Although Ryan Logar could barely stand on both legs, the senior still lifted the Washington Township High School boys’ soccer team to another Group 4 state championship.
Logar hobbled on crutches with a left ankle sprain just two days before scoring the lone goal – with his “bum” foot – Sunday as the resilient Minutemen defended their state title with a 1-0 win over West Orange at Kean University.
“I kept off my feet until Friday,” Logar said smiling as his teammates dumped the water jug on Washington Township coach Shane Snyder.
Wearing a makeshift brace, Logar continued his dominant play during the postseason. Snyder called his fearless midfielder the team’s “engine.”
However, Snyder didn’t think Logar would even play against the North Jersey power, which had outshot opponents 261-78 on the season.
“He couldn’t run (Saturday),” Snyder said. “I think the adrenaline got him going.”
Washington Township finished 25-1-1 with their only loss coming against Rancocas Valley in the South Jersey Coaches Tournament final. The season – and championship – is even more remarkable considering the Minutemen lost four first-team All-South Jersey players from last season’s title team.
“We only talked about it when I thought we needed it,” Snyder said about using as motivation how the Township wasn’t expected to be back in the state finals.
The Minutemen somehow reached even deeper to find a higher level in the postseason, outscoring their six playoff opponents 11–2.
“To go out like this with back-to-back championships is incredible,” said senior defender Marc Murgo, who added winning the title in his final season was “even better” than last year.
Murgo and classmates Will Connolly, Scott Graham and Mike Roscioli forged a solid backline that kept West Orange (21-2) from converting any of the lob kicks inside the box to the Mountaineers taller and talented forwards. West Orange came into the game with 73 goals.
“This is crazy,” Connolly said. “To win our last game again is amazing.”
Unflappable senior goalie Matt Tini, a first-year starter, had four saves.
“It is just unbelievable,” Tini said. “Everyone doubted us, but we didn’t.”
Tini replaced senior midfielder Travis Yates in the net this season. Yates suffered a shoulder injury over the summer that forced him to play the field.
“Matt played fantastic,” Yates said.
“It is the best feeling,” Yates added. “To go out like this is unbelievable.”
Logar’s heroics was also unbelievable. He credited the Washington Township training staff for getting him back on the field.
“The athletic trainers turned like a two-week injury into a four-day injury,” he said.
Washington Township athletic trainer Tanya Dargusch returned the praise to Logar.
“I knew with his determination and heart that Ryan would be on the field,” Dargusch said.
On Tuesday, Logar scored the deciding goal in a 2-1 victory over Freehold in the state semifinals.
“He is a tough guy,” Murgo said about Logar. “I look up to him.”
Logar added another chapter to his famous families’ soccer legacy. His father, Andy, won a Division III national championship at Rowan University. Logar’s uncles, Chris and Dave, were also star players for the Profs.
Ryan’s older brother, Tyler, just finished his sophomore season at Rowan where he was captain. Tyler led the Minutemen to a 25-1 record two years ago.
Last year, Ryan helped lift the Minutemen to the first state championship in program history.
Against West Orange, Logar scored off a corner kick with 18:45 left in the first half.
“It was headed out to me and I got a touch with my left foot, and I just swung my left foot, even with the bum ankle,” Logar said.
When Logar saw the ball in the net, he said, “I didn’t feel pain. I felt good.”
And a two-time state champion.
Kevin Callahan; (856) 486-2424; kcallahan@GannettNJ.com
WASHINGTON TWP. 1
WEST ORANGE 0
Play of the game: Washington Township senior Ryan Logar scored with 18:45 left in the first half for the state championship goal.
Player of the game: Logar reinjured his left ankle Tuesday in the state semifinal win over Freehold and left the field on crutches, but somehow managed to score the lone goal – with his left foot.
Well said: “He is so darn tough”-Washington Township coach Shane Snyder said about Logar.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/2015/11/22/washington-township-defends-title-1-0-win-west-orange/76222128/