seniors like Mark Watson (‘23) and Will Reinert (‘23) got to make an appearance. The final whistle ended a brilliant second half from East as they scored four goals to beat out Bishop Eustace. Their brilliant run of form extends their form to 7-2-2 as they continue on the back half of their season.