South Jersey Soccer:
South Jersey Barons Break Two Team Records in 11-0 Pounding of Eastern Shore Sharks

Saturday, August 7, 1999

By Forrest Robleto
SJSports Staff Writer

The South Jersey Barons set a new record for goals in a game (11) and a new record for longest win steak (9) in an exhibition of professional play against the hapless Eastern Shore Sharks. The Barons looked strong throughout the game but only scored four goals in the first half. Zgalich opened the scoring with help from Pat Hickey then went on to help Matt Brooks score the first of his three goals. Matt Miles got a great pass from James Harvey that headed into the net for the first of four goals. Forty minutes later Zgalich gave Miles a pass that he converted into his second of four goals.

Majik Agu was caught in traffic on the Atlantic City Expressway and the Barons were playing with the wind in the first half. It looked as if either of these things could make for a different second half. It may have been what Majik brought to the offense or that Matt Miles was just getting warmed up. In the second half the Barons exploded for seven more goals. Joe Nick had two with help from Matt Brooks and Matt Miles. Matt Brooks had two - one with the help of Manella and one on a penalty kick. Manella also assisted on a goal for Jim Harvey, and Matt Miles in a sterling performance put in two more, both with assists from Dave Holmes. Paul Royal, who has been outstanding in goal all year, was largely untested in the effort and gave the keeper duties over to Jeremy Kirchner in the second half.

The Barons ran several promotions with this game. Free amusement park tickets for Morey's Piers were given to each child under sixteen - this promotion will be available again on August 14. Ticket-holders were awarded a free quarter-pound of fudge from Steele's Fudge if the Barons scored seven goals during the game. And who said there's no such thing as a free ride. The Giant Ferris Wheel next door offered one free ride if the Barons scored during the "mystery minute" which runs sometime during the second half. Fans were eligible for all three promotions during this game, but since the Ferris wheel ride and the fudge both required a ticket stub, fans had to choose which they preferred. Some fans were unhappy that they couldn't have both. This, it turned out, was the only blemish on a night to please all Barons fans.

The Barons have an eight-point lead over the second place Western Massachusetts Pioneers. Both teams have two games left. The Barons play next against the North Jersey Imperials, Saturday August 14 at 5:00 PM at Carey Stadium in Ocean City, NJ.

Photos by Forrest Robleto