Week five marked the midway point of the fall season and it saw two MUFC teams notch their first wins.  We’ll start with our newest addition to the MUFC family, the 2016/2017 Panthers.  The Panthers are the first MUFC girls’ team in a bit, and they have been working hard to get that first “w” (technically their second win, but the first one was by forfeit).  The Panthers defeated the Red Bank Ravens 4-1 at Community Park to improve to 2-3 on the season.  Way to go Panthers!

The other MUFC team to get in the win column for the first time this season was the 2014/2015 Flames.  The Flames took down the Middletown Wolfpack 4-2 at home.  The Flames are working under the direction of Coach Rob, he had this to say about the match “the boys are really starting to play the right way.   We’ve been working on spacing and keeping our shape.”  Onward and upward for the fightin Flames! 

The 2011 Mavericks continued their undefeated MOSA season getting a 3-1 victory over the Millstone Cheetahs.  The Mavs are 5-0 scoring 24 goals and conceding 8.  To quote 80’s one hit wonder band, Timbuk 3, “the future's so bright” for the Mavs in the second half of the season, shades wont’ be enough. 

The 2012/2013 Chelsea team beat Stafford 6-0 to improve to 3-1 on the season.  Chelsea sits in second place behind Sayreville.  Chelsea lost a 4-3 thriller to Sayreville in week 3 and is primed for the rematch in late October at Sayreville.  This division is a two team race the rest of the way. 

In other games, the 2013 Guardians beat Stafford 3-1 on the road.  The 2015 Cobras beat Wall 2-1.  The 2014 Thunder walloped Holmdel 6-2. The 2012 Union won in both leagues, 2-0 against UFA in EDP and 4-0 against Hamilton in MOSA.  Mooch U10 team beat Toms River 6-0.  Mooch U12 notched another victory against the East Windsor Eagles 5-3. 

Columbus Day Tournaments this weekend.  A bunch of MUFC teams will be in action.  More on that later in the week! 

“You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.”

Michael Jordan

Keith Monacchio

MUFC Beat Writer

10/7/24

A rainy week 4 weekend saw multiple Mercer United teams close out the month of September on the good foot.  We begin at the crack of 8:45AM, as the U10 Mooch side took down the Freehold Heat 8-2 at Community Park.  U10 Mooch is 3-0-1 on the season, with a plus 18 goal differential, thus far.  Mooch will be on the road at Toms River in week 5.

The 2016/17 Arsenal took the ride up Route 130 for a mid-day showdown with the Monroe Rebels and came away with a 4-3 victory.  This is their second victory of the season and Coach Chase likes what he sees saying “this team is getting better every week.”  Great to see them progressing in the right direction. 

Another week and another victory for the 2015 Cobras, 3-0 at home against Middletown.  The Cobras are currently 4-0 and sitting at the top of the table in flight 2.   Coach Kelly “liked the defense, ball movement, and finishing today.”  This is all leading up to a week 5 showdown at Wall, who currently sit in second place at 3-1.  These two teams met this past summer at Sunburst, with Wall getting the better of the Cobras.  It's safe to say that Coach Kelly and the Cobras have had this game circled on their calendar since the Fall schedule was released.   Should be a barnburner!

This writer was on hand to watch the 2014 Thunder over at Community Park and the Thunder did not disappoint.  Playing against a physical Lawrence Hamnett squad, the Thunder trounced Lawrence 7-2.  The Thunder continue their two season MOSA unbeaten streak improving to 4-0 on the season.  The Thunder are a team to watch, as the MOSA Cup gets underway next month. 

It was a triple header over at “the Mill”, as the 2013 Guardians, 2013 Dynamo, as well the 2014 Hotspurs were all in action.  The Guardians posted a 3-2 win in the opener against an always tough East Windsor squad.  Playing with no subs, the Guardians held strong as East Windsor threw everything they had at them in the second half.  Coach James said “he was pleased with how different players stepped up and played positions that they don’t usually play.”  Solid win for the Guardians. 

