Saturday, May 19, 2001
By Pete Boggs
South Jersey Barons Correspondent
The South Jersey Barons used two Brendan Sullivan goals to defeat the New Jersey Stallions at home Friday night, then came from behind to earn a tie on the Stallions' home turf 24 hours later. Both contests counted as D3 Pro League games, as well as U.S. Open Cup qualifiers.
Friday night's match, played at Cherokee High School Stadium, here, featured no scoring until the 66th minute, when Barons forward Mark Southern struck off a Leon Creary through-ball. Sullivan scored the eventual game-winner in the 77th, slamming another Creary pass to the upper left corner from 16 yards out.
After the Stallions Ante Cop scored on a penalty kick in the 79th, Sullivan put the game out of reach with a 22 yard direct free kick that went through New Jersey's defensive wall and beat goalkeeper Keith Engelhardt to the near post.
Barons goalkeeper Rob Vartughian was rarely tested, coming up with one save while Engelhardt recorded two for New Jersey. Both teams took nine shots in the contest, witnessed by 1331 in attendance.
In Saturday night's game, played at Kean University in Union, it was Stallions forward Rogerio DaSilva scoring first, slotting a shot off the right post and in in the 65th minute. Kevin Kelly tied it for the Barons with nine minutes remaining, volleying home a cross from Southern. Vartughian recorded four saves while Kevin East had five saves in goal for the Stallions. South Jersey outshot the Stallions nine to seven on the night.
The week-end's results improve South Jersey's D3 Pro League record to 1-2-1, while evening their U.S. Open Cup qualifying record at 2-2-1. South Jersey's D3 Pro League season continues next Saturday night on the road against the Reading Rage.
For more information, or for Barons/Banshees season tickets, fans can call (856) 753-7608. Fans can also follow the Barons and Banshees season on the web at www.sjbarons.com.
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