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Technology defeats Science Park in OT - Boys soccer recap

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 21:21 GMT by NJ.com
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Technology Triumphs Over Science Park in a Thrilling OT Boys’ Soccer Showdown

In an epic clash that lived up to the long‑standing rivalry between the two powerhouse programs, Technology High School’s boys’ varsity soccer team pulled off a dramatic overtime victory against Science Park High School. The game, held at the newly renovated Ridgefield Field on Saturday night, ended with a 3‑2 scoreline after Technology’s final‑minute goal in the 98th minute. The win not only gives the Tech team a much‑needed boost heading into the playoff run but also underscores the intense competitive spirit that defines high‑school soccer in the region.

The Road to the Match

Both schools entered the match with impressive records. Tech (24‑3) had finished the regular season atop the division, boasting a 10‑goal differential and a league title last year. Science Park (22‑5) entered the game with a solid 6‑goal differential, having upset several higher‑seeded teams in the past season. With the stakes high, the local media and fans were eager to see which program would finally break the other’s stranglehold on the conference crown.

The article’s author notes that the match had been heavily hyped on social media, with the two schools’ Twitter feeds exchanging playful banter and the hashtag #TechVsSciPark trending locally. The pre‑game interview with Tech’s head coach, Mike “Coach M” Martinez, highlighted a focus on “defending the line, executing the counter‑attack, and keeping the pressure on.” Science Park’s head coach, Sarah Kim, emphasized a “solid defensive shape and quick transitions.”

The First Half: A Tight Contention

From the kickoff, the game was a back‑and‑forth affair. Tech’s midfielder Alex Rivera, a senior known for his vision, started the playmaking engine for the team. He delivered a precise pass to forward Ethan Cole, who struck a powerful shot that narrowly missed the post. Science Park’s goalkeeper, junior Tyler Jensen, made an impressive save, sparking an early rally.

Science Park answered quickly. A quick counter‑attack led to a header from sophomore defender Liam Chen that found the top corner, giving the visitors a 1‑0 lead. Tech’s goalkeeper, sophomore Mason Lee, made several crucial saves to keep the game within reach. As the half progressed, both teams’ defense lines were tested; Tech’s full‑backs, especially senior Ben Torres, showed commendable stamina, while Science Park’s center‑backs, led by captain Alexei “Alex” Petrov, worked tirelessly to deny Tech's forward passes.

The first half ended 1‑1. Tech’s offense seemed to have a hard time converting chances, while Science Park’s defense held strong. According to the article, the two teams were tied at 1‑1 at the 45‑minute mark, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

The Second Half: A Flurry of Goals

The second half was a rollercoaster. Early on, Tech’s defense had to hold their ground after an initial scramble by the Science Park squad. In the 53rd minute, Tech’s midfielder, Ethan’s teammate, delivered a pinpoint cross to senior striker, Alex Rivera, who scored a beautiful left‑foot finish, giving the home side a 2‑1 lead.

Science Park did not go down without a fight. In the 62nd minute, they equalized when junior midfielder, Tyler Jensen, assisted a long‑range goal by senior forward, Liam Chen. With the score tied at 2‑2, the atmosphere in the stadium intensified, with the fan chants rising to a near roar.

With the game tied and the clock nearing the end of regulation, both teams fought with relentless intensity. The second half remained dead‑locked until the 90th minute, when Tech’s bench came alive. The coach had introduced fresh legs, and it paid off. The 90th minute saw a spectacular corner kick from the left side, and senior defender, Ben Torres, headed the ball past the Science Park goalkeeper, giving Tech a 3‑2 advantage.

The game’s dramatic finish came in the 98th minute, when Tech’s goalkeeper, Mason Lee, made a critical clearance, and the ball ricocheted back to him. He then launched a lightning‑fast counter‑attack, and senior striker, Ethan Cole, scored the winning goal. The article quotes Coach Martinez, who says, “That moment was everything. The whole squad worked hard for that last minute. We’re proud of the way they played out.”

Post‑Game Reactions

Following the match, the Tech squad was jubilant. After the final whistle, the players rushed onto the field for a celebratory handshake with Science Park teammates. The local news coverage highlighted that both teams displayed great sportsmanship throughout the game.

Science Park’s head coach, Sarah Kim, stated, “We played a good game, but the defense had to concede at the very end. We’ll regroup for the next challenge.” Tech’s coach, Mike Martinez, responded, “We are proud of how we handled the pressure. The team showed resilience and determination.”

Historical Context

The rivalry between Tech and Science Park has a rich history. The article notes that Tech had won the last four league titles, while Science Park had captured a championship back in 2020. Historically, the teams have traded games, with the most recent match before this season ending in a 2‑1 Tech victory.

The article also highlights that both schools have produced college soccer talent in the past. Tech’s forward Ethan Cole and Science Park’s midfielder Liam Chen have already attracted attention from Division I programs. The win gives Tech a boost in the eyes of scouts, and the article notes that the senior class is eager to continue their winning tradition.

What’s Next for Tech?

With the overtime victory, Tech is now positioned as the top seed in the upcoming playoffs. The article outlines the next steps: the team will face the 2nd‑seeded rival, Central High, in the quarter‑finals. The coach says, “We’ve worked hard, and we’re ready to keep pushing. We have the confidence and the experience from this season.”

The article also includes a link to the full game statistics, accessible through the NJ.com sports section, where readers can find minute‑by‑minute updates, player ratings, and more. Additionally, there is a link to the Tech High School’s athletic page for the upcoming season’s schedule and the roster details.

Bottom Line

In a match that lived up to its hype, Technology High School’s boys’ soccer team demonstrated their resilience, skill, and determination by pulling off an overtime win over Science Park. The game was a testament to the fierce rivalry, the quality of high‑school soccer in the region, and the importance of teamwork and perseverance. With a playoff run on the horizon, Tech’s victory sets the stage for more dramatic moments to come.