South Jersey Soccer:
Barons Move Into Northern Conference Top Spot With Win Over Stallions

Sunday, June 18, 2000

PRESS RELEASE

The South Jersey Barons took two games by identical 2-1 scores this weekend to move into sole possession of first place in the D3 Pro League's Northern Conference. Pat Hickey's goal five minutes into sudden death overtime gave South Jersey the win over the New Jersey Stallions at Toms River North High School on Sunday, the Barons' first victory over New Jersey in three attempts this season.

Joe Nick, who had scored South Jersey's earlier goal on an indirect free kick in the 25th minute, lofted a cross to Hickey, who volleyed home the game winner from six yards out. Barons' goalkeeper Paul Royal recorded eight saves for South Jersey, who were outshot by the Stallions 11 to six on the night. The win gave the Barons (7-3 overall and 6-2 in D3 Pro League games) 27 points in the standings. New Jersey (7-3 overall, 5-3 D3 Pro League) falls to second place with 22 points.

Sunday's win followed a tightly contested 2-1 victory over the Reading Rage at Central Catholic High School on Saturday night. Midfielder Huey Ferguson broke the ice with a goal in the game's 70th minute, volleying home a header by Dan Mannella to give South Jersey a 1-0 lead. After Reading's Drew Kaufmann tied it seven minutes later, Mike Payne scored the game winner for the Barons. Payne received the ball at midfield and beat one defender before burying a blast from just inside the 18 with 10 minutes remaining. Royal had six saves on the night for South Jersey.

South Jersey returns to its home at the shore this Saturday for a 6:00 game against the Delaware Wizards at Carey Stadium, located at 6th Street and the Boardwalk in Ocean City. Tickets are $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for youths age 12 and under, and can be purchased at the gate. Advanced sale tickets can be purchased at a savings of $1.50 per ticket, and are available in Ocean City at the Music Pier Box Office (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace), Gillian's Wonderland Pier Guest Services Office (6th & Boardwalk) and the Sports Source (825 Asbury Avenue), and in Marmora at Yesterday's Restaurant Liquor Store (316 Roosevelt Boulevard).