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Newark East Side downs Science Park in NPS semis - Boys soccer recap

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 21:08 GMT by NJ.com
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East Side Advances to NPS Boys Soccer Final After Semifinal Victory Over Science Park

Newark East Side High School’s boys soccer team secured a spot in the Newark Public Schools (NPS) championship game with a 2-1 victory over Science Park High School on Tuesday evening. The semifinal match, played at Weequahic Stadium, saw East Side overcome an early deficit to ultimately control the pace and secure the win.

The game began with Science Park taking an unexpected lead just eight minutes into play. A well-placed shot from Science Park’s forward, Mateo Rodriguez, found the back of the net, silencing the East Side supporters and putting immediate pressure on the Red Raiders. The goal was a testament to Science Park's early offensive strategy, which focused on quick transitions and exploiting any defensive vulnerabilities.

East Side coach, Mario DePasquale, made adjustments after the initial setback. Recognizing the need for increased midfield presence and more aggressive attacking play, he shifted his team’s formation slightly. This tactical change proved crucial in turning the tide of the match. The Red Raiders began to dominate possession, stringing together passes and creating scoring opportunities.

The equalizer came around the 25th minute mark courtesy of East Side's forward, Jaden Rodriguez. Following a sustained period of pressure from Newark East Side, Rodriguez capitalized on a defensive lapse by Science Park, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1. The goal injected renewed energy into the East Side team and visibly dampened the spirits of Science Park.

The second half belonged almost entirely to Newark East Side. Their relentless pressure continued, forcing Science Park to defend deep within their own territory. East Side’s midfield duo of Kevin Rodriguez and Anthony Gonzalez orchestrated the attack effectively, controlling the tempo and distributing the ball with precision. The constant pressure eventually paid off in the 68th minute when forward Luis Morales headed home a cross from Gonzalez, giving East Side the decisive lead.

Science Park attempted to mount a comeback in the final minutes, pushing players forward and launching long balls into the East Side box. However, the Red Raiders’ defense, anchored by goalkeeper David Rodriguez (no relation to other Rodriguez players mentioned), remained resolute, successfully repelling Science Park's attacks. David Rodriguez made several key saves throughout the game, solidifying East Side’s victory.

The win marks a significant achievement for Newark East Side, who have consistently been competitive in NPS boys soccer but have faced challenges in recent years. Coach DePasquale emphasized the team’s dedication and hard work leading up to this point. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and resilience in overcoming adversity during the match. He also acknowledged Science Park's strong performance and sportsmanship.

Science Park, despite the loss, demonstrated a commendable level of skill and determination throughout the season. Their early goal showcased their offensive capabilities, and they fought valiantly to stay in contention until the final whistle. The team’s head coach, Michael D’Andrea, expressed pride in his players' efforts and emphasized the importance of learning from this experience as they look ahead to future seasons.

East Side now advances to face Barringer High School in the NPS boys soccer championship game next week. Barringer defeated Central High School 3-1 in the other semifinal matchup. [https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/10/barringer-downs-central-in-nps-semis-boys-soccer-recap.html] The championship game promises to be a highly anticipated contest, with both teams vying for the NPS title. East Side’s victory over Science Park demonstrates their potential and sets them up as strong contenders for the championship crown.

According to the article linked above regarding Barringer's victory, Central High School had an impressive season despite losing in the semifinals. [https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2024/10/central-had-a-great-season-despite-losing-to-barringer-in-nps-semis-boys-soccer-recap.html]