The final push toward the state tournament is officially underway with the regular season closing down and county and conference tournaments heating up this week.
The first county championship games will be played this weekend, accompanied by plenty other late-round matchups across the state.
Sprinkle in some intriguing regular season games and there is more than enough going around across the Garden State to keep even the most dedicated soccer fan busy.
Our can’t-miss games can be found below.
MONDAY, OCT. 14
Princeton at Notre Dame, 4
Two of the three one-loss teams in the Colonial Valley Conference's Colonial Division will meet in a massive matchup Monday afternoon as Princeton visits Notre Dame. The freshly-minted No. 1 seed in the Mercer County Tournament, Notre Dame will look to push itself to the front in a wild divisional race against a Princeton team that should be determined for a win after ending last week with back-to-back losses.
Piscataway at Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 4
A win over Monroe put Piscataway on the map this season and a triumph over Scotch Plains would turn heads again. Piscataway has won five of its last six games. Scotch Plains-Fanwood has won two straight games. It most recently took down a streaking Oratory Prep team to advance to the Union County Tournament semifinals. Scotch Plains has already defeated two GMC opponents in East Brunswick and South Plainfield.
No. 14 Millburn at Montclair Kimberley, 4
Millburn was stunned by seventh-seeded Caldwell as the No. 2 seed in the Essex County Tournament quarterfinals on Saturday. It will look to rebound Monday against Montclair Kimberley. MKA has won six straight games and clinched its spot in the Essex County Tournament semifinals with a 1-0 win over Livingston.
Gabe Paz had a goal and three assists in Oakcrest's statement win over Mainland on Sept. 13.Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media
CAPE-ATLANTIC FINAL
No. 2 St. Augustine vs. Oakcrest at Egg Harbor, 6
St. Augustine continued its dominance over the Cape-Atlantic League with a 9-1 win over Wildwood Catholic in the quarterfinals. Antonio Matos tallied three goals in the win. It was St. Augustine’s seventh straight win and improved its record to 14-2. It is still undefeated against New Jersey opponents. Oakcrest took down Egg Habor, 2-1, in the quarterfinals behind goals from Nick Cacopardo and Gabe Paz. The win was its fourth straight and improved its record to 13-1.
Ramapo at Don Bosco Prep, 7
Don Bosco Prep clinched its spot in the Bergen County Tournament semis with a 2-1 win over Wallington. Liam Wight provided the game-winner with eight seconds left to secure the Ironmen's seventh straight wins in the last eight games. Ramapo fell to Bergen Catholic in the county quarterfinals for its second straight loss. A win here would be a great way to rebound.
No. 7 Ridgewood at Old Tappan, 7
Ridgewood just knocked off Old Tappan in the Bergen County Tournament quarterfinals, 2-1, on Sunday. Cyrus Nasseri provided a goal and an assist in the overtime victory. Now a day later the two sides meet again.
Steinert at Hopewell Valley, 7
The CVC's Valley Division title will be on the line Monday night under the lights when Steinert travels to Pennington to face Hopewell Valley. Two teams very much in the conversation for a Mercer County Tournament title, Steinert has been strong in recent weeks, including last week's scoreless draw with state-ranked Hillsborough. Hopewell Valley knocked off Princeton in double-OT last week and took Mercer County power Notre Dame to OT the week before that.
Haddonfield at West Deptford, 7
Two teams in the three-team divisional race in the Colonial Conference's Liberty Division will clash Monday night when Haddonfield visits West Deptford under the lights. Haddonfield and West Deptford tied in their first meeting in early September, but this matchup will carry much more weight with the division race coming down to the wire and the postseason just around the corner.
TUESDAY, OCT. 15
No. 10 Clearview at Moorestown, 4
Before the South Jersey Coaches' Cup kicks off play at the end of the week, two teams hopeful to win that title will meet in the regular season Tuesday. No. 10-ranked Clearview will look to bounce back from its first loss of the season at the hands of Triton over the weekend but it won't come easily. Moorestown has tested itself against some of the best teams in South Jersey — passing virtually every one of those — and is battle-tested and ready to make a serious run this postseason.
