Kearny-Harrison doubleheader brings tons o f excitement to neighboring fans
By Jim Hague
HARRISON– Over the last year or so, there were two other opportunities for local
soccer players to get a chance to actually play at the majestic soccer palace known as Red Bull Arena, but those chances were unfortunately yanked away by the Red Bull team management.
The Hudson County Tournament boys’ and girls’ finals were originally slated to be
played there last October, matches that featured both the Kearny High School
boys’ and girls’ teams, but the Red Bulls decided at the last minute that the high school games would have caused too much damage to the field while the Red Bulls were participating in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Then, matches between the two neighboring rivals, namely Kearny and Harrison, were initially scheduled to open the 2011 season. It was going to be that both the boys’
and girls’ soccer programs from the two local schools would square off in a doubleheader to start the season on Sept. 9.
But just like the first time, the doubleheader was scrapped, due to concerns about the condition of the pitch at Red Bull Arena.
It was getting to become a bad habit, getting the local kids all excited about the chance to play at the $200 million complex, only to have it pulled from under their feet.
“It was so upsetting when I heard that we weren’t going to play there,” said Kearny senior defender Ashleigh Amadeo. “We were so looking forward to it.”
“I was really disappointed by it,” said Kearny senior goalkeeper Tyler Anderson. “I was waiting for four years to play in a Kearny-Harrison game and now I wasn’t going to get the chance.”
For Anderson, it was a personal event, considering his family is originally from Harrison and his father still teaches at Harrison High.
“It’s bigger than any other game,” Anderson said.
Harrison midfielder Michael Barbosa was equally disappointed.
“At first, when I heard the game was off, I thought it was really off for good,” Barbosa said. “I didn’t think we’d get a chance to play the game.”
Well, it sure looks as if it’s going to take place this time.
The Red Bulls announced that they were opening the doors of Red Bull Arena for the Kearny-Harrison doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. The girls’ game between the two schools will begin at 1 p.m. and the boys’ match will begin at 3 p.m.
Tickets for the doubleheader are on sale at the Red Bulls’ box office and at both schools.
The game is finally on. The local kids will grace the field at Red Bull Arena.
The Red Bulls welcomed players and coaches from both teams, as well as administrators from both schools, to Red Bull Arena last week to formally announce the doubleheader.
“I got all excited all over again,” Barbosa said. “It’s a big opportunity for us to play Kearny and to play it here is amazing. The last time we played Kearny, it was in the Hudson County final (a match won by Harrison, 1-0) two years ago. Since this is now my senior year, I want to create a lifetime memory.”
“It’s going to be two great teams fighting, giving everything they have,” Anderson said. “I’m getting excited just thinking about being in the goal on this field. It’s going to be the peak of my soccer career. I remember going to watch Kearny-Harrison games as a kid and now I’m getting a chance to play in one. Every kid dreams of getting a chance like this. I’m getting the chance.”
The boys’ showdown will certainly have its share of excitement. Both the Blue Tide and Kardinals are playing exceptional soccer and both are ranked among the top 20 in New Jersey.
The Kardinals are 5-1 and ranked 10th in the state. The Blue Tide is currently 4-0 and ranked 13th, coming off a huge win over NJIC rival Wallington last week. It is a matchup of the state’s very best.
“It’s going to be a great day for Harrison, for Kearny, for everyone,” said Harrison head coach Mike Rusek, who is a native of Kearny and a Kearny High alumnus. “I just think it’s a great way for the Red Bulls to give a commitment to both towns. I know everyone is looking forward to it.”
Rusek was asked if he was personally disappointed when the games were postponed in the past.
“Well, it has to be a good sign that they have us all here today for a picture,” Rusek said. “I still have my fingers crossed.”
Kearny head coach Bill Galka is also looking forward to the showdown.
“It’s a great feeling to finally get a chance to play here,” Galka said. “Everyone is excited about it. It’s a great thing for soccer in this area and for the players, it’s an experience that will sit with them for the rest of their lives. Family, friends, soccer people are all looking toward this game. We both have good records going in. It’s always a good game and it should be this time. It’s always an important game, but it has the added excitement of being in the best professional stadium in this country.”
While the boys’ contest will draw the most attention and excitement, don’t downplay the girls’ contest. The Kardinals have won six straight games since a setback in the season opener and are coming off a solid win over Bayonne last week. The Blue Tide owns a 2-5 record, but has shown promise in the early season.
Kearny head coach Vin Almeida knows that his team is expected to roll over the Blue Tide, but won’t take anything for granted.
“Coming here to play, I really don’t have to say anything,” Almeida said. “It’s great for the girls and it’s for real this time. We’re actually coming here to play. We don’t expect an easy game. Just being on the field, looking up at the people in the stands, will really be like a dream. You might see me suit up and run out onto the field.”
Amadeo is still stunned that the game will finally take place.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” Amadeo said. “I keep saying, `Is it really happening?’ I never thought I would get the chance to play at Red Bull Arena. It’s wonderful. It’s what every kid dreams of.”
The Harrison contingent isn’t just showing up to look good.
“We know that they have the experience and the momentum, but we’re going to be ready to play here,” said Harrison first-year head coach Annemarie Sacco. “I actually feel that we have a lot of pressure, because we want to put up a good fight and we’re not thinking like we’re coming into the game to lose.”
Senior Nicole Cunha agrees.
“We’re not coming here to lose,” Cunha said. “We’re ready to come and play.”
“It’s exciting to get the chance,” Harrison senior Bianca Martinez said. “I never thought we’d get a chance to play here. It means a lot, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since this is my last year at Harrison, it’s a good memory to have.”
Cunha said that she has been playing soccer since she was a little kid.
“I grew up around the game and I never thought I’d get a chance to play here,” Cunha said. “It’s so close to my home. It’s a big deal for me. It’s right here.”
And it’s a big deal that’s definitely going to happen now. Count on it and plan on being there.
