photo credit to @ridgewoodboyssoccer
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, on a thrilling Friday night, the Ridgewood High School stadium was alive with cheers and celebration as the Maroons defeated Clifton 2-0, capturing their first sectional title since 1993. This victory in the “2024 New Jersey High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – North Jersey Section 1 Group 4” tournament marked a monumental moment in the program’s history.
A Night to Remember
The game was a high-energy battle against No. 12-seeded Clifton, with a standing-room-only crowd cheering the Maroons on to victory. Ridgewood head coach Aidan McCluskey, now in his ninth season, praised his team’s performance, saying, “We can knock the ball around pretty well, and we created chance after chance after chance.”
The first half was a physical and gritty affair, with both teams locked in a scoreless draw by halftime. However, the Maroons maintained control, showcasing determination and grit that would eventually pay off in the second half.
The Game-Changing Moments
With just 5:39 remaining, senior midfielder Niko Martirossian, a Division I tennis commit, delivered the decisive breakthrough. Martirossian volleyed home a deflected free kick, igniting the Ridgewood side and giving the Maroons a 1-0 lead.
Ridgewood wasn’t done yet. In the final 90 seconds of the game, the Maroons scored again to secure the win and spark a massive celebration on the field and in the stands.
Coach McCluskey noted the incredible support from the crowd, which he and his players described as the biggest and most passionate they had ever seen. Players like Martirossian and Kosuke Yoshikawa leapt into the cheering crowd, sharing their elation with the fans who stood behind them all season.
A Historic Victory
This long-awaited triumph puts Ridgewood soccer firmly on the map, a school already known for its excellence in football, lacrosse, tennis, and other sports. The Maroons also avenged their quarterfinal loss to Clifton last season, making the victory even sweeter.
For Ridgewood fans, the moment was pure joy. Fist pumps, smiles, and leaps into the crowd captured the emotion of finally ending a 31-year drought.
Looking Ahead
The Maroons are far from finished. After claiming the North 1, Group 4 sectional crown, Ridgewood is now set to face Scotch Plains-Fanwood on Tuesday as they continue their playoff journey.
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Congrats Aidan