Beyond the Coaches Cup', where Moorestown is the No. 8-seed, the Quakers should be the team to beat in South Jersey, Group 3.
Delbarton's Brendan McSorley (10) celebrates with fans after scoring the game winning goal in overtime during the semifinals of the Morris County boys soccer tournament between No. 1 Delbarton and Morristown at Parsippany Hills High School in Morris Plains, NJ on 10-13-19. Delbarton won 3-2.Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
No. 1 Delbarton at Morristown, 4
Delbarton took down Morristown in overtime 3-2 in the Morris County Tournament semifinals on Sunday. Brendan McSorley provided two goals - including the game-winner. Morristown hung with Delbarton and played a great second half. It will have its third crack against its crosstown rival Tuesday after dropping two one-goal games.
Gill St. Bernard’s at No. 9 Pingry, 4:15
A potential preview of the Somerset County Tournament championship game will be played out in the regular season as non-public powers Pingry and Gill St. Bernard's clash on Tuesday. Both teams will open play in the SCT quarterfinals on Saturday, but this will be a good measuring-stick game for both programs.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood at No. 3 Elizabeth, 6:45
Both Scotch Plains and Elizabeth are heading to the Union County Tournament semifinals. Scotch Plains defeated Oratory, 3-2, behind two second half goals. Elizabeth knocked off Dayton, 4-0, to stay undefeated with a 14-0-3 record. Elizabeth defeated Scotch Plains 2-0 on Sept. 19 behind goals from Andrew Gamero and Mathew Giraldo.
No. 12 Kearny at North Bergen, 7
Kearny advanced to the Hudson County Tournament semifinals with a 3-0 win over Dickinson. The victory was Kearny's seventh straight. North Bergen fell to Ferris in PKs in the HCT semis. Kearny can't sleep on North Bergen, which defeated St. Peter's Prep in overtime on Oct. 1.
No. 18 Westfield at Summit, 7
Defending co-champion Westfield is heading to the Union County Tournament semis after getting past Gov. Livingston in PKs. Summit picked up a 1-0 win over Plainfield in the quarterfinals behind a goal from Owen Healey. The victory was Summit’s fourth straight. Westfield defeated Summit, 3-0, on Sept. 19 behind goals from Jeremy Silber, Elias Carayannopolous and Chris Giglio. The two sides will play in the Union County Tournament semis on Saturday.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16
Garfield at Glen Rock, 4
Garfield and Glen Rock played a great game the last time around. Garfield knocked off last year’s Bergen County Tournament champs 1-0 behind a goal from James Barrera.
Seton Hall Prep's Lucas Ross (7) tussles for the ball with CBA's Connor Anderko in Saturday's high school soccer showdown at Montclair State University. CBA eeked out at thrilling 1-0 victory. 10/05/2019Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
No. 15 Christian Brothers at Jackson Memorial, SCT quarters
The most intriguing game in the Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals will pit No. 6-seed Christian Brothers on the road against No. 3-seed Jackson Memorial. With the top two seeds (Holmdel and Marlboro) knocked out in the second round, this tournament is as wide open as it possibly can be and the winner of this game will have a great chance to make a run at the title.
CBA, ranked No. 15 in the state, has found its form late in the season, while Jackson Memorial won a third straight A-South title before falling to Freehold Township last week.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17
Dover's Brian Canales (20) takes a shot against Dayton during the boys soccer game at Dover Middle School on 9/17/19.Tom Horak | For NJ Advance Media
Dover at Boonton, 4
Boonton took down Dover, 1-0, on on Sept. 24. Now the NJAC Liberty Division foes clash for the second time. Boonton has won two straight - both shutouts - and six of its last seven. Dover has won two straight games - including a win over Essex County Tournament semifinalist Caldwell.
