The Ocean City Nor’easters started the 2021 season Wednesday night at Princeton Junction, NJ, against newcomers Real Central New Jersey. The Nor’easters finished the 2019 season in second place with a 6-3-5 record. There was no 2020 season due to COVID-19.
The Nor’easters got off to a great start moving the ball to Central New Jersey’s zone. They kept the pressure on Central New Jersey’s defense until the 25th minute when Bakary Bagayoko scored to put Ocean City up 1-0.
Not long after the first goal, the Nor’easters were right back in Real Central New Jersey’s zone. Bakary Bagayoko almost scored, but Jake Langley made the save. Real Central New Jersey did get some pressure in Ocean City, only for Jahmali Waite to make the save.
Late in the first half, Tyler Watson came close to his second goal before Langley secured the ball for the save. The Nor’easters were up 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Real Central New Jersey was threatening again. After a foul was called against Ocean City, RCNJ received a free kick taken by Dwight Donis in the 48th minute. Once he kicked the ball, Waite caught the ball. One minute later, Bakary Bagayoko scored his second goal of the game, making it 2-0, hitting the top left corner of the net.
With 20 minutes left, Bagayoko weaved around two RCNJ defenders before taking a shot that Langley saved. In the 71st minute, Kyle Galloway checked into the game for Olli Kaissidis. Four minutes later, Galloway scored to extend the Nor’easters lead to 3-0. Ocean City made several more substitutions.
The Nor’easters went on to defeat RCNJ 3-0. It was their first win since July 7th, 2019. The Nor’easters continue their road trip next Wednesday, May 19th, in Bethlehem, PA, against Lehigh Valley United.
