SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
PHOTOS BY FELICIA LAGUERRE OWENS
The New York Red Bulls were back in action this past weekend in Harrison, finishing with a draw against Nashville FC. Defense was the key for both teams, as goalkeeper Ryan Meara recorded his second shutout of the season, while his counterpart Joe Willis did the same for FC. Defended Sean Nealis made his 114th career start in MLS. Not only did the Red Bulls extend their unbeaten streak, but they have posted 93 shutouts at home since the 2010 season. Currently, RBNY record is 8-4-6 this season.
After the game, head coach Sandro Schwarz said what worked well in the draw.
“Yeah, I would say the whole team for me said it was a good performance. We created a lot of good moments in the game. We played good defense today, and we defended as a whole.”
In other area sports, the West Orange Police Athletic League made a statement this past weekend at West Orange High School. In the 1st annual North-South New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJSYFL) 14 under girls flag football all-star game, the North team defeated the South 26-0. Among the towns represented were Berkeley Heights, Bloomfield, Summit, and New Providence.
Finally, the Boston Celtics won an NBA record 18th World Championship at the expense of the Dallas Mavericks in a dominant 4-1 series win. The Cs took Game 5 106-88 at home, with Jaylen Brown winning Finals MVP honors. While Boston is the team to claim the title, they could not have done it without help from the Nets, whose ill fated trade to collect the likes of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry years ago led the Celtics to getting Brown and Jayson Tatum – with what would have been the Nets’ picks.