In the second half of the double header, the Dynamo continue to shake off a trying Spring 24 season, by posting a 4-2 win over the Colts Neck Lightning.  The Dynamo are seeing goals spread throughout the team and the defense is getting more solid by week in and week out.  The Dynamo currently sit in 2nd place in flight 3.  Top of the table Middletown will be a tough test in week 5. 

Closing out the triple header the Hotspurs drew with East Windsor 1-1.  The Spurs now get ready for the “Battle of Spurs” in week 5 as they travel to Toms River to take on the other Hotspurs.  Should be a great match and will be a real test for both teams. 

The 2012 Union continue to punish every team in front of them with two more wins over the weekend in EDP & MOSA, respectively.  The Union spread out 11 goals over two matches this weekend and improved their overall record to 10-0-1.  Coach Matt said “team ball, spreading out the goal-scoring and solid defense are the key ingredients of this group”.  Sounds like a recipe for success!

Finally, the 2011 Mavericks improved to 4-0 winning 7-1 at Peninsula.  They sit in first place in flight 1 and seemed poised to be a tough out in MOSA Cup play in October.  If only I was a betting man, I would strongly consider putting my money on the Mavs to take home some hardware.

“Effective teamwork begins and ends with communication.”

Mike Krzyzewski

Keith Monacchio

MUFC Beat Writer

9/29/24

The 2024 MOSA Curci Cup draw was released yesterday, and it sees 5 Mercer United FC teams slated to compete in the Fall 2024 tournament.  The MOSA Curci Cup is a single elimination in season tournament that has teams from all flights competing for a chance to take home the cup.  Teams are divided into two brackets in each age group and play week to week, single elimination style.  All leading up to the MOSA Curci Cup Finals on November 16, 2024.

First round games will see the highflying Thunder 2014 team at home to take on the Lacey Thunder in the, you guessed it, “Battle of the Thunder."  Let’s see if our Thunder can produce some lightning (Ba, Dum, TSS) and get the win. 

On the other side of the 2014 bracket, the 2014 Hotspurs will be traveling for their first-round match.  They, like the Thunder, will also be taking on a team from Lacey, the Lacey Knights.  This game is slated for a 7PM kickoff on 10/1/24 at Hebrew Park.  Observing the Hotspurs training sessions this week, this group will be ready for the challenge!

In the hotly contested 12U 2013 division, The Dynamo and Guardians both received first round byes and are slated to play second round games against Marlboro Gold and the Stafford Surge, respectively.   The Dynamo will travel to the turf at Marlboro for a second-round match against Marlboro Thunder Gold.  The Dynamo will need their best to advance and need to remember that anything can happen in tournament play. 

The Guardians will be home for second-round flight one showdown against the Stafford Surge.  The Guardians have yet to face the Surge this season and this will be the first of 3 matches they will play this season.  The Guardians have had success at the MOSA Curci Cup in years past.  Who can forget the dreaded shootout loss to the Freehold Flames in the finals of 2022?  Coach James hasn’t and marks the MOSA Curci Cup on his calendar every year. 

Rounding out the MUFC teams playing MOSA Cup this Fall are the 2011 Mavericks.  The Mavericks won the MOSA Curci Cup in 2023, beating Union Beach 4-1 in the final.  The Mavs open at home against the Old Bridge Cyclones.  The game date and time is still to be determined, but I have to imagine that “the Mill” will be rockin for this one. 

Good luck to all the teams!

Keith Monacchio

MUFC Beat Writer

9/27/24

Mercer United FC is proud to announce that 4 current players have been selected to compete on the NJYS ODP team for the 24/25 season.  Braeden Kmiec, MUFC 2011 Mavericks, was selected for the 2011 NJ ODP team.  Rocco Gangone, Ryan Takate, Alex Casqueria, MUFC 2012 Union, were selected for the NJ ODP 2012 team.  

The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a national team program in the United States that identifies and develops young soccer players. It is designed to identify and develop the best soccer players in the country, and it is operated by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). The ODP is a nationwide network of regional and state-level programs that provide high-level training and competition for players in various age groups. Players who are selected for the ODP participate in regional and national camps and tournaments, and they also have the opportunity to be selected for national team programs at the youth level. The goal of the ODP is to identify and develop players who have the potential to represent the United States in international competition, including at the Olympic Games.