Livingston will be looking to make a statement after falling to Montclair Kimberley in the Essex County Tournament quarterfinals. Westfield needed PKs to get past Gov. Livingston in the Union County Tournament quarterfinals. It won in PKs 3-0. This could prove to be a key game for both squads.
Plainfield at No. 7 Ridgewood, 4:30
This could be a trap game for Ridgewood with the Bergen County Tournament semifinals right around the corner. Plainfield may have just three wins, but it played Summit tough in a 1-0 loss in the Union County Tournament quarterfinals. It also owns ties with Elizabeth and Westfield.
ESSEX COUNTY TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
Montclair Kimberley vs. No. 8 Seton Hall Prep at Verona, 5
Fourth-seeded Montclair Kimberley and top-seeded Seton Hall Prep clash in the Essex County Tournament semifinals. Seton Hall Prep defeated West Orange in the quarterfinals 6-0. In its last two games, Seton Hall Prep has scored 15 goals in wins over Columbia and West Orange. Montclair Kimberley took down Livingston, 1-0, in the quarterfinals for its sixth straight win. Seton Hall Prep defeated MKA, 2-0, on Sept. 13 behind goals from Shane Farrell and Lucas Ross.
Caldwell vs. No. 11 Montclair at Verona, 7
Seventh-seeded Caldwell stunned second-seeded Millburn, 1-0, in the quarterfinals behind a first half goal from Carson Filion. Francesco Crocco made 14 saves in the clean sheet. The win was Caldwell’s second straight. Third-seeded Montclair defeated 11th-seeded Verona, 2-0, in the quarters behind second half goals from Beck Schoenwetter and Henry Odgen. The two sides haven’t met this season.
HUDSON COUNTY TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
Harrison's Mustapha Sowe celebrates his game winning 2nd half goal. North Bergen at No. 17 Harrison in Hudson County Boy's Soccer Tournament quarterfinals. Saturday October 12, 2019. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media) Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media
No. 17 Harrison at No. 12 Kearny, 7
Two of the states most storied programs clash in this battle between Hudson County rivals. Third-seeded Harrison took down sixth-seeded North Bergen in the quarterfinals, 3-1, behind a goal and two assists from Mustapha Sowe. Second-seeded Kearny defeated seventh-seeded Dickinson 3-0 to reach the semis. Harrison defeated Kearny, 4-3, in the Hudson County Tournament semifinals last season. Kearny had won the six previous meetings.
Ferris at St. Peter’s Prep, 7:30
Fourth-seeded Ferris advanced past fifth-seeded and defending champion Union City in PKs, 3-1. The two sides were tied 2-2 after 100 minutes of soccer. The penalty kick victory earned Ferris its first trip to the semis since the current county tournament format was adopted in 2009. Ferris has not dropped a game since Sept. 9. It has gone 10-0-1 since. St. Peter’s Prep defeated Hudson Catholic, 3-1, in the semis. It was St. Peter’s second straight victory. It defeated Union City, 2-1, on Oct. 10.
FRIDAY, OCT. 18
Hasbrouck Heights at Wood-Ridge, 4
These two squads played a wild game on Sept. 20 with Hasbrouck Heights pulling out a 5-4 win. Both have been playing solid soccer lately. Wood-Ridge has won five straight games, while Hasbrouck Heights has rattled off three straight.
Eastern at Moorestown, SJSCA Tournament first round
Perhaps the most intriguing game in the first round of the South Jersey Coaches’ Cup will pit No. 9-seed Eastern on the road against No. 8-seed Moorestown. Moorestown has produced an impressive resume as a Group 3 school in South Jersey, while Eastern battled its way near the top in the Olympic Conference’s American Division all season. The winner of this game will likely get No. 2-ranked St. Augustine in the quarterfinals next week.
SATURDAY, OCT. 19
ESSEX COUNTY TOURNAMENT FINAL
Following Wednesday’s semifinals, the Essex County Tournament will crown its champion on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Livingston High.
