The Westfield and Scotch Plains-Fanwood boys soccer teams are getting ready for their first matchup of the season, this Thursday, which will take place at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The rivalry was ranked second in nj.com’s greatest soccer rivalries in 2021. The intra-county rivalry game between the two never fails to be intense on the field and in the crowd.
Last season, the Blue Devils and the Raiders played against each other three times; the Blue Devils came out on top in every matchup, including in the Union County Tournament final with a final score of 1-0. Westfield looks to continue its winning streak against the Raiders.
The Blue Devils have an undefeated, 5-0 record thus far this season, highlighted by an upset win against Elizabeth. The only game the boys play before SPF is against Cranford, this Tuesday. Head coach Eric Shaw said, “We have not spent much time yet preparing. We take one match at a time and Cranford is next. We are concerned about that match first, then our mind will turn to Thursday.”
The Raiders are coming into gameweek with three wins and one loss. Their lone loss was against Elizabeth, but they still have to play Union before Thursday’s game.
Many different Westfield players have goals and assists so far this season. As of now, senior Ian Schultz is the Blue Devils’ top scorer, as he leads the squad with two goals. Although it’s Schultz’s first year on the varsity team due to him playing with an academy team in previous years, he understands what the rivalry means. “I’m going to try and do whatever I can to help us win that game,” Schultz said. “This will be my first time playing against them for varsity so I hope we come out on top.”
Senior co-captain Noah Fischer is getting himself and the team ready for their next two games. Fischer said, “I’m confident our offense will do its job, so as long as we can keep playing well in the back I think we have a great chance to win.”
The Raiders have lacked offensive production to kick off the year with only five goals in four games. Senior Dylan Fei has two of them. Also, senior Patrick Watt and freshman Jayvon Young have contributed with two assists each for the Raiders.
The opportunity to play on a professional field doesn’t come very often for high school players. Junior defender Derek Azevedo said, “I would never have thought I would be playing with some of my closest teammates on a big stage like Red Bull Arena. I’m pumped.”
Despite the 30-minute car ride from Westfield to Red Bull Arena, Blue Devil fans are ready to support the team on Thursday. Senior Lily Roth said she is “excited to attend the game because the energy in the stands is unmatched and I can’t wait to see the entire school cheering for the boys.”
Support the boys and get your tickets now using the link: fevo.me/whs