We a very proud of these players and are sure that they will represent Mercer United FC in the best way.  We want to congratulate them on this achievement and can’t wait to watch them distinguish themselves amongst some of the top players in New Jersey.   Way to go!
 

Keith Monacchio

MUFC Beat Writer

9/26/24 

It was perfect 77-degree soccer day and it saw a bunch of MUFC teams in action.  We’ll start with MUFC Mooch 2013 team getting 6-1 win over the Monroe Edge.  The Mooch 2013 team improves to 3-0 and sits at the top of the table in MOSA flight 8.  Staying with the 2013 age group, the Guardians won at home against the Red Bank Galaxy.  Not to be outdone, the 2015 Cobras improved to 3-0 on the season with a 3-2 come from behind victory on the road at Jackson.  The Cobras are sitting pretty at the top of MOSA flight 2 at three wins and zero defeats. 

Coach Chris has the 2014 Hotspurs in top form as they edged the Stafford Stingrays 2-0 at Stafford.  That makes three up and three down for the spurs, thus far.  Not to look past their next match at home against an always tough East Windsor side, but they are on a collision course to meet the other undefeated team at the top of MOSA flight six, the Toms River Hotspurs.  Mark your calendars for the week 5 “Battle of the Spurs”.  

Some other results from today, the 2011 Mavericks won another nail-biter with a 3-2 victory over Toms River at “the Mill”.   The Mavs improved to 3-0 and are at the top of MOSA flight 1.  The 2014 Thunder traveled to Union Beach and got a 2-1 decision against the Force.  The Thunder are 3-0 and in first place in MOSA flight 1.  Coach Ken “liked the way the boys picked it up in the 2nd half after playing a little sloppy in the 1st half.”   That’s the sign of a complete team.  The Thunder have won 13 straight MOSA matches.  Keep it up, fellas.    

Keep working hard this week MUFC! 

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

John Wooden

Keith Monacchio

MUFC Beat Writer

9/22/24

Week 2 of this Fall 2024 season saw seven MUFC teams post victories. 2013 Guardians got their first win of the season with a 6-0 drubbing against the Old Bridge Knights. This game was over early as the Guardians posted all six goals before halftime. Meanwhile, the 2015 Cobras notched their second victory of the season against Beachwood FC at Community Park.  Coach Kelly Talar talking about the result, “very pleased that the scoring was spread out between five different Cobras against a very tough Beachwood team.” Great job Cobras!

Over at Sawmill, the 2013 Dynamo already improved their total victories from this past Spring moving to 2-0 with a 5-1 victory against Marlboro Thunder White. Five different players found the back of the net. Dynamo are starting to believe again! The 2014 Thunder followed with their second 2-0 win of the season against the Freehold Vipers. This was a good, hard fought, game that saw the Thunder throw everything at the Freehold defense, only to come away with two goals. A lot of firepower up front for the Thunder, it could have easily been 6-0.  Credit to the Freehold goalkeepers for keeping this game close.

The 2012 Union, who are playing in EDP and MOSA simultaneously, got their second victory of the weekend. They took down Match Fit Shore 2-0 on Saturday and the Holmdel Hammers 2-1 in a Sunday showdown at Holmdel. Coach Matt had this to say about the weekend, “we played solid team ball finding the back of the net enough to get the job done. Finishing is a skill that takes time to develop and especially when you transition from 9v9 to 11v11.”   Develop, it will. Still in early days here. 

The 2011 Mavericks got a 4-3 come from behind victory at home against West Windsor. The Mavs scored the winner with a less then a minute to go to improve their record to 2-0 on the season. The 2014 Hotspurs found the back of the net six times taking down the Breakers of Point Pleasant FC. The Spurs find themselves at the top of the table the U11 National 6 flight. They will travel to Stafford next week and see if they can make it three in a row. 

