Senior Day at Kehler Stadium is more than just the final score. It’s about honoring the senior players who have shown dedication to the program and demonstrated years of hard work and leadership that have shaped the team’s culture. Despite the wind and rain, families filled the stands on the cold Saturday and emotions were high as the seniors took the field against Montclair in front of the home crowd.
Montclair stepped onto the pitch with their heads held high, knowing that this was not going to be an easy fight. Throughout the first half, both teams showed fierce determination and the defense on either end showed no weaknesses. However, towards the end of the second half, the Mounties were able to find a hole in the Westfield defense with a goal that would seal the 2-1 win over the Blue Devils.
While the first half remained scoreless, it was clear that Montclair was the stronger team on the field. With every possession, they were able to get the ball to the final third to create a chance.
Montclair head coach Toure Weaver said, “We knew it was going to be two heavyweights fighting and there was going to be a winner at the end of the day. We just knew that we had to step on the field with urgency.”
The Mounties struck first in the second half. Westfield’s energy stayed high and their confidence did not fade. Despite having to play catch-up, just seven minutes later, the stadium erupted in cheers as senior co-captain Sam Judka capitalized on a corner kick play, which tied the game at 1-1.
Judka said, “The energy was pretty bright and the effort was definitely there. We could have linked our passes better and we have to capitalize on scoring opportunities and put chances away.”
Regardless of the second goal conceded by the Blue Devils, there were many positive takeaways from the match. Head coach Eric Shaw said, “We had some good moments early on, most of them were in the first half. We battled back from the one-goal deficit, but, unfortunately, we ended up giving a second goal to determine the match.”
A Senior Day defeat was not something that the team was expecting, but they will continue to work relentlessly to come out with a win, especially with the county tournament being just a week away. “Our coaches always say ‘senior day is every day,’” said Judka. “This is our last year and we know that. This game is just another game for us, but a game we wish we could’ve won.”
The Blue Devils hope to improve their 5-6-2 record as they travel to Rumson-Fair Haven at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Senior Jake Russell said, “We are going to keep working hard, we know what we have to do and eventually it will all work itself out.”
