On Friday night at Carey Stadium, the Ocean City Nor’easters (9-0-2) shut out Real Central New Jersey (4-5-2) 1-0 to remain undefeated. They can clinch the Mid-Atlantic Divisional title tomorrow if Reading United AC wins or draws West Chester United SC.
Real Central New Jersey almost had a goal in the opening minutes of the game, but Hale Lombard’s shot went over the net. The Nor’easters scored in the 17th minute inside the box when MD Meyer made a pass to Daniel Diaz-Bonilla. Bonilla got knocked down, but Benjamin Cam Orellena got control of the ball and used his left foot to sneak the ball into the right corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.
Real Central New Jersey had another chance when Justin Brunow made a pass to Jack Borden, who headed the ball, but Galen Flynn got the right knee up just in time to knock the ball away from the net, keeping the game 1-0. The Nor’easters had a couple of chances to extend their lead, but Jake Langley made both saves, and Ocean City led 1-0 at halftime.
The Nor’easters applied pressure in the second half and nearly had a couple of goals. Late in the game, both defenses canceled each other out, and the Nor’easters came away with a 1-0 win. Ocean City’s unbeaten streak is now at 12-games with three games remaining in the season.
The Nor’easters finished the night with 18 shots, one yellow card, and Felix Schäfer earned his third clean sheet of the season.
Ocean City heads to the South Philadelphia Super Site next Wednesday against the Philadelphia Lone Star FC at 7 pm. Tickets are available at philadelphialonestarfc.com.