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up."  Babe Ruth

Keith Monacchio 

MUFC Beat Writer

9/15/24

Round one of the Fall 2024 State Cup kicks off this week and the MUFC 2011 Mavericks have drawn Princeton FC Lazio in their 14U opening round match.  The game is scheduled for 7PM on Thursday 9/12/24 at the Sawmill YMCA.  Lazio boasts a 117 State ranking and will be a tough out for the Mavericks. 

Mavericks skipper Mark Kmiec had this to say about the tournament "we're excited to represent MUFC in the NJ State Cup and are looking forward to competing with some of the top teams in NJ.  The boys worked hard in pre-season training and are ready to compete for the title."

Getting a home game right out of the gate is a plus and "the mill" is sure to be rocking.  Come on out and support the Mavericks in their quest for the cup!

Keith Monacchio

MUFC Beat Writer

9/10/24

A beautiful late summer Sunday saw the kickoff of the Fall 2024 season for Mercer United FC.  A number of teams were making their MUFC debut.  We’ll start with the 2016/2017 Arsenal who posted a 6-2 victory over the Point Pleasant Makos.  In speaking with team manager Greg Shultz before the match he said “this team has talent and will be ready to play!”  I’d say he was right on the money with that assessment. 

The 2014 Hotspurs were another team getting off on the good foot in their inaugural match.  Spurs took down the Manchester Monsters 4-1.  Coach Chris Dixon, who was coaxed out of retirement for a second go round with MUFC, had the Hotspurs pumped and ready.  They’ll need the same intensity next week when they’ll meet a hungry Point Pleasant team who dropped their opener 1-0. 

The 2012/2013 Chelsea team made a great entrance into the MUFC family by blanking Toms River Davies 6-0.  Coach Rodrigo was pleased with what he saw with this new group of players and in the half that this writer watched, I concur. 

In other action, the 2012 Union beat the Freehold Scorpions 7-1, while the 2015 Cobras got the best of the Old Bridge Royals 5-2.  The 2013 Dynamo traveled to Rumson and got a 3-0 win over the Thunder Dawgs and the 2011 Mavericks stepped on Marlboro Gold 7-1 at home.  The 2014 Thunder jumped up an unheard of 4 flights and still blanked Old Bridge 2-0.

Great start to the season MUFC and keep working hard!

 “Perform at your best when your best is required.  Your best is required each day.” 

                                                                                                               John Wooden

Keith Monacchio

MUFC Beat Writer

9/8/24

Mercer United Union 2012 team took second place at the Al Perlini Memorial Tournament in Warminster, PA.  Playing 4 games in one day, the Union were 3-0-1 on the weekend scoring 9 goals and only conceding 1.  This being the Union’s first foray into playing 11v11, I would say that the effort that gave has them off to a fantastic start! 

As the summer heat starts to cool, and the daylight starts to fade into the evening,  Mercer United FC is deep into preseason training and our teams look poised to have their most successful year yet.  This past summer has seen MUFC add 5 new teams which includes welcoming Mooch Soccer into our fold, bringing us to a total of  18 teams going into the 24/25 season. 

We are also proud to be running the recreational soccer program in Robbinsville this fall which will improve soccer opportunities for our youngest players as they learn to play the beautiful game.

The Mercer County NJ area has always been a hotbed for soccer talent and Mercer United FC is happy to offer players an opportunity to take their game to the next level.  All 18 teams will be competing in various leagues & tournaments through the year.  We will be posting weekly updates in this space, spotlighting different teams throughout the Fall 2024 season.  Please check back from time to time to see how our teams are progressing.  The future is bright for Mercer United FC and we look forward to seeing you on the pitch!

Mercer United F.C. is a travel soccer club partnered with the Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill, is located in Hamilton Township in Mercer County, New Jersey and a club affiliate of the Philadelphia Union (https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/youth/)   . We are a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization that has been providing Hamilton area boys and girls with a quality soccer experience for more than 40 years. Our competitive travel teams can be found on the pitch in the Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association (MOSA) and EDP leagues.

We also play various indoor leagues in January and February and numerous tournaments in the Northeast throughout the year. 

Greg Schultz

Tony Mevoli

Matt O’Grady

Jim Barton

Keith Monacchio