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The Boonton boys soccer team, without a victory since Halloween of 2022, opened the 2024-25 campaign with a 3-2 victory over Morristown-Beard.
Losing streak behind them, the Bombers continued their early roll, putting together a 5-1 record after six games. Fast forward to Senior Night, which was Thursday, Oct. 24, and Boonton was a respectable 9-5-1.
The triumph versus the Crimson in the opener featured goals by Ardi Dauti, Jaciel Lagos and Issah Kush and invigorated Boonton.
“In the moment we all felt a sense of euphoria, disbelief and an overall intense sensation of happiness,” said Gianni Borrielli, a tri-captain along with Kush and Hadi Kafel.
Kush, too, was elated to get back to winning, and attributed the “W” to hard work.
“It felt incredible to finally break through. All the hard work and perseverance finally paid off,” Kush said. “The team did not celebrate because we did not feel one win was enough to celebrate.”
According to Kush, several factors have played a role in the Bombers’ turnaround.
“There are a variety of elements that were significant in our victories. The most important were teamwork and focusing under pressure,” Kush said.
Being able to hone in on the task at hand was beneficial in one-goal triumphs over Parsippany, Morristown-Beard and Mountain Lakes.
Borrielli added that “We make sure our communication is always present on the pitch.”
Experience figures into the equation as well. The majority of the players on the team have competed together for five years. Captains practices were important, helping the players build chemistry.
Boonton has excelled in conference play, putting together a 6-1-1 record in the Independence Division of the NJAC. The upcoming state tournament is another opportunity for the Bombers to make their mark.
“Our goal is to maintain a positive record by building off each victory,” said Kush, the squad’s top offensive threat with 18 goals and five assists. “We also want to push ourselves to go far in the state tournament.
Kush has one hat trick this fall versus Morris Catholic. He has scored in 11 games.
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