After two years of disappointing losses in play offs and state tournaments the Washington Township Minutemen soccer boys have finally done it, they have claimed the state title. “The boys did not like how the last 2 seasons ended and they were determined to have a different ending. The boys were solely focused on 1 thing and that was winning a State Title” said head coach Shane Snyder.

The game ended with a final score of 1-0 over Scotch Plains-Fanwood on Sunday November, 23^rd at Kean University. Zach Burns’15 would be the only one to score that game with a header in early in the first half. At the start of the game it seemed as if it was going to be dominated by SPF but the Minutemen were able to hold them off and keep their one goal lead for the remainder of the game.

On their trek to the finals the Minutemen had to play one last game at home, for many this would be the last game they played on that field. In order to clench a spot in the finals the minutemen had to defeat Toms River North and that’s exactly what they did with a goal in the second half by Derek McKinnon’15 and the assist by Louis Villoti’15.

Although the players could not have been more excited, the victory was shared throughout the town. With two full fan busses and many other students, staff, and family members making the drive up to Kean University for that day the so called “Township” section was packed.

Those who could not make the game did not lack on team spirit, many stores and businesses around town had signs out cheering on the boys as they prepared for the game. Places like Chick Fila, Ace hardware and even Brusters had signs wishing the Minutemen luck on their road to victory.

With so many people behind them the minutemen did not want to upset anyone, they knew who they were there to represent. Many of the team members have had visions of that game since their freshman year and they have worked hard every day, every season just for this game and to win it meant everything.

“Their hard work during the season and during the off season paid off in the biggest way possible” said Snyder, “It is a great feeling to see the boys accomplish so much and to be able to be a part of greatness.”

Among many achievements two of the Minutemen’s finest, Mckinnon’15 and Villoti’15 have made the cut for the first team all-state soccer team for the second year in a row. As a team they were also rewarded team of the year by Nj.com.

One thing that most soccer teams don’t have that the minutemen do is a multi-sport state champion coach, Coach Snyder not only coached the winning soccer team this season but he also coached the golf state champs just a few months earlier.