Seton Hall Prep defeats Delbarton, wins fourth straight sectional soccer title

MORRISTOWN — "It was a great high school soccer game."

That's what Delbarton soccer coach David Donovan kept repeating, as the Seton Hall Prep players celebrated. The Pirates defeated the Green Wave, 2-1, to win their fourth straight NJSIAA Non-Public A North soccer title.

For the third year in a row, Seton Hall Prep will take on Christian Brothers Academy in Friday's Non-Public A final. The Pirates lost last year, but had won in 2021.

Pirates senior Eddie Krupski scored the game winner, redirecting junior midfielder Benjamin Mills' corner kick into the top right corner of the goal with 4:32 left.

Striker Nicholas Lapczynski had put back a rebound to get Seton Hall Prep on the scoreboard midway through the first half. Delbarton tied the match with 1.6 seconds left before halftime. Freshman midfielder Dylan Mazzarella's shot ricocheted off the crossbar and down, then back in front of the net. Senior Andrew Casciano headed it home, buoying the hosts at the break.

"These guys care deeply," said Donovan, whose youngest son, Aidan, is a Green Wave senior outside back. "The heart our guys played with, and the character, they played with composure and almost pulled it out. I feel very proud to have coached this team."

Rivalry renewed

The sectional final was a rematch of Delbarton's season opener, a 3-3 draw at Red Bull Arena. Donovan had similar sentiments then. Both teams posed for a photo together afterward.

To be settled in November? Delbarton, Seton Hall Prep soccer clash at Red Bull Arena

Though there was no such outward show of camaraderie on Tuesday, several Pirates players and longtime coach Marty Berman made sure to console Green Wave goalkeeper James Anroman.

These teams have met in the NJSIAA Tournament 18 times since 1989. Delbarton maintains a 13-5 lead. But Seton Hall Prep has won three of the last five finals, dating back to 2016.

"First game, last game," Donovan said, shaking his head. "Two good teams, a good rivalry, and a good game."

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: NJ boys soccer: Seton Hall Prep beats Delbarton in sectional final