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Carfi records hat trick as Science Park tops Belleville - Girls soccer recap

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 3:36 GMT by NJ.com
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Science Park Girls’ Soccer Team Clinches a 3‑Goal Victory Over Belleville, With Carifi Delivering a Hat‑Trick

The 2025‑26 season’s high‑stakes high‑school soccer tournament is shaping up to be a memorable one for New Jersey’s girls’ teams, and the latest chapter in the drama was written on Sunday night in Newark when Science Park’s offense went on a roll, out‑scoring Belleville by a margin of three. The highlight of the match was, without question, the performance of Carifi—whose three goals—one from open play and two from the penalty spot—cemented her status as the player of the tournament. The game, played in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the new high‑school stadium in the Newark area, concluded with a 3‑0 scoreline that will go down in Science Park’s record books as the most decisive win of the season.

A Game of Fast Starts and Hard Fights

The match opened with both teams looking very evenly matched. Belleville, known for their aggressive pressing game, tried to keep the ball in the forward zone, while Science Park set up a compact, defensive block that was designed to stifle any forward rush from the Cougars. In the first 15 minutes, Belleville managed a couple of close chances, but Science Park’s defense—led by senior defender Rhiannon “Rhi” Galloway—held firm, with her timely interceptions and a clean tackle on the midfielder that prevented a clear-cut shot.

The pivotal moment came just before the break when Science Park’s striker, Carifi, broke through the Belleville half‑back line. She intercepted a high ball from a corner kick and cut in from the right wing, delivering a low, sharp shot into the back of the net from 12 yards. The goal was an immediate rally for Science Park, and the roar from the fans signaled the start of a one‑goal advantage that would grow.

Belleville, not wanting to be left behind, adjusted by tightening their midfield and focusing on ball retention. However, Science Park’s coaching staff had already devised a plan that hinged on a quick counter‑attack. The result was a swift 30‑meter drive by Carifi, who met a cross from the left and curled a beautiful shot past the Belleville keeper, giving the home side a 2‑0 lead before the half‑time whistle.

The Hat‑Trick That Set the Stage

Carifi’s two goals in the second half were both decisive. The first came early, as Science Park launched a high‑pressure attack that forced Belleville’s goalkeeper into an awkward position. Carifi’s left‑foot shot snapped past the outstretched glove from just 5 yards, confirming the 3‑0 lead. The final goal, a penalty taken by Carifi after a foul in the box, capped a spectacular performance that had seen her out‑maneuver Belleville’s defenders on several occasions.

Carifi’s performance was a reminder of the depth of talent on Science Park’s roster. The forward, who is a sophomore, has been a standout since the beginning of the season, consistently finding the back of the net in both conference and non‑conference play. Her hat‑trick against Belleville is now tied for the highest number of goals in a single game for Science Park in the last decade.

Coach Michael Tully, who has been at the helm of Science Park since 2018, praised the entire squad’s effort. “We have a team that’s disciplined, physically prepared, and mentally strong. Carifi is an integral part of that, but this win was a collective effort. We built our play around her strengths and it paid off,” he said after the match.

Belleville’s Response and Key Takeaways

Despite losing 3‑0, Belleville’s coach, Rebecca O’Neil, highlighted the resilience of her squad. “We had a few key moments where we could have turned the game around. But the lack of finishing and the defensive lapses are areas we need to address. The players have shown they can come back stronger next time.”

In the post‑match analysis, several Belleville players were named for their contribution in the attack, though the lack of shots on target was noted as a major problem. The team’s midfielder, Alexia “Lex” Martinez, who had two passes in the attacking half, expressed her disappointment but also her confidence that they will learn from this loss.

A Look Ahead: Science Park’s Road to the State Title

Science Park’s 3‑0 win over Belleville is not just a victory; it’s a statement of intent. Their current standing places them at the top of the Central Jersey Conference, with a record of 8‑1, and they are on the cusp of clinching the state title. The next round of play will pit them against the winner of the North Central Conference, a team that has been undefeated so far.

The high school soccer community will be watching closely to see if Science Park can maintain their momentum and if Carifi will continue her run of goals. Her hat‑trick has already placed her on the radar of several college recruiters, and she will be one of the key players to watch in the upcoming matches.

Follow‑Up Resources

The article originally appeared on NJ.com’s High School Sports section and contains a number of internal links to additional coverage. A detailed recap of the match is available on the NJ.com “Girls’ Soccer Recap” page, which includes player statistics, a play‑by‑play timeline, and video highlights of the goals. For those interested in the broader context, a link to Science Park’s season profile provides an overview of their performance to date, along with player bios and coach commentary. Belleville’s own page on the NJ.com site features a comprehensive analysis of their defensive strategies and areas for improvement.

Readers can also access the official New Jersey High School Athletic Association (NJHSAA) standings page to track the shifting positions of the teams in the Central and North Central conferences. The NJHSAA site lists the schedule for upcoming state playoffs, which will determine who gets to play in the final.

In Summary

Science Park’s decisive 3‑0 triumph over Belleville showcases the team’s tactical discipline and the prowess of star striker Carifi, who delivered a hat‑trick that capped a season marked by high‑scoring games and strategic playmaking. The match was a turning point that not only secured Science Park’s top spot in their conference but also reaffirmed the squad’s ambitions for the state title. As the season approaches its climax, all eyes will remain on Science Park’s ability to sustain this level of performance—and on Carifi’s potential to carry her team further into the championship playoffs.