As the 2024-25 soccer season unfolds, two teams in New Jersey have emerged as key contenders—Raritan and Jefferson Township. With their respective records and scoring averages setting the stage for an intense competition, fans are eagerly awaiting the matchups between these two squads. Here’s a breakdown of the teams’ performance, their common opponents, and key stats heading into the season’s closing stretch.

Team Performance: A Comparative Overview

Raritan (14-9 overall, 4-6 in league play) has had a mixed season, with a solid overall win percentage of .609. The team has performed better on their home turf, boasting a 5-4 record, compared to a .500 mark on the road (5-5). Their scoring averages reveal a team capable of offensive spurts, with an average of 23.3 goals in their first season, jumping to 25.0 in the second, but dropping to 13.0 in their final stretch.

On the other hand, Jefferson Township has been dominant this year with an impressive 24-6 record, including a stellar 7-1 in league play. The team’s overall win percentage stands at an impressive .800, and their league win percentage is even stronger at .875. Notably, Jefferson Township has excelled in all areas, especially in their away performances (13-2). Their scoring has been consistently strong across the season, with averages of 23.7, 23.8, and 17.7 goals in each respective phase of the season.

Head-to-Head Matchup and Common Opponents

When comparing the two teams’ performance against common opponents, Jefferson Township holds a clear edge. Both teams have faced Madison, with Raritan earning a narrow 2-1 win on November 14, 2024. Meanwhile, Jefferson Township has remained undefeated against Madison, winning both their encounters—2-0 on September 25, 2024, and again on October 29, 2024.

However, it’s worth noting that Raritan still holds the upper hand in the head-to-head category when it comes to overall matchups, with a 1-0 record against Jefferson Township. This factor could give Raritan a psychological advantage going into their upcoming clashes.

Breaking Down the Record: Raritan vs. Jefferson Township

Looking deeper into the record breakdown, Raritan’s overall performance at home (5-4) and away (5-5) has been fairly balanced, with a winning record in neutral site games (4-0). They have shown resilience, particularly in non-league games, where their 5-3 record is commendable.

Jefferson Township, by contrast, has dominated across all formats, with a strong home record of 13-2 and a nearly flawless away record of 7-3. Additionally, they have been incredibly efficient in neutral site games (4-1), setting themselves up as a formidable opponent wherever the match takes place.

Playoff and State Performance

The playoff numbers are where Jefferson Township shines brightest. They’ve remained undefeated in postseason play with a perfect 5-0 record, compared to Raritan’s 5-0 postseason run. Both teams have a strong presence in-state, with Raritan’s 14-9 in-state performance contrasting with Jefferson Township’s dominant 23-5.

Both teams have kept their records relatively clean when facing out-of-state opponents, with Raritan at 0-0 and Jefferson Township at 1-1. However, it’s clear that Jefferson Township’s consistency across the board places them as one of the top contenders as the season heads to its final stretch.

Conclusion

While both teams have shown their mettle this season, Jefferson Township’s strong league and overall performance give them the edge as the team to watch. Raritan, with its more fluctuating results, will need to dig deep to overcome Jefferson Township’s impressive consistency, especially in league play. Regardless of the outcome, both teams have established themselves as forces in New Jersey soccer, and their upcoming matchups will undoubtedly be a thrilling spectacle for fans across the state.