The Allentown Red Devils made their home debut at the Mark Harbourt Soccer Complex with a closely contested game between two evenly-matched teams. After falling behind early in the game, it looked like it might be a long afternoon for the Red Devils, but they continued to apply pressure. In the 20th minute Thomas Barkley scored with a powerful shot from a difficult angle after beating several players to the ball in the goal area. After that, it was end-to-end play with both sides coming close.

Johnny Falconio again had a stellar performance in goal, stopping shot after shot. Overall the team played very well under warm, humid conditions. Excellent officiating kept the game flowing smoothly. A mention here also to the three lone females on the team, Alice Mac, Jessica Cybulski and Caitlin Yaeger, all of whom give 110 percent in a tough boys’ division.

Next week sees the Red Devils away against the Lacey Fireballs.

On a hot and humid Saturday afternoon the U14 United found themselves in a good match against the Howell Sports Academy in Allentown’s home opener. Brandon Smith and Andrew McGovern nailed a point each to end the first half 2-1. The United’s goalkeeper Brian Corcodilos controlled the net well with the assistance of a fine defensive showing by Matthew Wilhelm, Natalie Howell, Sam Florio, and Saskia Hesselein. The first half also ended with United’s Joey Cook going up for a header and colliding with a Howell defender. Joe required immediate medical attention due to a laceration near the left eye. The United continued the second half of play with continuous pressure at the midfield and front line positions. William Morris scored from the right wing position, which proved to be the game winner. Taylor Lefebvre, Jackie Turner, Andrew Rauth, Amber Hoffman, Matt Sergeant, and Jimmy Search maintained the penetration on the Howell side of the field the entire game. The first-place United U14 team now heads into week three with a 2-0-0 record. Allentown United will play away against the Alliance F.C. Raptors on Sept. 21 at 4 p.m.

The Cardinals suffered their second loss of the season by a score of 6-0, falling to the Toms River Youth Steamrollers on a warm, sticky Saturday. Goalkeepers Joey Warner and Bob Shusko deserve special mention for their effort despite the overwhelming odds against them. The offensive lines of Jarrett Kunze, Adam Fleischacker, John DePinto, Alex Berwick, Ethan Dale, Ben Lawrence, Rob Scheuerman and Eddy Tantillo spent far more time in the attacking zone than is reflected by the score. Pace Nalbone and Richard Breimann proved strong both offensively and defensively, and Karan Madan, Sean Miller and Nicky SaLemme were tough on defense.

The Allentown United U12 travel soccer team defeated its arch rivals, the Lakewood Lazers, 5-1 this past Saturday. The United played their first home game ever at the new Mark Harbourt Soccer Complex. Matt Frein and Chris Wittholt each scored twice for the United. Mic Sowa rounded out the scoring for the United as they posted a convincing victory over a tough Lazers squad. As has become their trademark, the United were led by their defense composed of Kevin Bux, Danny Bailey, Bryan Pope and Danny Santos. The relentless midfield play of Dean Search, Brandon Bush, Haley Wilhelm and Connor Darrell provided the link between the offense and defense. Alex Fortsch once again shined in the goal for the United. Hayley Odell, Kelsey Glover, Charlie Nicholls, and Dylan Vaughan, who returned after missing time with an injury, provided plenty of spark for the United as well. The United hope to continue their winning ways this Saturday in an away game against the Alliance in Barnegat Township.