Montville's Colin Hennigan (30) breathes a sigh of relief as time expires in their 3-2 victory during the semifinals of the Morris County boys soccer tournament between Montville and Mount Olive at Parsippany Hills High School in Morris Plains, NJ on 10-13-19. Montville won 3-2.Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
MORRIS COUNTY TOURNAMENT FINAL
No. 1 Delbarton vs. No. 19 Montville at Roxbury, 5
The last two undefeated teams in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference will clash in Saturday’s Morris County Tournament. Delbarton (13-0-1) has claimed the last two championships and is fresh off of an emotional 3-2 overtime win over its rival Morristown in Sunday’s semifinals. Montville (15-0) is making its first appearance in a Morris County Tournament final since it won it all in 2010. Montville took down Mount Olive, 3-2, in a game where it never trailed in the quarterfinals.
Davis Flusche (13) of Ridgewood celebrates after scoring on a bicycle kick during the boys soccer game between No. 12 Ridgewood and Hackensack at Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, NJ on 10-2-19. Ridgewood won 5-1.Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
BERGEN COUNTY TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
No. 7 Ridgewood vs. Don Bosco Prep at Indian Hills
Both Ridgewood and Don Bosco Prep are playing fantastic soccer of late. Ridgewood's 2-1 win over Old Tappan in the county quarters was its third straight. It has gone undefeated with a 12-0-1 record. Don Bosco Prep's dramatic 2-1 win over Wallington in the semis was its second straight. It has gone 7-0-1 in its last nine games. This should be a fun match between two very offensively sound teams that play their best soccer in the run of play. Don Bosco Prep has an experienced and talented defensive group, while Ridgewood has a deep and dangerous attacking unit.
Cliffside Park vs. No. 5 Bergen Catholic at Indian Hills
Cliffside Park hasn’t lost a game since a 2-1 loss to Passaic on Sept. 7. It has won 12 straight since, most recently taking down Pascack Valley in the Bergen County Tournament quarterfinals. Bergen Catholic suffered its first loss of the year on Thursday in a tough 2-0 game against Don Bosco Prep. It rebounded with a 2-0 win over Ramapo in the Bergen County quarters. Both these squads have had similar seasons with a lot of offensive explosions and a lot of clean sheets.
BERGEN COUNTY CUP SEMIFINALS
Rutherford at Demarest, 11
Eighth-seeded Rutherford knocked off the top-seed Fair Lawn, 2-1, in the Bergen County Cup quarterfinals. Steven Carino and Danny Geltrude struck in the second half to lead Rutherford to its third straight win. Fourth-seeded Demarest took down Teaneck, 3-1, in the quarterfinals for its third straight wins. It was the second time it defeated Teaneck this season.
Bergen Tech at River Dell, 2
Defending Bergen County Cup champion Bergen Tech, the sixth seed, knocked off third-seeded Bergenfield, 3-0, in the quarters. Sami Jawabrah led the way with two goals as Bergen Tech notched its second straight win and fifth in its last six games. Second-seeded River Dell defeated Indian Hills, 3-2, in the quarterfinals. Tim Arbabas had a goal and an assist in River Dell’s second straight win. It has gone 5-1-1 in its last seven games.
HUNTERDON/WARREN/SUSSEX TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
Hunterdon Central's Daniel Powley (16) and Voorhees' Walter Ader (25) battle for control of the ball during the game on 10-12-2019 in Flemington, NJ.Nick Scalera | For NJ Advance Media
Hackettstown at No. 13 Hunterdon Central
No. 5-seed Hackettstown played its way into the HWS Tournament semifinals with a 1-0 win on the road over No. 4-seed Newton over the weekend. The reward? A date with top-seeded and No. 13-ranked Hunterdon Central in the semifinals this weekend.
Delaware Valley at North Hunterdon
No. 3-seed Delaware Valley and No. 2-seed North Hunterdon both delivered hard-earned wins in the HWS Tournament quarterfinals over the weekend and will matchup in an all-Hunterdon County matchup this weekend with the winner likely facing state-ranked Hunterdon Central in the championship game the following week.
