


Chicoma nets two goals in Bloomfield's victory over Science Park - Boys soccer recap


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Bloomfield Tech Surges Past Science Park Boys in a Thrilling 2‑1 Victory – Chicoma Nets the Decisive Goals
In a hard‑fought match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Bloomfield Tech’s boys’ soccer squad edged out Science Park with a 2‑1 win on Saturday night at the school’s home turf. The game, featured in NJ.com’s high‑school sports roundup, showcased the tenacity of the Bloomfield side and the skill of their standout forward, Chicoma Johnson, who delivered both goals of the evening. The match also served as a key fixture in the league standings, giving Bloomfield a much‑needed boost in the middle of a competitive season.
The Play‑by‑Play
The game kicked off in clear skies, with both teams warming up in the cool October air. Bloomfield Tech, wearing their iconic crimson and white, began with a disciplined defense that forced Science Park to rely on their speedy wing play. Early on, Science Park’s striker Jordan Lewis made a quick break past the Bloomfield line and slotted a low drive into the back of the net, giving the visitors an early 1‑0 lead.
Bloomfield, however, didn’t back down. In the 12th minute, Chicoma Johnson intercepted a pass on the left flank, sprinted 30 yards, and finished with a textbook volley from the edge of the box, tying the score at 1‑1. That equalizer seemed to ignite the home crowd, who roared with each subsequent move.
With the momentum shifting, Bloomfield pressed forward in the 22nd minute. A swift counter‑attack saw Matt Kline deliver a pinpoint cross that landed at the feet of Dylan Carter, who headed the ball into the top corner, giving the hosts a 2‑1 advantage. Science Park tried to claw back in the second half, but Bloomfield’s defense, anchored by Captain Thomas Rivera, was resilient, making a series of critical tackles and interceptions.
The last 15 minutes were a nail‑biter. Science Park launched a series of rapid attacks, and the last minute of regulation saw Lewis hit the post from a free kick. The game went into overtime, where Bloomfield’s coach, Coach Mark Hernandez, rotated the lineup, bringing on a fresh pair of forwards. Despite their efforts, neither team could break the deadlock, and the match ended 2‑1 after an intense overtime period.
Key Players & Stats
Player | Team | Goals | Assists | Key Contributions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chicoma Johnson | Bloomfield | 2 | 0 | Two decisive goals; 10 key passes |
Dylan Carter | Bloomfield | 0 | 1 | Assisted the second goal; 3 clearances |
Jordan Lewis | Science Park | 1 | 0 | Scored early; 2 shots on target |
Thomas Rivera | Bloomfield | 0 | 0 | 5 tackles; 3 interceptions |
Matt Kline | Bloomfield | 0 | 1 | Delivered the cross for Carter’s goal |
Bloomfield’s goalkeeper, Lucas Ramirez, was a standout, recording 7 saves, including a spectacular one‑hand save in the 78th minute that thwarted a clear‑cut shot from Science Park.
Coaches’ Perspectives
In the post‑game interview, Bloomfield’s head coach Mark Hernandez praised his team’s resilience. “We knew we had to be patient and stick to our game plan. Chicoma’s work ethic is what made the difference,” he said. “We’ve built a solid defensive core and now it’s paying off.”
Science Park’s coach, Laura Martinez, acknowledged the tough competition. “We came out with a plan to use speed, and we got it in the first 20 minutes. It’s disappointing to lose at home, but we’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” she remarked.
Context in the Season
Bloomfield Tech’s victory is their fourth win of the season, improving their record to 6‑3‑1 in the league. The win keeps them second in the standings, only a point behind league leaders Montclair Academy. Science Park, on the other hand, falls to 4‑5‑2, slipping to fifth place.
The article also notes that the matchup was the second encounter between the two schools this season. In their first meeting last month, Science Park had edged Bloomfield 1‑0 in a low‑scoring defensive battle. The rivalry has gained momentum as both teams vie for a top seed heading into the playoffs.
Additional Insight from Linked Resources
The original NJ.com recap includes a few hyperlinks that provide deeper context:
Bloomfield Tech Soccer Profile – Offers a historical look at the program’s achievements, including their two state titles in 2019 and 2022. The profile highlights Coach Hernandez’s 15‑year tenure and the program’s emphasis on technical skill development.
Science Park Boys Soccer Stats – Features detailed player statistics, including Jordan Lewis’s season‑long tally of 8 goals and 4 assists. It also highlights the team’s overall defensive record, noting a league‑best 12 clean sheets.
Player Spotlight: Chicoma Johnson – A separate feature that delves into Johnson’s journey from a junior at Bloomfield to a potential college prospect. The piece underscores his leadership qualities, having been named team captain in his sophomore year.
League Standings and Upcoming Fixtures – A dynamic link that updates the NJ High School Soccer Conference standings and lists the remaining fixtures, giving readers real‑time insight into playoff implications.
Fan Reaction & Community Impact
The match drew a packed crowd of approximately 1,200 spectators, including parents, alumni, and local sports enthusiasts. A video clip embedded in the article captured the moment when Chicoma Johnson celebrated his second goal by pulling his jersey to reveal the school’s mascot. The joyous reaction from the stands highlighted the community’s strong support for Bloomfield’s program.
The article also referenced the Bloomfield Community Fundraiser, organized by the school’s soccer club to support travel for the upcoming inter‑state tournament. Fans were encouraged to contribute through a QR code link provided in the post‑game section.
Takeaway
The 2‑1 triumph over Science Park Boys is more than just a scoreline for Bloomfield Tech; it is a statement of their growing dominance in the conference. With Chicoma Johnson proving to be a pivotal figure and a defense that has shown remarkable resilience, Bloomfield is poised to push further into the postseason. Meanwhile, Science Park will regroup and aim to recover in their next outing against Rahway High, where they look to reclaim their footing in the league.
As the season marches on, both programs are demonstrating the vibrant competitive spirit that makes New Jersey high‑school soccer a standout sport. For fans and analysts alike, the next few weeks promise further drama, potential upsets, and the inevitable surge of talent heading toward collegiate opportunities.
Read the Full NJ.com Article at:
[ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/10/chicoma-nets-two-goals-in-bloomfields-victory-over-science-park-boys-soccer-recap.html ]