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NJSIAA Non-Public boys soccer tournament semifinal previews and picks

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 17:41 GMT by NJ.com
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Semifinal Matchups

Northern Region Final: St. Joseph’s Preparatory School (NJ) vs. St. Benedict’s Academy (NJ)
The Northern bracket saw St. Joseph’s dominate with a 3–1 aggregate win over the Eagles in the quarterfinals, thanks in large part to a brace from senior midfielder Caleb Martinez. St. Benedict’s, meanwhile, advanced after a tightly contested 2–2 draw against St. Lawrence High, winning on penalties. The game will be decided by tactical discipline; St. Joseph’s has been noted for their high‑pressing game and quick transitions, while St. Benedict’s is renowned for a tight defensive structure and a set‑piece specialist in junior forward Ethan Kline.

Southern Region Final: St. Mary’s High School (NJ) vs. St. Augustine Academy (NJ)
St. Mary’s stunned the Southern bracket with a 4–0 win over the local rival St. John’s, powered by a midfield engine that orchestrated two hat‑tricks in a single match. St. Augustine, conversely, fought their way through the quarterfinals with a gritty 1–0 victory over the reigning champions, using a zonal pressing system that kept opponents off‑balance. The matchup will test St. Augustine’s ability to maintain possession against a midfield that has consistently generated offensive creativity.

Key Players to Watch

• Caleb Martinez (St. Joseph’s) – The sophomore’s vision and passing accuracy have earned him the “Most Valuable Player” title in the district. With 12 assists this season, he is a focal point in the midfield and is expected to orchestrate the game against St. Benedict’s.

• Ethan Kline (St. Benedict’s) – The junior forward is a specialist in converting set‑pieces. His aerial prowess and clinical finishing will be a threat in the upcoming match, especially if St. Joseph’s defense over‑commits in set‑piece situations.

• Jaden Torres (St. Mary’s) – The team’s captain and central defender, Torres has been instrumental in keeping the opposition’s forwards at bay. His calm presence in the backline will be crucial against St. Augustine’s attack.

• Liam Nguyen (St. Augustine) – A versatile midfielder known for his speed and ability to switch play, Nguyen’s role will be to create space for St. Augustine’s forwards while maintaining a solid defensive shape.

Tactical Analysis

The two sides from the Northern region showcase contrasting philosophies. St. Joseph’s has built a reputation for a high‑intensity pressing system that relies on quick ball circulation and relentless pressure. Their recent training camp emphasized speed and stamina, culminating in a 90‑minute possession average of 62%, well above the district average. Coach Mark Davis emphasizes “off‑side traps” and aggressive midfield interceptions.

In contrast, St. Benedict’s strategy leans towards a more conservative approach, focusing on a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation that protects the backline and relies on counter‑attacks. Their defensive organization is noteworthy; they have allowed only 3 goals in the entire season, a record for the non‑public category. Coach Lisa Ramirez’s use of a “floating defender” tactic keeps opponents from cutting into their defensive third, creating opportunities for Kline on the flanks.

The Southern region’s showdown features St. Mary’s’ highly dynamic midfield playmaking versus St. Augustine’s disciplined zonal defense. St. Mary’s, under the guidance of Coach Michael Greene, uses a “false nine” system that blurs the lines between attack and midfield, enabling rapid transitions. The team’s high press has forced several turnovers and created scoring chances in the final third.

St. Augustine, however, will employ a 3‑5‑2 setup, allowing them to maintain a strong midfield presence while supporting a tight defensive trio. Their strategy includes a “sweeper‑keeper” role for their goalkeeper, enabling quick redistribution of the ball and minimizing risk from long passes.

Pre‑Game Picks

Statistical models and expert analyses suggest a close contest across all matchups. For St. Joseph’s vs. St. Benedict’s, the projection leans slightly in favor of St. Joseph’s due to their superior attack and recent form. A 2–1 victory for St. Joseph’s is expected, driven by Martinez’s midfield influence and a potential second‑half goal from a set‑piece by Kline.

In the St. Mary’s vs. St. Augustine game, predictions are more balanced. St. Mary’s’ attacking prowess gives them an edge; however, Augustine’s disciplined defense could neutralize their midfield. A 1–1 draw seems plausible, with St. Mary’s potentially winning in a shootout if the match goes to extra time.

Season Context and Historical Significance

This year’s tournament has been marked by a notable shift in power. St. Joseph’s, after a quiet 2024 season, has surged to the top of the rankings, while St. Benedict’s regained form following a disappointing year. St. Mary’s has continued to outperform expectations, becoming a staple of the tournament’s upper echelon, whereas St. Augustine’s resurgence has surprised many observers. Historically, St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s have a storied rivalry that dates back to the 1990s, and each season adds layers to their competitive narrative.

The semifinals are not only a chance for state recognition but also a platform for college scouts. Over the past decade, several players from these programs have received offers from top Division I programs, including Rutgers, Princeton, and the University of North Carolina. The upcoming games will likely see the next wave of high‑school talent making their mark on the national stage.

Final Thoughts

With tactical battles poised to unfold, the semifinal fixtures of the NJSIAA non‑public boys soccer tournament are set to deliver a blend of speed, strategy, and skill. Whether it’s St. Joseph’s relentless press, St. Benedict’s disciplined counter‑attack, St. Mary’s fluid midfield orchestration, or St. Augustine’s structured zonal defense, the four teams bring a unique flavor to the competition. As the field clears for the final two games, the atmosphere in the state’s stadiums will be electric, underscored by the bright futures of the athletes and the enduring passion for high‑school soccer in New Jersey.