Seydou Camara scored twice to lead Wood-Ridge over Weehawken, 4-0, on Sept. 5.Courtesy of William Ramos
NJIC TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
North Arlington at Wood-Ridge, 10:30
Top-seeded Wood-Ridge is heading to the NJIC Tournament semis after a 5-1 win over Secaucus. Dillan Suelto had a goal and three assists, while Domenico Petruzzella had two goals in Wood-Ridge's fifth straight win. Fifth-seeded North Arlington defeated Elmwood Park, 2-0, in the quarters behind goals from Tiago Alves and Matthew Muchotrigo. It was North Arlington's third straight win. Wood-Ridge defeated North Arlington, 2-1, on Sept. 18. Dillan Suelto and Marcus Benavides both scored in the win.
Ridgefield at Dwight-Englewood
Tenth-seeded Ridgefield knocked off second-seeded Becton 2-1 in the quarterfinals behind two goals from Gabriel Lana. The victory was Ridgefield’s second straight. It also made a statement last week with a 6-2 win over Lyndhurst. Sixth-seeded Dwight-Englewood also pulled off an upset in the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over third-seeded Leonia. Justin Jo struck twice in the victory that saw Dwight-Englewood outshoot Leonia, 12-3. Dwight-Englewood defeated Ridgefield, 4-2, behind four second half goals on Sept. 26. Justin Jo had a goal and three assists, while Jake Khorozian had three goals and an assist.
PASSAIC COUNTY TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
Harry Lara (7) looks up as he dribbles upfield past Peter Lynch (24) of Clifton during the boys soccer game between No. 11 Clifton and Passaic at Clifton High School in Clifton, NJ on 10-1-19. Clifton won 2-0.Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
Passaic vs. Hawthorne Christian at Passaic Tech, 3
Second-seeded Passaic earned its spot in the semifinals with a 5-1 win over Pompton Lakes. Kevin Sanchez led the way with two goals and three assists as Passaic notched its third straight victory and sixth in its last seven games. Sixth-seeded Hawthorne Christian upset third-seeded Wayne Valley, 3-1, in the quarters behind two goals from Cole Foster. The win was the eighth straight for Hawthorne Christian, which is outscoring opponents 25-5 during the stretch.
No. 6 Clifton vs. Passaic Valley at Passaic Tech, 5:30
Two years removed from winning its 20th championship, top-seeded Clifton has its eyes set on getting back to the final. It took down Wayne Hills, 3-0, in the quarters with Kevin Salensky, Jason Suarez and Danny Tobon all scoring. The win increased its perfect record to 3-0. Fifth-seeded Passaic Valley knocked off Lakeland in overtime 3-2 behind two goals and an assist from Mike Gurrieri. The victory came just two days after Passaic Valley fell to Lakeland, 1-0. It is 5-1-1 in its last seven games. Clifton defeated Passaic Valley, 4-2, on Sept. 12 behind three second half goals.
UNION COUNTY TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
Santiago Arias (11) of Elizabeth chips the ball by Ethan Harris (6) of Summit during the boys soccer game between No. 6 Elizabeth and Summit at Tatlock Park in Summit, NJ on 9-26-19. Elizabeth won 4-0.Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
No. 3 Elizabeth vs. Scotch Plains-Fanwood at Johnson
Just four days after meeting in a regular season contest. These two sides will clash in the Union County Tournament semis. Both teams feel in the county semis last week.
Summit vs. No. 18 Westfield at Johnson
After playing on Tuesday, these two sides will have a rematch in the Union County Tournament semis. Westfield was co-champs with Union in the last year’s county final after a 1-1 draw. Summit fell to Union in the quarterfinals last year.
Brian Deakyne and Richard Greco cover boys soccer and may be reached at bdeakyne@njadvancemedia.com and rgreco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow them on Twitter @BrianDeakyne and @Richard_V_Greco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.