On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Princeton Tigers (14-2-3) will face the Manalapan Braves (16-2-1) in a neutral-site playoff match. This game is part of the 2024 New Jersey High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets for NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: New Jersey High School Soccer Playoffs
Who: Princeton vs Manalapan
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Central Jersey Group 4
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Game preview: Princeton vs Manalapan

As the 2024-2025 soccer season unfolds, two powerhouse teams from New Jersey—Manalapan and Princeton—are making waves with impressive records and exciting performances. Both teams boast formidable rosters, showcasing an exciting blend of offense, defense, and consistency. Here’s a closer look at the rankings, records, and head-to-head comparisons between these two high-performing squads.

Team Overview

Manalapan

• Overall Record: 16-2-1
• League Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 8-0
• Away Record: 7-2-1
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win Percentage: .868
• League Percentage: 1.000
• Goals For (GF): 69
• Goals Against (GA): 27

Manalapan has been in dominant form this season, posting an impressive 16 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. With a perfect 4-0 record in league play, their offense has been a major asset, scoring 69 goals. The team has been strong both at home and away, maintaining an unbeaten record on home turf (8-0) and performing well on the road with a 7-2-1 record.

Princeton

• Overall Record: 14-2-3
• League Record: 2-0
• Home Record: 8-1-2
• Away Record: 5-1-1
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win Percentage: .816
• League Percentage: 1.000
• Goals For (GF): 57
• Goals Against (GA): 13

Princeton, with a solid record of 14 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws, is another team that has been a force to reckon with this season. Their 2-0 mark in league play reflects their dominance, and their defensive strength has been evident with just 13 goals conceded. The team’s ability to secure victories both at home (8-1-2) and on the road (5-1-1) showcases their adaptability and tactical prowess.

Scoring Averages

Manalapan’s offense has been high-powered, with an average of 3.6 goals per game in the final result, while Princeton follows closely with an average of 3.0 goals per game. Princeton has the edge in shootouts, with a perfect 3.0 average in that category, suggesting their ability to deliver under pressure.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, including Allentown, Trenton Central, and others, giving us a glimpse into how they match up against similar competition.

• Manalapan vs. Allentown (10/10/24): Manalapan won 1-0 in an away game.
• Princeton vs. Allentown (9/12/24): Princeton also secured a 1-0 win at home.
• Manalapan vs. Trenton Central (11/5/24): Manalapan triumphed with a commanding 6-1 victory at home.
• Princeton vs. Trenton Central (9/17/24): Princeton followed up with a solid 3-0 win over the same opponent.

Head-to-Head Record Breakdown

Although the two teams have not yet faced off this season, their previous head-to-head performances suggest an even match-up. In terms of common opponent records, Manalapan holds a slight advantage with a 1-0 record, while Princeton boasts a 3-0 record.

Breakdown of Strengths

• Offense: Manalapan has been prolific in terms of scoring, leading with 69 goals to Princeton’s 57. However, Princeton’s defensive play has been more airtight, conceding only 13 goals, a significantly lower number than Manalapan’s 27.
• Home/Away Performance: Both teams have shown resilience on their home turf, with perfect or near-perfect records, but Princeton’s record away from home (5-1-1) is slightly more balanced compared to Manalapan’s away performance (7-2-1).
• Playoffs: Both teams have posted solid records in playoff situations, each winning their neutral-site games (Princeton 2-0, Manalapan 2-0).

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 soccer season has seen Manalapan and Princeton establish themselves as two of New Jersey’s top teams. Manalapan’s offensive firepower and undefeated home record make them a formidable force, while Princeton’s airtight defense and balanced play, particularly in away games, have made them equally tough to beat. With both teams entering a potential showdown with perfect league records and strong individual performances, it promises to be an exciting match when they eventually meet. The anticipation of their head-to-head clash will surely be one of the season’s most anticipated events.