Davidov’s goal lifts Princeton to CVC division title
PRINCETON >> Noam Davidov has the perfect mindset to be a big goal scorer for the Princeton High varsity boys soccer team.
He does not look to be the focal point. Instead, this junior forward just looks to complement his teammates to the best of his ability.
That style helped the Little Tigers hold off a tough challenge from Trenton High Monday.
Their 1-0 win gave head coach Wayne Sutcliffe’s team the Colonial Valley Conference Colonial Division trophy, and it was Davidov’s goal which saved the day for the home team.
The Tornadoes had been running step for step with Princeton for much of the afternoon, and just when it looked like the game might be headed for overtime, Davidov found a pass from classmate Quentin Pompliano at his feet in the center of the box with 9:52 remaining.
“Quentin’s played very well all season,” Davidov said. “I couldn’t have scored that goal without him. He put the ball right at my feet.”
Davidov turned on the ball and cracked a shot past Trenton goalkeeper Raul Mendez for the game-winner. But his praise of Pompliano was not the only compliment the Little Tigers’ leading scorer had.
“I couldn’t do what I do without (junior back/midfielder) Andrew (Beamer),” Davidov said. “He’s does the hard work that helps me get open.”
Beamer came close to taking the pressure off the home team a little earlier. His consecutive close calls on shots with 15 minutes left looked like they would find the webbing.
Instead, that reward was left for Davidov, who knocked in his 10th goal and first in four games after returning from a hipflexer injury.
“I knew this was a big game, so I was just trying to do everything I could to help us win,” Davidov said.
That was not easy with the Tornadoes challenging Princeton goalkeeper Patrick Jacobs (eight saves) as much as the Little Tigers tested Mendez (eight saves).
“I’m proud of how hard we played,” Trenton sophomore sweeper Mario Palacios said. “We still need to take our practices more seriously, so we can focus on the game.”
With Palacios and Mendez patrolling the back line, the visitors held Princeton to one goal for just the second time this season (the other coming in a 3-1 loss at Robbinsville Sept. 22).
“They were a very good side,” Davidov said of the Tornadoes. “They kept us on our toes all game.”
As the clock dropped under 10 minutes remaining, however, it was Pompliano and Davidov who returned the favor.
As Palacios went out to try to cut off Pompliano’s pass, Davidov found just enough space in the middle to get free for the only goal either team would surrender with the Colonial Division crown on the line.